What is a Double Chin?
A double chin, also known as submental fat, is a common condition that occurs when a layer of fat forms below the chin. It is often associated with weight gain, but you don’t have to be overweight to have one.
Double Chin
A double chin, medically known as submental fullness, is a common condition characterized by an extra layer of fat forming beneath the lower jaw and chin. This appearance can create a noticeable bulge or fullness that might look like a second chin. Although often associated with weight gain, not everyone with a double chin is overweight; it can also result from genetics, aging, and even posture.
Are you affected?
As people age, skin elasticity decreases, and muscles in the neck and chin area may lose their definition, contributing to the formation of a double chin. Genetics can also play a significant role, as some people are predisposed to having more fat deposits in this area, regardless of their body weight. Additionally, poor posture that leads to weakened neck and chin muscles can exacerbate the prominence of a double chin over time. Various treatments and techniques can help reduce the appearance of a double chin. These range from exercises aimed at strengthening the neck and jaw muscles to more clinical interventions such as liposuction, laser treatments, or fat-dissolving injectables. Each option varies in effectiveness and may depend on the underlying cause of your double chin.
Causes
A double chin can be caused by several factors, each contributing to the accumulation of fat and changes in skin elasticity beneath the chin and around the neck. Here are the main causes:
Weight Gain: Perhaps the most straightforward cause, an increase in body weight often leads to fat accumulation in various parts of the body, including under the chin. This additional fat can result in the appearance of a double chin.
Aging: As you age, your skin loses collagen and elastin, proteins that provide firmness and elasticity. This natural loss leads to sagging skin, including the area under the jawline, contributing to the formation of a double chin.
Genetics: Your genetic makeup can play a significant role in determining whether you are likely to develop a double chin. If your family has a history of skin with less elasticity or a tendency to develop more fat below the jawline, you might be predisposed to having a double chin.
Posture: Poor posture can exacerbate the development of a double chin. Slouching or leaning over for prolonged periods can weaken the neck and chin muscles, reducing their ability to hold the skin tightly in place, which contributes to the sagging appearance.
Diet and Lifestyle: An unhealthy diet rich in calories, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can lead to overall weight gain and the accumulation of fat under the chin. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle without adequate exercise can contribute to the problem by not supporting muscle tone in the neck and chin area.
Identifying Characteristics of Double Chin
Visible Fullness Under the Chin: This is the most apparent sign, where excess fat accumulates directly beneath the chin, creating a fuller, rounder contour that resembles a second chin.
Soft Texture: The area under the chin may feel softer and more pliable due to the extra fat and possibly looser skin, distinct from the firmer texture of surrounding areas.
Sagging Appearance: As skin elasticity decreases with age, or due to genetics, the skin under the jaw may sag, exacerbating the look of a double chin.
Skin Folds: Depending on the amount of fat and skin laxity, one or more horizontal creases or folds may develop under the chin, which can be more visible when the head is tilted down or when speaking and eating.
Altered Jawline Definition: A double chin can blur the natural contour of the jawline, making it appear less defined. This change can affect facial symmetry and aesthetics, often a cosmetic concern for those affected.
Impact on Facial Profile: From a side view, a double chin can make the lower face appear heavier and less balanced with the upper face, impacting one’s overall facial profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a double chin?
A double chin can result from several factors, including weight gain, genetic predisposition, aging which reduces skin elasticity, and poor posture that weakens neck muscles.
Is a double chin only caused by being overweight?
No, while weight gain can contribute to the development of a double chin, factors like genetics and aging can also play significant roles, affecting even individuals who are not overweight.
Can exercises reduce a double chin?
Certain exercises aimed at strengthening the neck and chin muscles can help improve the appearance of a double chin by toning the area. However, these exercises are more effective when combined with overall weight reduction and healthy lifestyle choices.
Are there non-surgical treatments to reduce a double chin?
Yes, there are several non-surgical options available, such as fat-dissolving injections (e.g., Kybella), laser treatments, and radiofrequency therapies that target and reduce fat under the chin.
How does Kybella work?
Kybella is an injectable treatment that uses deoxycholic acid to break down fat cells under the chin area. Once destroyed, these fat cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, leading to a noticeable reduction in fullness.
What is the recovery time for double chin treatments?
Recovery times vary depending on the treatment. Non-invasive procedures like Kybella might have minimal downtime, whereas surgical options like liposuction could require a few days of recovery.
Can a double chin return after treatment?
After fat cells are removed via treatments like Kybella or liposuction, they cannot regrow, and the double chin should not return. However, if significant weight is gained after the treatment, it is possible for new fat to accumulate in the area.
Is double chin treatment painful?
The discomfort level can vary depending on the treatment. Non-surgical treatments might involve mild discomfort and swelling, whereas surgical options might involve more pain and require pain management during recovery.
Who is a good candidate for double chin treatment?
Good candidates are typically those who have moderate to severe fat under the chin, good skin elasticity, and who are not significantly overweight. It is also important for candidates to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the treatment.
How many treatments will I need to see results?
The number of treatments required can vary based on the method used and the individual’s specific condition. Non-surgical treatments like Kybella may require multiple sessions, whereas surgical options typically involve one procedure.
