A double chin is either an excess of fat, skin laxity or a combination of those in the submental space (the area underneath the chin). This submental fat may accumulate for a number of reasons. Those with a family history of sagging skin or stubborn fat are more likely to develop a double chin. Fluctuations in weight can also produce a double chin as the skin expands and contracts. Age is another factor in double chin formation as skin becomes less elastic over the years. It might be difficult to prevent the onset of a double chin, but at least it’s possible to reduce it once it’s there.
There are a number of treatments that target the different causes of double chin.
1) Aqualyx (deoxycholic acid)
Is a non-surgical technique that leads to lipolysis and thus decreasing the fat that is accumulated in the area. It is for patients that don’t present with skin laxity in the neck area. A very thin needle is used to deposit the deoxycholic acid.
2) Thermi-Tight
It is a minimally invasive technique that targets both accumulated fat and lax skin in the submental area. Thermi-Tight uses radiofrequency from a very small cannula with a small probe at the tip. Radiofrequency increases the temperature and leads to adipose tissue lysis and an inflammatory response that leads to skin tightening. The treatment takes approximately 1hour to be completed. Use of local anesthetic makes the treatment non painful. Even though results can be seen immediately, the final result can be seen at six months. After the treatment the patient may experience mild edema, redness and rarely mild discomfort. The symptoms usually last up to 48 hours.
3) Liposuction
It is a minimally invasive technique that leads to immediate results. A small cannula is used to enter the subcutaneous tissue in the submental area. The cannula uses suction to immediately decrease that fat in the area but further decrease can be seen due fat lipolysis cause by inflammation. During the treatment local anesthetic is used and it makes the treatment painless. Post operatively the patient may experience mild edema, redness, some bruising and mild discomfort. The symptoms usually diminish within 5 days.
