Fixing a Double Chin
Are noticing a fullness under your chin that wasn’t there in the past? You may even have a double chin.
Known medically as submental adiposity, it’s not a desirable condition for most people – no matter what you call it.
Fortunately, there are many methods for fixing a double chin. Some more extreme than others.
What Causes a Double Chin?
The double chin is, unfortunately, not uncommon. It’s merely the formation of a layer of fat under your chin. There’s a lot of stress in the world right now and for some of us, that means extra weight gain. And if you lead a rather sedentary lifestyle, that can exacerbate the situation.
So when dealing with a double chin, where do you start?
Possible Changes in Diet
If you don’t have the best eating habits and you believe that your double chin is a result of weight gain, then the first approach is to lose weight. That means cutting way back on refined grains, saturated fats, sugar, and processed foods.
Start focusing on more whole grains, lean protein (such as in poultry and fish), low-fat dairy products, and healthy fats that include avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
And, of equal importance, make every effort to not exceed your daily caloric needs. For example, while fruit is a better choice than cookies, eating a lot of it brings up the calorie count quickly.
In addition to shifting to a healthy diet, you’ll also burn more calories if you’re active. Speaking of physical activity…
Are There Specific Exercises That Help?
Yes, there are exercises that you can repeat several times throughout the day to address a double chin.
One of the more popular ones is the straight jaw jut. Simply tilt your head back, look toward ceiling, and push your lower jaw forward to stretch under the chin. Hold for a count of ten and then return the head to its natural position. Repeat several times.
Another one to try is the neck stretch. Again, tilt your head back to look at the ceiling. This time, press your tongue on the roof of your mouth for 5-10 seconds, then release. Repeat several times.
There’s also a ball exercise that involves you putting a 9- to 10-inch ball under your chin then continually pressing down against the ball for as log as it feels mindful to do so.
It should be noted that there’s currently no scientific evidence that chin exercises work to fix a double chin. But there IS anecdotal evidence. So they could be worth a shot.
Fixing a Double Chin With Plastic Surgery
There are many cases where genetics or looser skin from aging cause a double chin. And no matter how much you diet or exercise, it doesn’t result in fixing a double chin.
In these instances, plastic surgery is the best go-to. Plastic surgeons have a variety of tools in their surgical tool boxes to address a double chin.
- Injection
The least invasive option is an injectable medication that contains deoxycholic acid. Normally produced by the body, deoxycholic acid assists with fat absorption during digestion.
By injecting this acid into submental fat under the chin, fat cells are destroyed – thus preventing fat storage in the chin area.
- Liposuction
With the liposuction procedure, a small incision is made under the chin to insert a tube that vacuums out the fat. The surgeon then sculpts the chin and neck contour.
- Neck Lift
A neck lift serves to tighten the neck muscles and/or remove extra skin. A neck lift may be recommended in tandem with liposuction if there is excess skin. Or it may be combined with a facelift to further contour the neck and chin.
- Facelift
Finally, with a facelift, the surgeon removes fat and sagging skin around the chin and neck. This effectively removes the double chin.
- Correction of Witch’s Deformity
This is a procedure to lift and tighten the droopy chin back up above the jawline by tightening the muscles of the lower lip.
Say Goodbye to Your Double Chin
If you’re embarrassed by a double chin and you’ve tried diet and exercise with no success, then contact us.
Fixing a double chin is a regular part of our surgical repertoire. So you know you’ll be in good hands.
Set up your free consultation today!
