If you find yourself tilting your chin down in photos, or avoiding side profile shots altogether, you are not alone. A double chin is one of the most common concerns patients bring to us, and it is also one of the most misunderstood.
Contrary to what most people assume, a double chin is rarely just about weight. In my clinical experience, I would say genetics and bone structure play a far bigger role than diet ever does. I have treated slim, fit patients in their twenties with a noticeable double chin simply because they have a naturally recessed chin or a jaw that does not provide enough support to the soft tissue beneath it. I have also seen patients who have lost significant weight everywhere else, only to find the submental area stubbornly unchanged. Fat under the chin behaves differently to fat elsewhere on the body, and no amount of exercise will target it directly.
That said, ageing does not help matters. As we get older, skin loses elasticity and the platysma muscle in the neck can begin to sag, both of which make any existing fullness under the chin far more obvious.
The good news is that this is one of the more straightforward concerns to treat well, provided the right technique is chosen for the right patient. That is really the key point I would make to anyone considering treatment: a double chin caused by fat needs a different approach to one caused by weak muscle support or loose skin, and getting this wrong is why some patients feel they have “tried everything” without success.
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There are three main contributing factors, and most patients have more than one at play.
Weight gain can add to any of the above, but it is rarely the whole story, which is why weight loss alone often disappoints people hoping to shift a double chin.
Firstly, those with less definition in their jaw will often suffer from a double chin as the tissue of the chin lacks the structural support from the jaw.
In addition to this, some people may carry some extra weight around their face. This pocket of fat is hard to shift through diet and exercise alone and can add to the effects of a double chin or soft jaw.
Our consultations are in-depth and tailored to you, creating a bespoke treatment plan catering to all of your concerns.
ConsultationWe do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. During your consultation, we will assess which of the above factors is driving your particular case, and build a treatment plan around that. Often the best results come from combining treatments rather than relying on just one.
CoolSculpting Elite is our go-to for genuine submental fat. It works by freezing fat cells until they die off and are naturally cleared by the body, and we use the Cool Mini applicator, which is specifically designed for smaller areas like the chin. It is FDA approved and can reduce fat in the treated area by up to 25 percent. There is no downtime, which is why it remains so popular with busy patients who cannot afford to disappear for a week of recovery.
EndoLift is our choice when skin laxity is the main problem. This laser treatment works beneath the surface to tighten loose skin, stimulate collagen, and reduce smaller pockets of fat, making it a good option for patients who want tightening as well as contouring.
Dermal fillers are the treatment I recommend most often for patients whose double chin stems from a weak jawline rather than excess fat. By adding definition and projection along the jaw and chin, we lift the area visually and reduce the appearance of fullness underneath, without touching the fat itself. We use longer-lasting hyaluronic acid fillers here, which typically last between 18 and 24 months.
I would rather spend longer working out exactly why a patient has a double chin than rush them into the treatment they asked for on the phone. A thorough, honest consultation is what separates a good result from a mediocre one in this field, and it is where we spend most of our time before any treatment plan is agreed.
CoolSculpting Elite is the number one, FDA approved fat freezing treatment. It is the market-leading treatment which is proven to trigger fat cell death reducing fat deposits by up to 25%.
Unleash the potential of your skin and sculpt your facial features with our Endolift® treatment in Surrey – an advanced non-surgical laser facelift that offers a natural lift without the need for surgery. Endolift® is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to tighten saggy loose skin and diminish pockets of excess fat, helping to effortlessly contour your face and enhance your natural beauty. Endolift laser facelift provides a safe, convenient alternative to traditional surgical facelifts. What’s more, Endolift is highly customisable and can tackle targeted areas, meaning we can tailor the treatment to your unique needs and help you achieve your goal image. Say goodbye to loose skin and signs of ageing, and welcome a youthful and refreshed appearance. Endolift treatment benefits include long-lasting skin tightening, facial contouring, and natural rejuvenation.
Looking to rejuvenate your appearance but keep a natural and authentic image? At Health & Aesthetics, we are proud to offer premium quality dermal filler treatments that can subtly yet effectively refresh your look.
