Many of us would love to have a contoured appearance looking back at us in the mirror. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. And, having a double chin or excess submental fullness can wreak havoc on how some feel about themselves. Some may feel insecure and wish it would go away. Not only is this difficult to internalise, but it can also cause difficulties in our social lives too.
Facial Rejuvenation
The good news is that it’s more common than you think. In Australia, 59% of women have concerns about their double chin. And it’s not usually a sign of poor health, rather genetics, ageing and weight gain may be to blame. Fortunately, there are solutions for how to get rid of double chin. Double chin removal surgery is an increasingly popular treatment for double chin. There are also other, non-surgical approaches to reducing double chin fat. All double chin treatments will be discussed in this article.
What Is a Double Chin?
A double chin is a pocket or layer of excess fat under the chin. When this submental fat pocket grows to be large in size it can form a defined line under the chin. This appears as a second chin or double chin.
It can be a source of insecurity for many but is usually nothing of concern.
What Causes a Double Chin?
There are many causes of double chin, some of which include:
Age
Ageing: as we age, our skin loses elasticity. This can cause the skin to sag and form wrinkles, including a double chin.
Diet And Weight
Poor diet and weight gain: as we age it’s more difficult to maintain a healthy weight. When we put on weight, it’s not always evenly distributed. Excess weight around the jawline and chin can lead to a double chin.
Genetics
Genetics: you may be more likely to develop a double chin if it runs in your family. This is the case as a double chin is often hereditary.
Posture
Poor posture can also cause the appearance of a double chin. Elevating the chin can create more definition and contour under the jaw.
Furthermore, sustained poor posture can cause the muscles of the neck and chin to weaken. The surrounding skin loses its elasticity when the muscles aren’t used. And over time, this may cause a double chin to develop.
Double Chin Treatment
There are many solutions to treat a double chin, all varying in invasiveness and effectiveness. It’s possible to reduce a double chin naturally, without the help of surgery. These are less invasive and non-permanent solutions for getting rid of a double chin.
The most common treatments for reducing double chin include:
Double Chin Surgery
Surgical double chin removal is the most invasive option but can be very effective. It involves making an incision under the chin and removing excess fat.
Fat Dissolving Injections
Submental fat dissolving uses deoxycholic acid injections to target and remove double chin fat. These cosmetic injections can be costly, painful and provide subpar results.
Coolsculpting
Coolsculpting is a popular, non-invasive treatment that uses freezing technology to target double chin fat. Results are visible after 1-3 months and typically last up to 2 years. Dr Doyle does not offer this treatment as he believes surgery to be more effective.
Diet and Exercise
By reducing your body fat through diet and exercise, you may also see a reduction in double chin. This method is most effective when combined with other double chin treatments.
Furthermore, double chin exercises can help to tone the muscles under your chin. When done daily, they may eventually help reduce the appearance of a double chin. Some effective double chin exercises include:
- Around the world: gently rotate your head in circles, making sure to go as far back as you can.
- Whistle at the ceiling: tilt your head back and pretend to whistle. You can also press your tongue against the roof of your mouth (while looking up) and hold for 15 seconds.
- Kiss the sky: similar to the previous exercise, stand with your head back and pucker your lips. This will stretch the area under the chin.
- Ball squeeze: place a ball under your chin and push down. Press down tightly and hold for 5-10 seconds.
For best results, perform each exercise two or more times daily.
Best Double Chin Treatment – Dr Doyle’s Recommendation
Double chin surgery is a type of surgery that can get rid of double chin. Of all methods available to reduce a double chin, surgery offers the best results. The surgery that you need depends on your current situation and your goals. There’s no one surgery for removing double chin that works for everyone. It can be different for each person.
Double chin treatment options include:
Chin and Neck Liposuction
Liposuction on double chin is a very common double chin surgery. It involves making small incisions in the skin and using a vacuum-like device to suction out the fat. Lipo on double chin can be done alone or in conjunction with other types of double chin treatments, such as a neck lift.
Neck Lift
A neck lift is a surgery that can be done alone or in conjunction with liposuction. A double chin neck lift involves tightening the muscles and tissues under the chin. This surgery reduces fat and skin from the neck, getting rid of double chin.
Face Lift
A face lift can also help improve the appearance of a double chin. Face lift involves tightening the muscles and tissues under the lower face area. It’s best that face and neck lift are done together to ensure that the face and neck appear the same age.
