Double Chin Treatment in Korea: Complete Guide to Methods, Prices & Results 2025

A double chin can be one of the most stubborn aesthetic concerns—it persists despite diet and exercise, ages you instantly, and affects your profile in every photo. If you're considering double chin treatment in Korea, you're in the right place. Korean clinics offer some of the world's most advanced and affordable double chin solutions, from non-invasive fat-dissolving injections to sophisticated liposuction techniques.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: understanding your double chin type, all available treatment options in Korea, realistic pricing, expected results, and how to choose the right procedure for your specific case.

Quick Overview:

• Fat-Dissolving Injections: ₩250,000-₩400,000 ($192-$308 USD) per session, 3-5 sessions needed
• Kybella/Belkyra: ₩700,000 ($538 USD) per 2cc vial, 2-3 treatments typical
• Chin Liposuction: ₩940,000-₩1,500,000 ($723-$1,154 USD), single procedure
• Chin Botox: ₩80,000-₩150,000 ($62-$115 USD) for muscle/gland reduction
• Lifting Devices (Ulthera/InMode): ₩300,000-₩800,000 ($231-$615 USD), skin tightening

Exchange rate: ₩1,300 = $1 USD (January 2025)

Understanding Your Double Chin: Types & Causes

Before choosing treatment, you must identify what's causing your double chin. Different causes require different solutions.

Type 1: Fat Accumulation (지방형)

Appearance:

• Soft, squishy tissue under chin
• Visible even when looking straight ahead
• Worsens with weight gain
• "Pinchable" excess fat

Causes:

• Weight gain/obesity
• Genetics (family history of double chins)
• Age-related fat distribution changes
• Poor diet

Best Treatments: ✅ Fat-dissolving injections (contour shots) ✅ Kybella/Belkyra (permanent fat destruction) ✅ Liposuction (immediate, dramatic results)

❌ Not effective: Botox, lifting devices alone

Identification Test: Pinch the area. If you can grab significant soft tissue, it's primarily fat.

Type 2: Salivary Gland Enlargement (침샘 비대)

Appearance:

• Firm, not squishy
• Located specifically under jaw angle
• Symmetrical on both sides
• Visible when tilting head back

Causes:

• Overactive submandibular salivary glands
• Genetics
• Certain medications
• Age-related gland enlargement

Best Treatments: ✅ Botox injection into glands (shrinks gland size) ✅ Surgical gland reduction (rare, severe cases)

❌ Not effective: Fat-dissolving injections (no fat to dissolve), liposuction

Identification Test: Feel the area. Firm, defined masses that don't change with facial expressions = likely glands.

Type 3: Muscle Development (근육형)

Appearance:

• Visible when clenching jaw
• Firm, muscular feel
• Often combined with square jaw appearance
• Worse when stressed (jaw clenching habit)

Causes:

• Overactive platysma muscle
• Chronic jaw clenching/teeth grinding
• TMJ issues

Best Treatments: ✅ Botox (relaxes overactive muscles) ✅ Combined approach: Botox + fat-dissolving if fat also present

❌ Not effective: Fat treatments alone (no fat issue)

Identification Test: Clench teeth and tighten neck. If area becomes firmer/more prominent, muscle is contributing.

Type 4: Skin Laxity (피부 탄력 저하)

Appearance:

• Loose, sagging skin
• More prominent when looking down
• "Turkey neck" appearance
• Minimal fat but poor definition

Causes:

• Aging (collagen loss)
• Post-weight loss (skin didn't retract)
• Genetics (poor skin elasticity)
• Sun damage

Best Treatments: ✅ Ulthera (HIFU skin tightening) ✅ InMode (RF tightening + fat reduction) ✅ Thread lifting (mechanical lift) ✅ Surgical lift (severe cases)

❌ Not effective: Fat-dissolving alone (will worsen laxity), Botox

Identification Test: Pull skin taut. If double chin disappears, it's primarily a laxity issue.

Type 5: Combination (혼합형) - Most Common

Reality: 70% of patients have combination of fat + laxity, or fat + muscle/gland issues.

Best Approach: Combination therapy

• Fat-dissolving injection + Ulthera
• Liposuction + thread lifting
• Kybella + InMode
• Botox (glands) + contour injections (fat)

Important: Single-treatment approaches often fail with combination types. Korean dermatologists excel at customized combination protocols.

