Many people struggle with getting rid of double chin fat (submental fat) no matter what they do. Unfortunately, this accumulation of excess fat underneath the chin is oftentimes an inevitable issue that is not necessarily due to weight gain. If you still have the appearance of a double chin, even with regular exercise and a healthy diet, there may be other factors working against you.
Although it’s not necessarily a health issue, the appearance of a double chin can negatively impact self-esteem and make a person self-conscious. That alone is a great reason to want to get rid of it.
Let’s talk about the major factors that can cause a double chin, natural things you can do to prevent a double chin, as well as the best treatments for getting rid of a double chin for good.
What Causes a Double Chin?
Double chin fat is typically a result of one or a combination of the following factors.
Poor Diet / Weight Gain
A double chin is commonly caused by excess body fat. As everybody knows, an unhealthy diet full of unhealthy fats can cause your body fat to rise. Weight gain can occur all over the body, including typical areas like the midsection, hips, thighs, and arms. Different people can show weight gain in varying ways and unfortunately, many people show it in their faces and necks. It can be very obvious depending on your height.
Poor Posture
Poor posture can weaken the muscles that connect the neck and chin. If the muscles are not strong the skin in the neck and chin can lose elasticity which can lead to sagging skin.
Genetics
Although a double chin can be a result of weight gain this is not always the case. Your genetics can definitely be a cause. You can be at a healthy weight and still have a double chin due to thinner skin, facial bone structure or skin elasticity. If your family shares common traits of less elastic skin or more double chin fat then you may be more likely to have the same issues.
Aging Skin
As we age our skin produces less and less collagen. This leads to a loss of elasticity which causes skin to sag more as time goes on. In this case, it can be only sagging skin but the appearance can be the same as chin and neck fat. Moreover, as we age we tend to lose strength in the muscles that connect and support the neck and chin which makes the issue more prominent.
How To Prevent Double Chin
The tips below will help you prevent excess double chin fat as you age, delaying the need for immediate treatment:
Strengthen neck muscles with good posture
Actively practice healthy eating habits
Maintain a regular exercise routine
Monitor weight fluctuations
Although there are many factors that are within your control, your genetics may outweigh a healthy diet and exercise.
The good news is there are still ways we can treat the double chin when genetics are an obstacle. In my experience, one of the best ways to address excess fat under the chin is with Kybella.
What Is Kybella?
Kybella is a unique injectable drug that has been specifically crafted to target and eliminate excess fat underneath the chin. Kybella contains deoxycholic acid, an enzyme produced naturally by the body that is used to break down fat. The destroyed fat cells are then absorbed and disposed of by the body.
How Long Does It Take For Kybella To Work?
For most patients, visible double chin reduction is noticed after 2 to 4 treatment sessions. We recommend spacing each session out no less than one month apart for the best results.
Patients can expect significant double chin reduction with little to no downtime and long-lasting results.
How Long Does Kybella Last?
The results of Kybella treatments are permanent. Once you get rid of all the fat cells in your double chin with Kybella injections, they are gone forever.
Keep in mind, healthy life choices are recommended following your double chin treatment to maintain satisfactory results. Our team can help get you a health plan that best fits your unique situation.
Other Double Chin Treatment Options to Consider
While Kybella injections are a tried and true solution for treating double chin fat, we also have several other options here at Quintessa for patients to explore. These include:
If your double chin is the only thing standing between you and your ideal look, contact our office to schedule a consultation with myself, Dr. Daniel Butz, or Dr. Andrew Campbell. We will provide you with the personalized aesthetic care you need.