Double Chin

Overview

A double chin is caused by an extra layer of fat that develops beneath the chin. This layer of fat can be overlying the muscle or underneath it.

What Factors contribute to having a double chin?

Understanding the causes of a double chin can help with finding the best way to treat it. Main causes of double chin include:

• Age – Mainly secondary to increase in skin laxity, and loss of elasticity
• Weight – Extra weight will result in deposition of fat in the chin area
• Genetics – Some people have significant double chin despite their young age and ideal body weight. A lot of these people have family members with the same problem indicating hereditary component.
• Posture – Poor posture habits can cause the neck muscles to weaken. Once muscles weaken, the skin becomes more elastic and hence contributing to double chin over time.

How to Prevent Double Chin?

Losing weight can help preventing double chin although in many cases can not completely get rid of it. keeping good posture and exercising neck muscles can also be helpful.

How to Treat Double Chin?

We currently have two non-surgical methods to treat double chin:

• CoolSculpting: CoolSculpting is a procedure that depends on the destruction of fat cells by the power of freezing. This will then allow the body to absorb and get rid of dead fatty tissues. This procedure is not meant to improve skin laxity, but it was found that it has done so in many of our patients’ cases!

• Kybella injections: Kybella is an FDA injectable medicine that has been approved to treat a double chin. Kybella is the brand name for Deoxycholic acid which helps to permanently destroy fat cells and achieve a more defined jawline. Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, so further treatment is not expected once you reach your desired aesthetic goals.
  • How many Kybella treatment sessions will I need?
    • Since everyone’s chin profile is different, the number of treatments varies from patient to patient. This usually depends on the amount and distribution of your submental fat and your personal treatment goals. Each treatment session is given at least 1 month apart, and you should not receive more than 6 treatments.
  •  Will I need time to recover?
    • Yes. Kybella can result in swelling, numbness or tenderness that can continue from 1-2 weeks.
  •  Contraindications to Kybella:
    • Pregnancy, breast feeding.
    • History of neck surgery or plans to have surgery in the neck/chin area
    • Trouble swallowing
    • Bleeding tendencies