Treatment Options: Complete Breakdown

1. Fat-Dissolving Injections (윤곽주사 / Contour Shots)

What It Is: Injectable cocktail of phosphatidylcholine (PPC) and deoxycholate (DC) that breaks down fat cells

How It Works:

• Injected directly into fat deposits
• Dissolves fat cell membranes
• Body naturally metabolizes and excretes broken-down fat
• Gradual reduction over weeks

Best For:

• Mild to moderate fat accumulation
• Patients wanting non-surgical option
• Budget-conscious (most affordable)
• First-time treatment (testing tolerance)

Pricing:

• Per session: ₩250,000-₩400,000 ($192-$308 USD)
• Sessions needed: 3-5 sessions, 2-4 weeks apart
• Total cost: ₩750,000-₩2,000,000 ($577-$1,538 USD)

Treatment Process:

• Duration: 15-20 minutes
• Anesthesia: Ice pack or numbing cream (optional)
• Injections: 20-40 small injections across double chin area
• Pain level: 3-5/10 (stinging sensation)

Results Timeline:

• Week 1-2: Swelling (looks worse initially!)
• Week 3-4: Swelling subsides, subtle reduction visible
• After 3 sessions: Noticeable improvement (20-40% reduction)
• After 5 sessions: Maximum results (40-60% reduction)

Duration: 6-12 months (fat cells destroyed, but new ones can form with weight gain)

Downtime:

• 3-7 days of swelling/bruising
• Can return to work next day (with makeup to cover bruising)
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours

Advantages: ✅ Non-surgical, no cutting ✅ Most affordable option ✅ Gradual, natural-looking results ✅ Minimal downtime ✅ Can be repeated easily

Disadvantages: ❌ Multiple sessions required (time commitment) ❌ Initial swelling can be discouraging ❌ Not permanent (lifestyle maintenance needed) ❌ Limited effectiveness for large fat deposits ❌ Can worsen skin laxity in older patients

Cost-Effectiveness: Good for mild cases, poor for severe cases (many sessions needed)

2. Kybella/Belkyra (벨카이라/카이벨라)

What It Is: FDA-approved injectable containing deoxycholic acid (synthetic bile acid) that permanently destroys fat cells

How It Works:

• Same principle as contour injections but higher concentration
• Destroys fat cell membranes permanently
• Body eliminates destroyed fat cells via lymphatic system
• Results are permanent (destroyed cells don't regenerate)

Brand Names in Korea:

• Belkyra (original, Allergan - withdrawn from Korean market in 2020)
• V-Olet (Korean generic, Daewoong Pharma)
• Bellacolin (Korean generic, LG Chem)

Best For:

• Moderate to significant submental fat
• Patients wanting permanent results
• Those who can afford premium pricing
• Willing to endure more swelling than contour shots

Pricing:

• Original Kybella/Belkyra: ₩700,000 ($538 USD) per 2cc vial (no longer available in Korea)
• Korean alternatives (V-Olet, Bellacolin): ₩300,000-₩500,000 ($231-$385 USD) per session
• Sessions needed: 2-4 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart
• Total cost: ₩900,000-₩2,000,000 ($692-$1,538 USD)

Treatment Process:

• Duration: 20-30 minutes
• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia injection or nerve block
• Injections: Grid pattern of 20-50 injections
• Pain level: 4-6/10 (more painful than regular contour shots)

Results Timeline:

• Week 1-2: Significant swelling (plan time off work!)
• Week 3-4: Swelling subsides
• 6-8 weeks: Results begin showing
• After 2-3 treatments: 40-60% fat reduction
• Final results: 3-4 months after last treatment

Duration: Permanent (fat cells destroyed don't regenerate)

Downtime:

• 5-10 days significant swelling
• Bruising, hardness, numbness common
• Plan time off work or social events
• Avoid exercise for 1 week

Advantages: ✅ FDA-approved (safest fat-dissolving option) ✅ Permanent results (destroyed fat cells don't return) ✅ Less sessions than regular contour injections ✅ Effective for moderate fat deposits

Disadvantages: ❌ Much more swelling than regular injections (7-10 days) ❌ More painful during and after treatment ❌ Higher cost per session ❌ Risk of nerve damage (rare but reported) ❌ Can cause uneven results if not precisely administered ❌ Original Kybella no longer available in Korea (only generics)

Cost-Effectiveness: Good for moderate fat wanting permanent solution, but liposuction more cost-effective for large amounts

Why Original Kybella Left Korea: Couldn't compete with cheaper off-label contour injections. Priced at ₩700,000 vs ₩250,000-₩400,000 for similar (though off-label) treatments.