Double Chin Myths
Only overweight people get double chins.
While excess weight can contribute to the appearance of a double chin due to increased fat deposits, other factors such as genetics, aging, and even posture can lead to a double chin in individuals who are not overweight. People with a family history of double chins or weaker jawlines are more susceptible regardless of their body weight.
Double chins can be eliminated through diet alone.
Although a healthy diet can help reduce overall body fat, it may not specifically target the fat under the chin. The fat in this area can be particularly stubborn, and while weight loss can reduce its appearance, other treatments may be necessary for significant changes.
Surgical procedures are the only way to remove a double chin.
Surgical options like liposuction are effective for removing a double chin, but there are also several non-surgical treatments available. Techniques such as Kybella, which involves injections that dissolve fat, and radiofrequency or ultrasound therapies can also effectively reduce submental fullness without the need for surgery.
Exercises for the neck and chin can completely get rid of a double chin.
Neck and chin exercises can help strengthen and tone the muscles around the jawline, potentially improving the appearance of a double chin. However, they cannot remove fat or significantly tighten skin, so their effectiveness is limited and they work best when combined with other treatments.
Double chins are purely a cosmetic issue.
While double chins are often seen as a cosmetic concern, they can also impact self-esteem and body image, leading to psychological distress. Therefore, addressing a double chin can have both aesthetic and emotional benefits.
Once treated, a double chin will never return.
The permanence of double chin treatments depends on the method used and lifestyle factors following treatment. Procedures that physically remove fat cells, such as liposuction or Kybella, mean those cells will not return. However, if a person gains a significant amount of weight after treatment, new fat cells can develop in the area, potentially leading to the reappearance of a double chin.
How Can We Help?
Fat Dissolving injections at FTT are a non-surgical solution to minimise and remove stubborn localised pockets of fat. It is ideal for those who exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet but have pockets of fat that won’t shift, even with focused exercise.
Fat dissolving injections, commonly known as Kybella in the U.S. or Aqualyx in Europe, use a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, this solution destroys fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body over the following weeks. This process results in a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin, creating a more defined jawline.
We use Aqualyx® or DesoFace® for double chins and Aqualyx® or DesoBody® for your body. Both destroy fat cells. Destroying the fat cells is a long-term solution provided you retain a stable weight, eat healthily and continue exercise as usual.
Benefits of Fat Dissolving Injections for Double Chin at FTT Skin Clinics:
Targeted Treatment: Our expert clinicians carefully target the specific areas under the chin where fat accumulates, ensuring precise application for optimal results.
Minimally Invasive: Unlike surgical options like liposuction, fat dissolving injections require no incisions, which means no scars and a lower risk of complications.
Minimal Downtime: The procedure involves little to no downtime, allowing patients to return to their daily activities almost immediately after treatment.
Long-Lasting Results: Once the fat cells are destroyed, they cannot regenerate. This leads to long-lasting improvements, provided the patient maintains a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Improved Profile and Confidence: Reducing a double chin can dramatically change one’s profile and improve overall facial aesthetics, boosting self-confidence and satisfaction with one’s appearance.
Customizable Treatment Plans: At FTT Skin Clinics, we understand that each patient’s needs are unique. We offer tailored treatment plans based on the amount of fat under the chin and the desired aesthetic goals.
It is important to note that Fat Dissolving is not a weight loss programme. Treatments with are only applicable for small, localised areas. patients must be within one stone of their recommended body weight to have treatment and be able to pinch about 3cm of fat.
Treatment Time
30 Minutes
Visible Results
1 Week
Full Recovery
7 Days
Duration
Treatment Plan
Sensitivity Time
48 Hours
Anaesthetic
Local Injection
Back to Work
24 Hours
No. of Treatments
Treatment Plan
HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to target the deeper layers of the skin, encouraging collagen production and providing a firmer, more youthful appearance without the need for surgery.
At FTT Skin Clinics, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment option specifically designed for reducing the appearance of a double chin. HIFU uses ultrasound energy to target and tighten the skin, as well as reduce fat in the submental (under-chin) area. This treatment offers a non-invasive alternative to more invasive procedures, providing noticeable contouring and aesthetic improvement with minimal downtime.
Targeted Ultrasound Energy: HIFU technology focuses ultrasound energy precisely to the subdermal layer, heating the tissue at specific depths beneath the skin without damaging the surface. This targeted energy initiates the body’s natural response to stimulate the growth of fresh, new collagen and strengthen existing collagen.
Fat Reduction: Besides its skin-tightening effects, HIFU can also target and reduce the fat cells under the chin. The thermal effect of the ultrasound energy disrupts fat cells, which are then gradually removed by the body’s natural metabolic processes, leading to a reduction in fat under the chin.
Lifting and Tightening: As collagen fibers are rejuvenated and strengthened, there is a noticeable lifting and tightening effect. This helps to redefine the jawline and reduce the sagging associated with a double chin, leading to a more youthful and contoured profile.
Non-Invasive with No Downtime: HIFU is performed without any cuts or incisions, and there is no downtime required after the treatment. Patients can immediately return to their daily routines with no need for a recovery period.
