How To Get Rid Of A Double Chin

As a society, we are becoming more image-conscious due to the overwhelming use of social media. One problematic area that has seen a rise in popularity over the past decade is double chin treatments. If you are like the millions of others who are looking to improve their profile, you may be googling search terms like, “how to get rid of a double chin” or “double chin cosmetic enhancements”.

We have all been guilty of using Snapchat filters and editing apps to help improve our looks and provide the best photos of ourselves. “Selfie awareness” has increased the number of people who are taking it one step further and turning to cosmetic enhancements to alter their looks.

According to a yearly survey conducted by The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS):

• 72% of AAFPRS members reported consulting with patients who were interested in cosmetic enhancement treatments to improve their selfies. This is up by 15% from 2018.
• AAFPRS members also reported that in 2019 patients were consulting with them to have cosmetic treatments because they were dissatisfied with their profile image. This is up 11% from 2018.

With the advancements in technology and the need to improve our looks, a double chin has become a problem that more and more people are seeking treatment for.

What Exactly is a Double Chin?

A double chin is formed from the extra layer of submental fat underneath the skin. The loss of elasticity means that this layer of fat cannot be held close to the neck and chin. The sagging will cause wrinkles to form and create the illusion of a double chin.

Many people have the misconception that only overweight people have double chins, but this is not true. Slender people have a good chance of forming an extra chin if they have family members who have experienced this issue.

Causes of a Double Chin

Many factors could cause the fat beneath your chin to sag. Below we will discuss each so that you can understand what may be contributing to this problem area.

Age

Age is one of the main contributors to the formation of a double chin. As we age, we lose skin elasticity. This then causes the muscles to become weak and the skin will begin to sag and wrinkle. Plus, you will lose muscle tone in this area. The loss of elasticity and muscle tone will not allow the fat to be held close to the neck and chin. Therefore, causing the formation of a double chin.

Diet and weight

Weight gain as we all know can cause a lot of issues all over the body, both internally and externally. Fat likes to accumulate in areas where it is not easy to lose making the chin and neck a prime target for accumulated fat. If you have recently gained weight and noticed the skin sagging beneath your chin, chances are your issues are caused by weight gain.

Genetics

Like with many things, if there are members of your family who have notoriously had a double chin, then your chances of having one are greater. Skin elasticity issues are inherited, which makes this a factor in the formation of a secondary chin.

Posture

Poor posture can cause the muscles in your neck and chin to weaken. This is just another contributing factor that can cause a loss of elasticity in the skin around the neck and chin area.

How to Get Rid of a Double Chin?

There are many different ways you can treat the fat beneath your chin. It depends on how invasive you want to be if you’re willing to indulge in some cosmetic enhancements, or would like to take a more natural approach. Below you will find a variety of alternatives that will suit all lifestyles.

Non-Invasive Treatments

Non-invasive treatments are those that will require no type of surgery. These treatments are great because you can go back to your normal routine right after your procedure. There is no recovery time and comes at a lower cost than surgical options. Plus, advancements in technology have allowed for new cosmetic enhancements that are highly effective and non-invasive.

Kybella 

Kybella is an FDA approved treatment for submental fat under the chin. This is an injection that helps destroy fat cells and improve the appearance of your profile. Up to 50 injections can be given in a single treatment, and an individual can have 6 treatments that are spaced out a month apart.

Kybella is formulated with deoxycholic acid, which is naturally found in the body. It helps aid in the breakdown and absorption of fat. When injected it will permanently disable fat cells and prevent them from storing or accumulating fat. As a result, the skin usually will have a firmer contour allowing for an improved facial profile.

Since deoxycholic acid is found naturally in the body, Kybella treatments are well tolerated with no major side effects or complications. Possible side effects may include slight bruising, swelling, and redness at injection sites. These typically subside within a week or so.

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a revolutionary contouring treatment that destroys fat cells that accumulate under the skin’s surface. This is done through a process known as cryolipolysis. It will eliminate subcutaneous fat through precision cooling without harming the skin and surrounding tissues.

Fat cells are frozen during each treatment, which is known as adipocytes. Adipocytes freeze will cause the fat to die off. The lymphatic system will metabolize the destroyed fat cells. They will then be eliminated through the body as waste over several weeks. Each treatment offers about a 20-25% reduction in fat cells.

It is the perfect solution for stubborn areas such as the neck and chin where diet and exercise may not be enough to get rid of the fat. CoolSculpting has been FDA cleared as a safe and effective treatment. Patients tolerate the procedure well and side effects are rare. Possible side effects may include tenderness, redness, numbness, or bruising at the treatment site. Symptoms are mild and subside within a few days to a week if experienced.

Invasive Treatment Options

Not everyone is willing to go under the knife to enhance their appearance. However, if you have tried other methods and did not get the results you are looking for, then you may be willing to undergo surgery.

Invasive options would include neck liposuction, facelift, or a chin lift. In addition, FaceTite (a combination of radiofrequency skin tightening and fat-dissolving) can be added with any of these procedures to help tighten up saggy skin. While these treatments offer permanent results, they all come with recovery times and possible complications.

Before you consider which treatment is best, you should consult with your cosmetic provider. They will be able to create a plan that will help you get the results you are looking to achieve.

Diet and Physical Exercise

Weight gain can be a contributor to the formation of a double chin. If you have noticed that you have been gaining weight and the change in your facial appearance is due to this gain, then diet and exercise should help.

Here are a few tips to help you with weight loss:

• 4 servings of veggies each day
• 3 servings of fruits each day
• Avoid all processed foods
• Choose a lean protein (chicken and fish)
• Stick to healthy fats (olive oil, avocados, and nuts)
• Avoid all fried foods
• Stick to low-fat dairy products
• Decrease sugar intake
• Portion control
• Decrease calorie intake

Diet alone may not help decrease your weight, so you may have to amp up your cardio routine. It is recommended that you have at least one hour of exercise each day. You can mix your cardio up with some strength training if you like. The fat underneath your chin and around your neck can be extremely stubborn. So, diet and exercise may not be enough to eliminate your double chin. Check out our blog to find out more about how long does Kybella last.

Final Thought

While diet and exercise alone can not always combat stubborn neck fat, it is always a good thing to implement a healthy lifestyle and see if these changes do have an effect. If they do not and the appearance of your double chin is bothering you, then there are many treatment options that you can consider.

It will take some time for the fat beneath your chin to disappear no matter what approach you decide to take. So, try to be patient and stick with your treatment plan that you and your cosmetic provider decide on. Schedule an appointment with SeaMist Medspa in Rhode Island today by calling 401-782-2400 or by using our online form.