3. Chin Liposuction (이중턱 지방흡입)

What It Is: Surgical removal of fat via small incisions and suction cannula

How It Works:

• Tiny incisions (3-5mm) under chin/behind ears
• Tumescent fluid injected (numbs and liquefies fat)
• Thin cannula inserted to suction out fat
• Immediate, dramatic reduction

Best For:

• Significant fat accumulation (large double chin)
• Patients wanting immediate, dramatic results
• One-time permanent solution
• Those who can afford surgical option

Pricing:

• Range: ₩940,000-₩1,500,000 ($723-$1,154 USD)
• Average: ₩1,200,000 ($923 USD)
• Includes: Anesthesia, compression garment, follow-up
• Single procedure (no repeat sessions needed)

Treatment Process:

• Duration: 30-60 minutes
• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia
• Technique: Tumescent liposuction (most common) or laser-assisted
• Incisions: 1-2 small incisions, hidden under chin/behind ears

Results Timeline:

• Immediate: Fat removed (but swelling obscures initial results)
• Week 1-2: Significant swelling, bruising
• Week 3-4: 50% of swelling subsides, results emerging
• Month 2-3: 80% of final results visible
• Month 6: Final results, complete skin retraction

Duration: Permanent (fat cells physically removed)

Downtime:

• 1-2 weeks moderate downtime
• Compression garment 24/7 for 1-2 weeks
• Bruising/swelling 7-14 days
• Resume work: 5-10 days
• Resume exercise: 3-4 weeks
• Numbness can last weeks to months

Advantages: ✅ Most dramatic results (50-80% reduction typical) ✅ Permanent (fat cells removed) ✅ Single procedure (no multiple sessions) ✅ Most cost-effective for large fat volumes ✅ Can combine with chin implant, thread lift

Disadvantages: ❌ Surgical procedure (cutting, anesthesia risks) ❌ Longest downtime (1-2 weeks) ❌ Higher upfront cost ❌ Can worsen skin laxity if not combined with tightening ❌ Scarring (minimal but possible) ❌ Numbness for weeks/months common

Important Considerations:

• Skin elasticity matters: If you have poor skin elasticity, liposuction alone will create sagging. Must combine with:
  • Ulthera/InMode (skin tightening, +₩300,000-₩600,000)
  • Thread lifting (+₩400,000-₩800,000)
  • Surgical neck lift (severe laxity, +₩2,000,000-₩5,000,000)

Best Value: For significant fat deposits (40+ grams), liposuction is more cost-effective than 5+ fat-dissolving sessions

4. Chin Botox (턱 보톡스 / Salivary Gland Botox)

What It Is: Botulinum toxin injection into submandibular salivary glands or platysma muscle

How It Works:

• Botox temporarily shrinks overactive salivary glands
• Relaxes platysma muscle (reduces neck bands)
• Slimmer, more defined jawline
• Effects last 4-6 months

Best For:

• Enlarged salivary glands (firm masses under jaw)
• Overactive platysma muscle (neck bands)
• Combination with fat treatments
• Non-fat double chin

Pricing:

• Per treatment: ₩80,000-₩150,000 ($62-$115 USD)
• Sessions: Single treatment, repeat every 4-6 months
• Annual cost: ₩240,000-₩450,000 ($185-$346 USD) for maintenance

Treatment Process:

• Duration: 5-10 minutes
• Injections: 4-8 injection points
• Pain level: 2-4/10 (quick pinches)
• Anesthesia: Usually none needed

Results Timeline:

• Week 1: No visible changes
• Week 2-4: Gradual reduction begins
• Month 1-2: Maximum effect
• Month 4-6: Effects fade, repeat needed

Duration: 4-6 months (temporary, requires maintenance)

Downtime: None (can return to work immediately)

Advantages: ✅ Quick, painless procedure ✅ No downtime ✅ Effective for specific gland/muscle issues ✅ Affordable per session ✅ Can combine with other treatments same day

Disadvantages: ❌ Temporary (4-6 months only) ❌ Not effective for fat-type double chins ❌ Requires ongoing maintenance (cost adds up) ❌ Potential side effects:

• Dry mouth (reduced saliva)
• Difficulty swallowing (if improperly placed)
• Asymmetry

Important Warning: Botox in submandibular area requires experienced injector. Incorrect placement can cause serious complications (difficulty swallowing, breathing issues). Only go to board-certified dermatologists/plastic surgeons.

