Causes and Treatments for Double Chin
Having double chin is a common condition that is more of a cosmetic concern rather than a medical one. There are a number of reasons people develop the extra padding between the neck and the chin. You may be surprised but being overweight is just one of the many reasons for getting the pesky double chin. Double chin, also known as submental fat, is often associated with being overweight, but there are many other reasons that may result in the appearance of double chin. That’s why some people who are not overweight may sometimes find themselves with struggling with the double fold under the chin.
Some common causes of double chin
While weight gain may not always result in the formation of a double chin, it can contribute to it. A lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle certainly increase the likelihood of fat accumulation around the abdomen, thighs, arms, and neck. If the double chin is more pronounced with weight gain, then shedding off the extra pounds will likely diminish its appearance. Natural ageing is another common cause of double. As we age, our face loses collagen and fundamental supportive structure that holds the skin and fat in their place. Muscles may weaken over time, causing the skin to sag downwards. If left untreated, it may result in the illusion of having two chins. Your genes also play a role in determining if you will likely have a double chin. Observe your grandparents, parents, and siblings. If you have a family history of skin laxity or receding chin, you are very likely to follow suit. There are certain medical conditions that may contribute to the appearance of a double chin. Conditions such as underactive thyroid, salivary gland inflammation, or a sinus infection may give rise to the appearance of a double chin. These medical conditions may cause swelling in the jaw and lower face, making the face and neck look puffy, obscuring your chin and jawline.
Can double chin be treated?
There are several steps you can take to treat your double chin. First and foremost, make adjustments to your lifestyle and eating habits. Reduce or cut back on your alcohol consumption and quit smoking. Taking this first step can drastically improve your skin health and slow down ageing.
Watch your salt intake. Cut down your salt intake by avoiding chips, takeaways and fast food. These are often laden with salt to make them more tasty. Make a conscience effort to drink more water and eat nutrient-rich diet such as lean meats, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.
Non-surgical treatments are available in the market to reduce the fat pad or saggy skin under the face. If the double chin is mostly fatty tissue, fat freezing is an effective treatment to eliminate the fat cells under the skin’s surface. Using a chin applicator, the fatty deposits will undergo cell death and your body will gradually remove the fat cells over the next 4 to 6 weeks.
Ultherapy uses a non-invasive technique that works with your body to stimulate collagen production and melt fatty deposits at the same time. It involves using a probe which delivers high intensity focused ultrasound to different layers of the skin.
The heat delivered to the skin triggers collagen production and tightens the connective fibers found in the deeper layers of the skin. 2 to 3 months after the treatment, you will notice gradual tightening of the skin and less visible fat pad under the chin.
Chin fillers are injectable dermal fillers that can be used to add volume and definition to people with a weak lower face and receding chin. Hyaluronic acid fillers or collagen fillers such as Radiesse or Sculptra can be used to sculpt the lower face and chin to reduce the appearance of double chin. As discussed, having a double chin may not necessarily be associated with weight gain. Very often, there are other contributing factors that may not have anything to do with your lifestyle or poor diet.
But understandably, people who have double chin often wish they could get rid of it. Therefore, figuring out the cause of your double chin is important before deciding what treatment suits you best.
