Double chin surgery typically costs between $3,000 and $5,500 for the surgeon’s fee alone, based on 2024 data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. That range covers submental liposuction, the most common surgical fix for isolated under-chin fat. But “double chin surgery” can mean several different procedures, and the total price varies widely depending on which one you need, where you live, and what’s included in the quote.
Cost by Procedure Type
The right procedure depends on whether your double chin is caused by excess fat, loose skin, or both. Each comes with a different price tag.
Submental liposuction targets fat beneath the chin through a small incision. Surgeon fees range from $3,000 to $5,500, making it the most affordable surgical option. It works best for people with good skin elasticity whose chin fullness is primarily caused by fat rather than sagging skin.
Neck lift addresses loose skin, muscle banding, or a combination of skin laxity and fat. Surgeon fees range from $7,500 to $13,000. This is a more involved operation with a longer recovery, but it produces more dramatic results for people whose skin won’t snap back on its own after fat removal. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons puts the overall average at $7,885.
Kybella (injectable fat dissolving) is the main non-surgical alternative. It uses a series of injections to break down fat cells under the chin. Most people need two to four sessions, bringing the total cost to $2,400 to $7,200. At the low end, it’s cheaper than surgery. At the high end, you’re approaching liposuction prices without the one-and-done convenience.
What the Surgeon’s Fee Doesn’t Include
The ranges above reflect only the surgeon’s fee. Your final bill will also include charges for anesthesia, the operating facility, medical tests, post-surgery garments, and prescriptions. These additional costs can add $1,000 to $3,000 or more on top of the quoted surgeon’s fee, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether it’s performed in a hospital, an ambulatory surgery center, or an office-based suite.
When comparing quotes from different surgeons, ask whether the price is all-inclusive or surgeon-fee only. An $8,000 all-inclusive neck lift quote could actually be cheaper than a $7,500 quote that doesn’t include anesthesia or facility fees.
What Drives the Price Up or Down
Geography is one of the biggest factors. Surgeons in major coastal cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami typically charge at the higher end of published ranges. Practices in smaller cities or the Midwest often fall closer to the lower end. The ASPS specifically notes that its fee ranges reflect “diverse geographic locations and practice settings” across the country.
Surgeon experience and board certification also affect pricing. A plastic surgeon who specializes in facial procedures and has decades of experience will generally charge more than a general plastic surgeon. Combining procedures, like adding liposuction to a neck lift or pairing chin surgery with a facelift, increases the total cost but often costs less than having each procedure separately.
Liposuction vs. Kybella: Which Is Worth It?
For a straightforward case of under-chin fat, the choice usually comes down to liposuction or Kybella. Liposuction costs $3,000 to $10,000 (the higher end reflecting facility and anesthesia fees on top of the surgeon’s charge) and is a single procedure. Recovery involves about a week of swelling and bruising, with a compression garment worn for several weeks. Results are visible within a few weeks and continue improving over two to three months.
Kybella requires multiple office visits spaced at least a month apart, so the full treatment course takes three to six months. Each session causes noticeable swelling that can last a week or more. The total cost of $2,400 to $7,200 makes it competitive with liposuction, but it’s less predictable. Some people see great results after two sessions, while others need four or more and still don’t achieve the same degree of fat reduction that liposuction delivers in one sitting.
If you have loose or thin skin under your chin, neither Kybella nor liposuction alone will tighten it. You’d likely need a neck lift, which is the pricier option but the only one that addresses skin laxity directly.
Insurance and Financing
Insurance does not cover double chin surgery. Submental liposuction, neck lifts, and Kybella are all classified as cosmetic procedures, and no standard health insurance plan or Medicare will pay for them. The only exceptions involve liposuction performed for documented medical necessity, such as reconstructive work after cancer surgery or treatment for conditions like lymphedema. A double chin alone does not meet that threshold.
Most plastic surgery practices offer financing through third-party medical credit companies, which let you spread payments over 12 to 60 months. Some offer promotional periods with zero interest if you pay the balance within a set timeframe, typically 6 to 24 months. It’s worth comparing these options carefully, since interest rates after the promotional period can be steep.
How to Compare Quotes
Get consultations from at least two or three board-certified plastic surgeons. During each consultation, ask for an itemized quote that breaks out the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility charges, and any post-operative costs. This makes apples-to-apples comparison possible.
Be cautious of prices that seem dramatically lower than the ranges listed here. Extremely low quotes can indicate a surgeon who isn’t board-certified in plastic surgery, a facility that cuts corners on safety, or a bait-and-switch pricing model where costs balloon once you’re committed. The cheapest option isn’t always the best value when it comes to a procedure on your face and neck.