5. Skin Tightening Devices (리프팅 기기)

Ulthera (울쎄라) - HIFU Technology

What It Is: High-intensity focused ultrasound that tightens skin by stimulating collagen

Best For:

• Mild skin laxity
• Post-weight loss loose skin
• Combination with fat-dissolving treatments
• Maintenance after liposuction

Pricing:

• Chin/neck area: ₩300,000-₩600,000 ($231-$462 USD) per session
• Full face + neck: ₩800,000-₩1,500,000 ($615-$1,154 USD)

Results: 20-40% tightening over 3-6 months Duration: 12-18 months Downtime: 1-3 days (redness, mild swelling)

InMode (인모드) - RF Microneedling

What It Is: Radiofrequency energy + microneedling for skin tightening AND fat reduction

Best For:

• Combination fat + laxity
• Less painful alternative to Ulthera
• Double duty (tightens skin + melts fat)

Pricing:

• Chin area: ₩300,000-₩500,000 ($231-$385 USD) per session
• Sessions: 3-5 treatments recommended

Results: 30-50% improvement over 3-4 sessions Duration: 12-18 months Downtime: 3-5 days (pinpoint marks, mild swelling)

Treatment Comparison: Which is Right for You?

Choosing Your Treatment: Decision Guide

Choose Fat-Dissolving Injections If:

✅ Mild to moderate fat (pinch test: 1-2 inches) ✅ Budget under ₩1,000,000 ($769) ✅ Can't take time off work (minimal downtime) ✅ First-time treatment (testing) ✅ Okay with gradual results over months ✅ Don't mind multiple appointments

Choose Kybella/V-Olet If:

✅ Moderate fat deposits ✅ Want permanent results without surgery ✅ Can tolerate 1 week significant swelling ✅ Budget ₩900,000-₩2,000,000 ($692-$1,538) ✅ Willing to endure more discomfort for permanence

Choose Liposuction If:

✅ Significant fat accumulation (pinch test: 2+ inches) ✅ Want immediate, dramatic results (50-80% reduction) ✅ Prefer one procedure over multiple sessions ✅ Can take 1-2 weeks off for recovery ✅ Have good skin elasticity (or willing to add tightening treatment) ✅ Budget ₩1,000,000-₩2,500,000 ($769-$1,923 with tightening)

Most cost-effective for large fat volumes

Choose Botox If:

✅ Firm masses under jaw (enlarged glands) ✅ Visible neck bands (platysma muscle) ✅ Minimal or no fat present ✅ Want quick, painless procedure with no downtime ✅ Okay with temporary results needing maintenance

Choose Ulthera/InMode If:

✅ Skin laxity is primary concern (loose, sagging skin) ✅ Post-weight loss or aging-related sagging ✅ Minimal fat, just poor definition ✅ Want non-surgical tightening ✅ Budget ₩900,000-₩2,000,000 for full course

Combination Therapy (Recommended for Most Patients):

Example 1: Fat + Laxity (Age 40+)

• Liposuction ₩1,200,000
• • Ulthera ₩500,000
• Total: ₩1,700,000 ($1,308)
• Results: 70% improvement, best long-term outcome

Example 2: Moderate Fat + Glands

• Contour injections ₩350,000 x 4 sessions = ₩1,400,000
• • Botox (glands) ₩100,000
• Total: ₩1,500,000 ($1,154)
• Results: 60% improvement

Example 3: Budget Combination

• Contour injections ₩300,000 x 3 sessions = ₩900,000
• • InMode ₩400,000 x 1 session
• Total: ₩1,300,000 ($1,000)
• Results: 50-60% improvement

Realistic Expectations

What Double Chin Treatment CAN Do:

✅ Reduce double chin by 40-80% (depending on method) ✅ Create more defined jawline ✅ Improve profile appearance ✅ Boost confidence significantly ✅ Permanent improvement (with surgical/destructive methods)

What It CANNOT Do:

❌ Create perfect jawline if bone structure is recessed ❌ Fix severe turkey neck (needs surgical lift) ❌ Prevent future weight gain (lifestyle changes needed) ❌ Address jowls (different issue, needs different treatment)

Success Rates by Method:

• Liposuction: 80-90% patient satisfaction (most dramatic)
• Kybella/V-Olet: 70-80% satisfaction (effective but more swelling)
• Contour injections: 60-70% satisfaction (gradual, less dramatic)
• Botox (for glands): 70-80% satisfaction (when correctly indicated)
• Lifting devices: 60-70% satisfaction (modest improvement)

Safety & Risks

Common Side Effects (All Methods):

• Swelling (1-14 days depending on method)
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Numbness (temporary)
• Firmness/hardness during healing

Serious Complications (Rare):

Fat-Dissolving/Kybella:

• Uneven results (asymmetry)
• Nerve damage (marginal mandibular nerve - causes crooked smile)
• Excessive fat loss (hollow appearance)
• Skin laxity worsening

