Double Chin
Submental fat accumulation, also called a double chin, is a frequent problem that develops when fat collects under the chin. While a double chin is frequently linked to weight gain, not everyone who has a double chin is overweight. Even people who are otherwise lean can get a double chin due to genetics or increased skin laxity with age. A double chin can make you look heavier and older than you are. And while it is not harmful to your health, a double chin can make you less self-confident in life. If you want to do something about your double chin, keep reading. In this article, we're going to talk about different ways to reduce a double chin or get rid of a double chin altogether.
What causes a double chin?
As noted, a double chin is simply an accumulation of excess of fat in the submental area (the area below the chin). Fat can collect here due to various factors. One reason is genetics - people with a genetic propensity to develop stubborn fat deposits or sagging skin have a higher chance of forming a double chin.
Another key factor is weight fluctuations. Weight gain and weight loss can lead to expansion and contraction of the skin, making the skin lax and stretched. This creates a space in the submental region where fat can collect.
A double chin can also be a sign of age. As we grow older, our skin becomes less elastic and the neck muscles become looser. Add to this the effect of gravity, and you have a situation where it is easier for a double chin to develop.
How can I get rid of my double chin?
It may not be possible to prevent the formation of a double chin but there are ways to reduce it. From at-home treatments like face yoga, chin exercises, and chewing gum to cosmetic treatments in an aesthetic providers office, there are ways to eliminate submental fat once and for all.
Natural ways to reduce a double chin
There are some things you can try at home to see if they will get rid of your double chin. There is no scientific evidence to prove that these methods work, but they are not usually harmful and so maybe worth a shot.
Chin Exercises
Exercises for the mouth, chin, jaw muscles, and neck muscles may help to get rid of a double chin. You can try doing chin exercises such as slow neck rolls, sticking your tongue out upwards several times, jaw jut (moving the lower jaw forward and holding for a few seconds), and puckering your lips with your head tilted backwards.
Posture
Poor posture can make your double chin look bigger. If you slouch or spend a large amount of time looking down at your phone or tablet, this position can cause the neck and jaw muscles to weaken and sag. While a good posture is not a cure for double chin, it can make it less noticeable. And there are, of course, other benefits of a good posture.
Weight Loss
If you are overweight or have recently gained weight, weight loss may help to make your double chin smaller or may make it disappear. To achieve your weight loss goals, eat a healthy diet and do regular exercise.
Skincare Products
Some facial moisturizers contain botanical extracts and vitamins that can firm up the skin, hydrate it, and restore it to a more youthful appearance. These products may help with a double chin. Look for skincare products that promise skin tightening or neck firming with ingredients such as collagen, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.
Correct Application of Facial Skincare Products
It's a good idea to apply your facial moisturizer or face serum on the neck and chin with an upward sweeping motion. This might help with a double chin.
Devices
Various devices for use at home claim to reduce a double chin, including straps, applicators, and mouthpieces. Some chin applicators are infused with skin firming ingredients to help restore skin elasticity. Facial belts or straps work by gently tightening the skin in the submental area. Mouthpieces can aid you in performing jaw exercises to stimulate muscle growth and burn the layer of fat in your chin. The fact is that the efficacy of these contraptions is unproven. However, they might work for you.
Massage
Professional massages or self-use massagers with olive oil or facial moisturizers can lead to neck tightening and a reduction in your double chin. Massage works by stimulating collagen production, boosting blood circulation, increasing skin elasticity, and burning fat.
Treatments for a double chin
While mild double chins may respond to the conservative treatments listed above, if you have a moderate to severe collection of submental fat, you will likely need targeted procedures to make any noticeable difference in your double chin. Here are some of the most common procedures for double chin, some of which you might have seen mentioned on social media by influencers.
Laser Lipolysis
This is a non-invasive method of getting rid of fat cells in the chin area. During laser lipolysis, the heat from the powerful beam of laser is used to destroy the fat in the under-chin area. The procedure is relatively painless. Side effects are usually mild and can include pain, bruising, and swelling. Laser lipo is a preferred method of double chin reduction because it allows providers to accurately target and effectively remove unwanted fat from a small area like the chin.
Kybella (Deoxycholic Acid)
This is a prescription medicine that is used to improve the appearance and profile of adults with moderate to severe submental fat. Kybella is an injectable double chin treatment that contains deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a substance that is naturally present in the body and permanently destroys fat cells. Kybella double chin procedure involves a targeted injection under the chin. It is a permanent fix for double chin. Risks of this procedure include nerve damage leading to uneven smile and facial muscle weakness, injection site problems, and trouble swallowing. Common side effects are pain, redness, numbness, and hardness at the injection site.
CoolSculpting
Another popular option for reducing a double chin is called CoolSculpting. This is a non-invasive treatment that kills fat cells by freezing them. The dead fat cells are eventually absorbed by the body, leaving you with a more sharply defined chin. Besides double chin treatment, CoolSculpting is also used to eliminate stubborn fat in other parts of the body, such as the abdomen, back, and thighs.
Liposuction
A more invasive option to eradicate a double chin is liposuction or lipo. This is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon removes excess fat by making a cut in the skin. It is recommended in patients who are not likely to benefit from nonsurgical treatment options for double chin. Liposuction enables the surgeon to remove under-chin fat and sculpt the chin and neck into a more defined and natural contour.
How long does it take to get rid of a double chin?
The time it will take to get rid of your double chin will depend on the treatment you're getting. For instance, the results from liposuction are more or less immediate. Other less invasive treatments like Kybella can take longer to work . Most patients need 4-6 Kybella treatments about 2-4 weeks apart to get the final results. However, once the double chin is gone, you can enjoy your new sculpted facial profile permanently. Things like exercises take much longer to show results, if any.
Finding a provider for double chin treatment
Sick of your double chin? Want a sharply defined facial profile? Any of these treatments, or a combination of procedures, can restore your chin to a youthful contour. Your aesthetic provider, dermatologist, or health and wellness expert will help you decide on the best double chin treatment for you.
The MeTime app makes it easy to find professional cosmetic providers and dermatologists. You can chat with experts, get their advice, and obtain more information about their services. You can also send photos across, do a video consult, and get quotes. And when you're ready, you can request appointment / book an appointment with your chosen provider. To see how easy it is, download the MeTime app today!