A double chin is often linked with weight gain, but don’t have excess weight to have one. Known as submental fat, a double chin is common when a layer of fat forms below the chin. Because weight gain is a primary cause, losing weight may help eliminate it.
What Causes A Double Chin?
Several factors can contribute to a double chin, which include:
- Age. As the body ages, the skin can start to lose its elasticity along with the appearance of extra or saggy skin, which can contribute to submental fat.
- Diet and weight. Although weight gain is not always the cause of a double chin, it can contribute. In fact, it can form because a diet high in calories, processed foods, and unhealthful fats may also influence weight gain and a double chin.
- Genetics. One factor that plays a role in people developing a double chin is genetics. Hence, anyone with a family history of skin with little elasticity or double chins might be more likely to create one.
- Posture. As a matter of fact, poor posture can weaken the neck and chin muscles, which may contribute to a double chin over time, as the surrounding skin loses its elasticity when the muscles are not used.
What Are The Different Treatments For Double Chin?
If a double chin is caused by genetics, tightening the area with exercise may help. Besides, here are the non-invasive procedures that can help address the double chin, which includes:
Lipolysis
This treatment, also known as liposculpture, uses liposuction or heat from a laser to melt the fat away and contour the skin. During lipolysis, a local anesthetic is all that’s needed, in most cases, to treat a double chin. Additionally, lipolysis only treats fat.
CoolSculpting via CoolMini
This US FDA-cleared treatment uses Cryolipolysis to freeze and kill fat cells. The controlled cooling technology uses applicators of various sizes to treat different areas of the body. Additionally, the CoolMini handpiece is specially designed for smaller areas like the chin, underarm, and knee fat.
The number of CoolSculpting sessions needed will depend on every patient. Some may need only two or three, but others may require more depending on the area’s amount of fat. A single session can last from 30 minutes to an hour, with treatments scheduled 30 days apart.
Mesotherapy
This minimally invasive procedure delivers small amounts of fat-dissolving compounds through several injections. The process can take up to 6 months and may require over 100 injections in some people. In fact, mesotherapy is considered a non-surgical alternative to liposuction for removing unwanted fat.
Kybella
The FDA approved deoxycholic acid (Kybella) in 2015 as an injectable drug used in mesotherapy. Deoxycholic acid helps the body absorb fats. Treating a double chin may take 20 or more deoxycholic acid injections per treatment.
A patient can have up to six treatments in total and must wait at least one month between treatments. However, keep in mind that deoxycholic acid may cause serious nerve damage if injected improperly. In that case, only a dermatologist or a doctor with plastic surgery experience who is knowledgeable about the drug should perform these injections.
HIFU
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound works wonders for the double chin area and neck, lifting the whole region for a rejuvenated appearance. Working with the face and neck helps improve the skin’s overall elasticity and shape. Also, this non-invasive means of saying goodbye to unwanted excess skin and improving its elasticity.
Moreover, HIFU targets the tissue usually targeted during surgery but doesn’t damage the skin’s surface – it’s extremely focused, as the name suggests. Depending on lifestyle, age, genetics, and health, the effects generally last for around nine months afterward.
Aqualyx
It is an injectable treatment that dissolves fat cells in the double region. Biocompatible and biodegradable, Aqualyx has minimal side effects (some minor swelling and bruising in the days after the injections are administered).
Treatment is most suited to those looking to contour and shape areas like the chin rather than to lose weight in this area. The treatment is not for those outside a healthy BMI.
Radiofrequency
The treatment involves sending an electrical current to specific fat cells, and the radiofrequency heat the area and penetrates the deep layer of the skin. However, it’s perfectly safe and heats the cells within a safe range.
The treatment takes only 30 minutes, and radiofrequency is ideal for busy people. However, the number of sessions required will depend on the desired results.
What Are The Other Remedies?
Dieting for Weight Loss
Although there’s no specific diet for double chin weight loss, eating nutritious meals can help lose weight, according to the Mayo Clinic. The diet should include foods and nutrients such as:
- Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains like whole-wheat bread, barley, and brown rice
- Sources of protein, including nuts, eggs, fish, and lean meat like chicken
- Beneficial fats, including those found in nuts, olive oil, avocado, and dairy products like yogurt
At the same time, limit or avoid the following foods:
- Refined carbohydrates like white bread and breakfast cereals
- Foods with added sugars, like baked goods, soda, and condiments
- Foods with trans or saturated fats like red meat, butter, and certain cheeses
Exercising for Weight Loss
One thing that also contributes to a daily calorie deficit is physical activity, according to the Mayo Clinic. In fact, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend adults do 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, which is 75 minutes of intense cardio, and at least two strength training sessions per week.
Moreover, it is recommended to try cardio activities and different types of strength training, such as:
- Walking
- Running
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Rowing
- Dancing
- Boxing
- Weight lifting
- Circuit training
- Isometric exercises
The Bottom Line
For some, a double chin is viewed as a cosmetic problem, and many people look for ways to improve their chin and neck profile. MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center offers Kybella®, a non-surgical FDA-approved injection treatment to reduce moderate to severe fat on the neck, commonly referred to as the “double chin.” Ultimately, the skilled, experienced cosmetic surgeons of MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center can address different cosmetic or dermatologic concerns.
