What is the best treatment for a double chin?

A double chin, also known medically as submental fullness, is a common concern caused by excess fat accumulation or an ill-defined jawline, giving the appearance of an additional chin. This condition can significantly affect an individual’s self-confidence, making them appear older or heavier than they are. Fortunately, there are various treatments including chin fillers,  fat-dissolving treatments and surgical options available to address this common issue. But which is best? The staff here at Smile Stories are experts in double chin treatments in Bournemouth and are happy to give their insights into this question.

What Causes A Double Chin?

A double chin is often caused by weight gain. When we put on weight, the body stores fat in a specific area of the body, one being under the chin.  

While weight gain can be a significant factor in the development of a double chin, there are several other potential causes and contributors including

• Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to develop a double chin. This can be due to hereditary factors that determine fat storage and distribution in the body.
• Ageing: As we age, the skin loses its elasticity. The resultant sagging can lead to the appearance of a double chin, especially as the skin and muscles around the neck and chin area become lax.
• Posture: Poor posture, especially if maintained over extended periods, can weaken the neck and chin muscles. Over time, this can result in reduced muscle tone, contributing to a double chin.
• Facial Anatomy: The bone structure of the jaw and chin can influence the appearance of a double chin. For instance, a less pronounced jawline might not offer as much support, making a double chin more noticeable.
• Loose Skin: After significant weight loss or due to other factors, some people might experience sagging skin under the chin, even if they are not overweight.

It’s important to note that while weight loss might help reduce a double chin for some people, it might not be effective for everyone, especially if the cause is largely genetic or due to age-related factors. In such cases, posture correction or cosmetic procedures might be required.

Double Chin Treatments

The desire to treat or reduce the appearance of a double chin has been around for a long time, and various methods, both surgical and non-surgical, have been developed. One of the earliest known treatments for a double chin is submental liposuction, which was introduced in the early 1980s.

However, traditional facelifts, which have been performed for over a century, can also indirectly address the double chin by tightening the skin and underlying musculature.

In more recent times, fat-dissolving treatments and various laser and radiofrequency treatments have been developed to target the double chin area.

With so many options, it can be difficult to know which is best.  Let’s look at each in turn. 

Surgical Double Chin Treatments

Invasive double chin treatments are medical procedures that involve surgical interventions or significant procedural methods to reduce the appearance of a double chin. These treatments generally offer more drastic and lasting results compared to non-invasive methods. 

Here are some popular invasive treatments and the individuals who might benefit the most from them:

• Liposuction: This procedure involves surgically removing excess fat from under the chin, offering long-lasting results. It is best suited for individuals with significant fat deposits who are looking for permanent solutions.
• Neck Lift: This surgery tightens the platysma muscle and removes excess skin and fat to give a more defined jawline and neck. It’s ideal for individuals with loose, sagging skin who are in pursuit of enduring outcomes.
• Vaser Lipo: A technique that utilises ultrasound technology to break down and remove fat cells precisely, benefiting those aiming for a refined chin and neck area with permanent results.

These invasive treatments are usually recommended for individuals who:

• Have tried non-invasive methods without success
• Are generally in good health as these procedures often require anaesthesia and have a greater risk of complications
• Are prepared for a recovery period involving potential swelling, bruising, and downtime from work or other activities
• Can afford the generally higher costs associated with invasive treatments

Whilst these procedures offer immediate fat reduction results there are, however, some common challenges to these procedures. The procedures are expensive and as they are cosmetic treatments they are not funded by the NHS. 

All carry the inherent risks associated with surgeries, such as scarring, infection, and reactions to anaesthesia. None of these procedures serves as comprehensive weight loss solutions, as there’s the possibility of future weight gain and a double chin reforming. 

Temporary side effects, like swelling or bruising, are also likely post-operatively. 

The Best Non Invasive Double Chin Treatments

There are a variety of non-invasive double chin treatments, here are some options you might come across:

Exercise and Weight Loss

Engaging in regular exercises targeting the neck and jaw area, coupled with a balanced diet, can help in reducing a double chin caused by weight gain. These efforts aid in the overall reduction of body fat, subsequently diminishing fat deposits in the chin area. 

Incorporating exercises such as neck tilts, turns, and resistance exercises can specifically target and tone the muscles in that region, promoting a more defined jawline. Meanwhile, maintaining a diet low in saturated fats and sugars helps prevent further accumulation of fat in the chin area. 

This strategy is best suited for individuals looking to address their double chin issue through natural, non-invasive methods, and who are willing to incorporate healthy habits into their daily routine for sustained results.  

These methods are also essential if you want to maintain the effects of invasive or non-invasive double chin treatments. 

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting, or cryolipolysis, reduces fat deposits by freezing fat cells in targeted areas without affecting the surrounding tissues. These frozen cells are naturally processed and eliminated by the body over 4-6 months, resulting in a 20-25% reduction in fat. 

Benefits: The procedure has minimal to no downtime, allowing individuals to quickly return to their daily routines. It gradually offers a noticeable reduction in the fat layer.

Best for: Individuals looking for a non-invasive method to target stubborn fat pockets, including double chins, who are willing to wait for gradual results.

Ultherapy

Ultherapy is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that lifts and tightens the skin under the chin using micro-focused ultrasound technology. It encourages the production of new collagen, revitalising the skin structure and improving firmness. 

Benefits: The procedure is relatively quick, usually completed within 30 minutes, and requires no downtime, allowing for an immediate return to daily activities. It enhances the skin’s natural youthfulness over a 3-6 month period. 

Best for: Individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity looking to firm up the skin in the chin and neck area without undergoing surgery.

Aqualyx Fat Dissolving Treatment

Aqualyx is a fat-dissolving treatment used to reduce localised, stubborn fat deposits in various areas, including under the chin. Through injections, it breaks down the membranes of fat cells, releasing lipids that are then naturally eliminated by the body.  Since 2009 over 2,000,000 vials have been used for patient treatments in 49 countries worldwide.

Benefits: It’s a minimally invasive option that clients tolerate well. It has the potential to permanently destroy fat cells, as long as clients maintain their weight. The treatment involves minimal downtime, with symptoms subsiding within a few days.

Best for: Individuals seeking the removal of stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet or exercise and are aged between 16 and 60. 

Chin Fillers

Chin fillers are used to enhance and define the chin and jawline area. Using strategic placements of dermal fillers, they create a more sculpted lower face and can improve the appearance of a double chin caused by poor bone structure. 

Benefits: This treatment offers a quick and less risky alternative to surgical interventions. It can reshape and bring balance to the facial structure, adding definition and improving the profile view without the need for downtime or surgery. Injections are less painful than those for Aqualyx. 

Best for: Individuals looking for an affordable option to enhance their jawline and chin area. It’s particularly suitable for those with a recessed chin or a rounded lower facial structure.

What Is The Best Double Chin Treatment For You?

The “best” double chin treatment depends heavily on a variety of factors including an individual’s anatomy, the cause of the double chin, the individual’s preferences regarding invasive versus non-invasive procedures, and budget considerations. 

As the best treatment for a double chin depends on many factors the best way to find out which is best for you is to have a consultation with a trained healthcare practitioner as they can take into consideration all the factors. 

If you’d like to find out which is the best way to get rid of your double chin, why not book in for a FREE Facial Sculpting Analysis with Reem our experienced double chin practitioner and she’ll recommend the best treatment for you.