Double Chin Surgery: Procedure and Recovery
Chin and neck liposuction is the most popular treatment option for a double chin. The procedure targets submental fat pockets that are difficult to lose with diet and exercise alone.
Some people choose to have chin liposuction surgery to reduce the appearance of double chins. This surgery involves sucking out fat. However, it is important to know that when fat is removed, excess loose skin can form. This is more common in older patients who have less skin elasticity. That’s why it’s often recommended that a neck lift be done, so that loose skin can be excised during the same procedure. This will tighten up the entire neck and chin region.
For younger patients with good skin elasticity, usually double chin lipo as a treatment alone is enough.
Procedure
Double chin liposuction is performed at John Flynn Private Hospital under general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the surgery.
First, small incisions are made in the skin. Then a cannula (thin tube) is inserted through the incisions and used to suction out the fat. The procedure usually takes about one hour to complete.
Recovery
After double chin liposuction surgery, you will need to wear a compression garment around your neck and chin for the first week. This helps to minimise swelling and promote healing. Most people return to work within one week after double chin reduction surgery.
It is important to avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks after surgery. And be willing and able to follow your post operative instructions closely.
Double chin surgery is a very effective way to improve the appearance of your neck and jawline. If you are considering surgery for double chin, make an appointment with Dr Doyle for a consultation. He will assess your individual situation and recommend the best double chin surgery option for you.
FAQ
How to Get Rid of Fat Under the Chin?
There are several ways to get rid of fat under the chin, including double chin surgery, neck lift surgery, and face lift surgery. The best option for you depends on your individual situation and goals.
What Is Double Chin Surgery?
Double chin surgery is a procedure that is used to remove excess fat and skin from the neck and chin area. It can refer to chin and neck liposuction, neck lift, face lift or a combination of the three.
Does Chin Liposuction Last Forever?
Chin liposuction is a permanent solution for double chin. However, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight to ensure long-lasting results. If you gain weight after surgery its possible that your double chin may return.
How to Remove Double Chin?
Surgery, fat dissolving injectables, coolsculpting as well as diet and exercise are all ways to remove a double chin. Surgical options include liposuction surgery, neck lift surgery, and face lift surgery. The best option for you depends on your individual situation and goals.
Why Do Skinny People Have Double Chins?
Skinny people may be genetically pre-disposed to store extra fat around the jawline and neck. A double chin is a result of excess fat in the neck area. People who don’t have much body fat elsewhere can still have a double chin.
Next Steps – Book a Consultation with Dr Doyle
If you’re interested in cosmetic surgery to get rid of double chin, contact Dr Doyle’s office for a consultation. He will assess your individual case and recommend the best treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results. To book an appointment, call 5598 0988 or submit a confidential enquiry form.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plast) – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Mark Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over thirty years of experience. He specialises in face lift surgery in Gold Coast and Brisbane, and also offers a range of body and breast procedures.
Dr Doyle is a fully qualified Doctor and surgeon. He has completed all required training to be a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and is driven by an committed to providing excellent standards of care.
NEXT STEPS
Do Your Research
- Read the Website and Blogs relevant to your procedure
- Read our Frequently Asked Questions
- Learn about the Risks and Complications of Surgery
- Download our Plastic Surgery Guides
- Browse Dr Doyle’s YouTube Channel
What to Bring to Your Plastic Surgeon Consultation
- Bring a friend or relative for support and discussion regarding your choices
- Take notes and read all provided information thoroughly
- Read about what to expect in your Initial Surgery Consultation
Book Your Plastic Surgery Consultation
- Get a Referral from your GP or specialist – this is required to book a consultation with Dr. Doyle.
- Email us or call on 07 5598 0988 to arrange your consultation appointment.
- Pay your $285 Consultation Fee in advance to secure your consultation.
Please contact us to arrange to book a consultation with our Specialist Plastic Surgeon or to speak with our Patient Care Advisor.
Send an enquiry form today or phone 07 5598 0988 during Clinic Hours.
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*DISCLAIMER: All information on Dr Mark Doyle website is general and is not intended to be medical advice nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Results can vary significantly and depend on individual patient circumstances. All images on this website, unless specified as real patient images, are stock images used for illustrative purposes only. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your surgeon. Book a consult for details regarding your cosmetic surgery procedure.
Dr. Mark Doyle AHPRA Registration: Dr Mark Doyle MED0001375519 Specialist Plastic Surgery – MBBS FRACS FRCS