Long-Lasting Results: Results from HIFU can continue to improve over several months as the body produces new collagen. The lifting and tightening effects can last for up to a year or more, depending on the individual’s skin condition and lifestyle.
Safe and Effective: HIFU has been proven safe and effective for various cosmetic treatments, including double chin reduction. It provides a significant aesthetic improvement without the risks associated with surgical interventions.
For those looking for a non-surgical solution to reduce a double chin, HIFU offers a promising option. It combines skin tightening and fat reduction in a single treatment, enhancing facial contours and improving overall appearance with lasting results. FTT Skin Clinics is dedicated to providing advanced, personalized care, ensuring that each patient achieves their desired outcomes with the highest standards of safety and efficacy.
Treatment Time
30 Minutes
Visible Results
-
Full Recovery
-
Duration
Treatment Plan
Sensitivity Time
-
Anaesthetic
Not Avaliable
Back to Work
Straight Away
No. of Treatments
Every 3 Months
Exilis is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) technology to contour and slim the face, particularly effective in treating a double chin.
Exilis employs controlled heating and cooling to deliver energy to various depths in the tissue. For double chin treatment, the device targets the submental area (underneath the chin), where it heats the fat cells to a precise temperature that causes them to disintegrate and die, without damaging the surrounding tissue or the skin surface.
Beyond fat reduction, the heat from the Exilis treatment stimulates collagen production within the skin. Increased collagen leads to more skin elasticity and firmness, which helps to tighten any laxity in the chin area that often accompanies fat reduction, thus enhancing the contour and appearance of the jawline.
One of the significant advantages of Exilis is that it offers a non-surgical solution to reduce a double chin. There are no injections, no cutting, and no anesthesia required. The procedure is generally painless, and there is no downtime needed, meaning patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the treatment.
Quick and Comfortable Sessions:
Each treatment session with Exilis is quick, typically lasting about 30 minutes. The procedure is often described as feeling like a warm massage, and the device’s unique design allows for the energy to be adjusted for comfort while effectively treating the targeted area.
The results of Exilis for treating a double chin gradually appear as the body processes and removes the destroyed fat cells and produces more collagen. Optimal results typically require a series of sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, with improvements becoming more visible after each session.
Tailored Treatment Plans:
At FTT Skin Clinics, each Exilis treatment plan is customized based on the patient’s specific needs and the severity of the double chin. During the initial consultation, our specialists will assess the area and discuss the expected outcomes and the number of sessions needed to achieve the best results.
Long-Term Improvement:
The results from Exilis can be long-lasting, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle. The reduction of fat cells is permanent, and the increased collagen production can help maintain the skin’s firmness for years to come.
Complementary Treatments:
To maximize results, Exilis treatments can be combined with other non-invasive procedures offered at FTT Skin Clinics, such as injectable treatments or other RF and ultrasound-based therapies, to enhance skin tightening and fat reduction further.
Exilis presents a safe, effective, and non-invasive option for those looking to reduce the appearance of a double chin and improve their facial contours without the need for surgery. At FTT Skin Clinics, we provide a holistic approach to beauty and wellness, ensuring that every treatment plan is tailored to meet the individual goals and concerns of our patients.
Treatment Time
30 Minutes
Visible Results
-
Full Recovery
-
Duration
Treatment Plan
Sensitivity Time
-
Anaesthetic
Not Avaliable
Back to Work
Straight Away
No. of Treatments
Every 3 Months
At Home Care Tips
At FTT Skin Clinics, we empower you with practical tips to manage double chin and enhance the effectiveness of your skincare efforts. For those enduring the psychological impact of double chin, seeking support and adopting a positive skincare mindset are essential steps towards healing both skin and self-esteem.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: Reducing overall body fat can help lessen the appearance of a double chin. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid excessive amounts of processed and sugary foods that can contribute to fat accumulation.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help maintain skin elasticity and overall health. Hydration is crucial for detoxifying your body and may aid in reducing fat deposits underneath the chin.
Exercise Regularly: While general exercise will help reduce body fat, specific exercises targeting the neck and chin area can be particularly helpful. Exercises like chin lifts, neck rolls, and jaw stretches can strengthen muscles, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the double chin appearance.
Improve Posture: Good posture can make a double chin less noticeable. Keep your back straight and shoulders down while tucking your chin slightly instead of letting it protrude forward. This position helps in strengthening the muscles of the neck and jaw, reducing the saggy appearance of the chin.
Skin Care Regimen: Use firming creams or gels that contain ingredients like caffeine, vitamin E, or retinol, which can help tighten the skin and improve its texture. Regularly moisturizing the neck and chin area can also help maintain skin elasticity.
Massage: Regular gentle massage of the neck and chin area can improve blood flow and help reduce fat accumulation. Use upward strokes from the bottom of the neck to the jawline using a firming moisturizer or oil to enhance the effects.
Manage Weight: Keeping your weight in a healthy range is one of the most effective ways to reduce a double chin. Weight fluctuations can lead to changes in body fat distribution, including the area under your chin.