What is a Double Chin?
A double chin occurs from a fat buildup under the chin. A hereditary double chin or genetic double chin can be especially bothersome as weight loss doesn’t necessarily treat the stubborn fat in the area. When a double chin is something that a patient has always had, even with weight loss, it can be from how fat is distributed in your body; for example, for some people, it can go straight to your waist while others it can focus on on your face. The alternative; however is that the double chin can be secondary to anatomic abnormalities like a weak chin causing a double chin.
How to Reduce Your Double Chin: Non-Surgical
There is an assortment of options here that each has its pros and cons. In general, there is one simple rule: none of these are superior to the surgical options but may be more cost-effective and have less downtime.
Kybella
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable formulation of deoxycholic acid that helps reduce the central fat compartment. The downsides are that multiple treatments are needed and you get very swollen after each one. There is certainly a scar that forms so the ideal candidate is someone who has a small amount of central fat. In addition, it cannot be used laterally so there will be minimal jawline improvement.
TrusculptID
Trusculpt is a radiofrequency-based treatment that targets the central area using energy. Three treatments are required and there is little to no downtime after each one. The results are not as powerful as the other treatment options but this treatment certainly has the least downtime. Read more about it here.
Coolsculpt
This treatment used controlled freezing to kill fat cells. It can only be used in the central neck and a downside is the rare risk of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH). (Link to lawsuit article). There is a smaller amount of downtime but typically only one treatment is needed to see results.
Facial Slimming Exercises: Mewing
Strengthening the floor of mouth muscles using an activity called mewing (touching the tongue to the roof of your mouth) can help define this area. Fat is not removed but with dedication and time, one can see a small improvement.
Reduce Your Double Chin: The Surgical Option
This technique is tried and true form of double chin treatment. It is a single procedure performed while the patient is awake. The fat is infiltrated with numbing medication to allow it to swell and then it is removed using a suction-based device. The pain after chin liposuction is minimal; however, patients are required to wear a compression garment for 1-2 weeks. Chin liposuction before and after photos can be seen here.