Liposuction:

• Infection
• Seroma (fluid accumulation)
• Contour irregularities
• Skin necrosis (very rare)
• Persistent numbness

Botox:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Dry mouth
• Asymmetric results
• Spread to unintended muscles

How to Minimize Risks: ✅ Choose board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon ✅ Verify doctor's experience (ask to see before/after photos) ✅ Start conservative (can always add more, can't undo) ✅ Follow all aftercare instructions precisely ✅ Report any unusual symptoms immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will my double chin come back after treatment? A: Depends on method:

• Liposuction/Kybella: Fat cells destroyed are permanent. BUT new fat cells can form with significant weight gain (>10 kg).
• Contour injections: 6-12 months, then requires maintenance or lifestyle changes.
• Botox: 4-6 months, requires regular retreatment.

Q: How many sessions of contour injections will I actually need? A: Honestly: 3-5 sessions typical. Korean clinics often advertise "1-3 sessions" but most patients need 4-5 for satisfactory results. Budget accordingly.

Q: Can I do contour injections and then upgrade to liposuction later? A: Yes, safe to do. Many patients try injections first (testing, less commitment) and then do liposuction if results insufficient.

Q: Is liposuction worth it if I only have moderate double chin? A: Cost analysis: 5 contour injection sessions = ₩1,500,000. Liposuction = ₩1,200,000. If you need 4+ sessions, liposuction is more cost-effective AND permanent.

Q: Will I have loose skin after fat removal? A: Risk factors:

• Age 40+: Higher risk
• Poor skin elasticity: Higher risk
• Large fat removal: Higher risk

Mitigation: Combine fat removal with Ulthera/InMode/threads (add ₩500,000-₩1,000,000)

Q: Can I treat double chin and jowls at same time? A: Yes, very common. Combination treatments typically:

• Double chin: Liposuction or fat-dissolving
• Jowls: Thread lifting or Ulthera
• Total: ₩2,000,000-₩3,500,000 ($1,538-$2,692)

Q: How long until I can see results? A:

• Liposuction: 6 weeks (70% visible), 3-6 months (final)
• Kybella: 6-8 weeks per session
• Contour injections: 4 weeks per session
• Botox: 2-4 weeks
• Ulthera: 3-6 months (gradual collagen building)

Final Recommendations

Best Budget Option

Contour Injections (₩300,000 x 3 sessions = ₩900,000 / $692)

• Start here if budget-conscious
• Upgrade to liposuction if insufficient

Best Value Overall

Chin Liposuction + Ulthera (₩1,700,000 / $1,308)

• Permanent fat removal
• Skin tightening
• Single recovery period
• Best long-term investment

Best Non-Surgical

Kybella/V-Olet (₩1,200,000 / $923 for 3 sessions)

• Permanent results without surgery
• Worth the extra cost vs regular injections
• Higher swelling but better long-term value

Best for Minimal Downtime

Contour Injections (₩250,000-₩400,000 / $192-$308 per session)

• 3-5 days swelling manageable with makeup
• Work-friendly
• Gradual, natural-looking improvement

Conclusion

Double chin treatment in Korea offers solutions for every type, budget, and lifestyle. Whether you choose affordable fat-dissolving injections at ₩250,000 per session or comprehensive liposuction at ₩1,200,000, Korean clinics provide world-class technology at competitive prices.

Smart Strategy:

1. Identify your type: Fat, glands, muscle, or laxity?
2. Start conservative: Try contour injections first if uncertain
3. Budget realistically: Factor in 3-5 sessions for injections, or pay more upfront for liposuction
4. Combine treatments: Fat removal + skin tightening for best results
5. Choose experienced doctor: More important than treatment choice

Total Cost Range:

• Budget: ₩900,000-₩1,200,000 ($692-$923) - Contour injections alone
• Mid-range: ₩1,500,000-₩2,000,000 ($1,154-$1,538) - Liposuction or Kybella + Botox
• Comprehensive: ₩2,000,000-₩3,000,000 ($1,538-$2,308) - Liposuction + Ulthera + threads

Most importantly: The best treatment is the one that matches YOUR specific double chin type. Don't let clinics push you toward expensive procedures if contour injections would suffice—but also don't waste money on 5+ injection sessions when liposuction would be more cost-effective.

Medical Disclaimer: This guide provides information only and is not medical advice. Double chin treatments should only be performed by licensed medical professionals. Consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to assess your specific case and determine appropriate treatment.

Exchange Rate Reference: ₩1,300 = $1 USD (January 2025)