A double chin (submental fullness) has two components: the fat pocket beneath the jawline and the laxity of the skin overlying it. Address both for best results — the standard non-surgical protocol pairs cryolipolysis for fat with HIFU for skin tightening.
Step 1: Cryolipolysis on the submental fat pad
Specifically-sized cryolipolysis applicators target the submental fat pocket. 1–2 sessions, 8 weeks apart, typically reduce the fat volume by 25–40 %. Elyzea per zone: S/200 (~US$57).
Specialized Cool Mini-style applicator handles the small submental area precisely.
Step 2: HIFU on the lower face and neck
Once fat is reduced, HIFU at 3 mm and 4.5 mm depths along the jawline and submental area tightens the skin to reveal the underlying contour. Elyzea HIFU face + neck: S/1,500 (~US$429).
Sequencing matters: cryo first to reduce volume, then HIFU to address remaining skin laxity. Reverse order is suboptimal.
Optional: Kybica/Belkyra (deoxycholic acid)
Direct fat-dissolving injection. FDA-approved alternative to cryolipolysis. Multiple injection sessions (usually 4–6) with significant swelling between. Less commonly offered in Lima — most clinics including Elyzea favor cryolipolysis for similar outcomes with less downtime.
Kybica is a reasonable alternative for very small fat pockets where cryolipolysis applicator size is suboptimal.
When surgery is the right answer
Severe submental fullness with significant skin excess + platysmal banding = consider surgical neck lift. Non-invasive treatments work best for mild-to-moderate cases.
Realistic decision point: if non-invasive can produce 30-60% improvement and you're satisfied with that, pursue. If you want full correction of severe laxity, surgery is necessary.
Sessions and timeline
Combined cryo + HIFU protocol typically: 2 cryo sessions over 4 months + 1 HIFU session at the end. Visible results 3–6 months post-completion.
Realistic expectation: noticeable improvement at 3 months, peak result at 6 months. Maintenance HIFU annually thereafter.
Cost summary
2× cryo (~US$114) + HIFU face + neck (~US$429) = ~US$543 at Elyzea. US equivalent: $3,500–$6,000.
Surgical neck lift if needed: significantly less than US, but still major surgery.
Trip planning
Optimal Lima trip plan:
- Trip 1 (4 days): First cryolipolysis session. Recovery 1-2 weeks of mild numbness
- Trip 2 (4 days, 8 weeks later): Second cryo + HIFU on day 2. HIFU recovery 24-48 hours
- Result peak: 3 months post-trip 2
Many patients combine trip 2 with HIFU full face for comprehensive result.
Frequently asked questions
Will the fat come back?
Killed fat cells stay dead. Remaining cells can grow with weight gain.
Is this a substitute for weight loss?
No. Best for spot fat in patients near goal weight.
What about cryotherapy at home?
Doesn't replicate clinical cryolipolysis temperature/duration. Not effective.
Can I combine with masseter Botox?
Yes. If masseter contributes to lower-face squareness, masseter Botox helps complete the look.
Will my face look loose afterward?
Possible if significant fat is removed. HIFU addresses.
What about thread lift for double chin?
Adjunctive for moderate cases. Less common as primary treatment.
Recovery from each procedure?
Cryo: mild numbness 1-2 weeks, no real downtime. HIFU: 24-48 hours tenderness. Both very tolerable.
Bottom line
Cryolipolysis + HIFU combined protocol = the standard non-surgical double-chin solution. ~$543 in Lima vs $3,500-$6,000 in US for equivalent. 2-trip strategy fits most schedules.