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Double Chin - Causes and Treatment

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An extra layer of fat that builds up under the chin causes a double chin. To find out more, read the article below.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Published At August 19, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 27, 2023

What Is a Double Chin and Why Does It Occur?

A double chin (submental fat) is a frequent condition caused by weight gain or obesity. In such circumstances, the fat level rises, which causes a layer of fat to develop below the chin.

Even while a double chin is commonly associated with weight gain, not all people who have one are fat. Other factors that could induce a double chin include:

  • Genetics - Genes may play a role in a person's propensity to get a double chin. Anyone who has a history of double chins or dry skin may be more susceptible to developing similar problems themselves.

  • Loose Skin - As the body ages, the skin may begin to lose its elasticity, which may cause excess or saggy skin to emerge and may contribute to a double chin.

  • Weight and Diet - A double chin can result from weight increase, though this is not always the case.

  • Bad Posture - The neck and chin muscles can deteriorate due to poor posture. As a result of the surrounding skin losing its flexibility when the muscles are not being exercised, this may eventually result in a double chin.

In terms of medicine, having a double chin is only a sign that the body's level of fat has risen rather than a sign of any underlying health issues. The appearance of a double chin should serve as a gentle reminder to change habits to include more exercise.

What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of a Double Chin?

Certain activities could be used to treat double chins. The doctor may advise a change in diet, surgery, or face masks if these workouts do not produce the best results or if one needs to see improvements right away.

  • Exercises: Although there are medically approved methods for treating double chins, there are also particular workouts that target the chin and facial muscles that can help reduce submental fat. These workouts are simple to perform in the comfort of the house and do not require any specialized equipment. Although there is no scientific proof that these workouts are effective in removing a double chin, they help burn fat in these areas and are thought to be essential.

    • Around the World - It is merely a warm-up exercise to protect the neck muscle. The head is rotated in a circle while performing this exercise, first clockwise and then counterclockwise. The jaw muscle can be stretched as a result of this workout.

    • Kiss the Sky - One of the fundamental exercises is standing with the hands at the sides and the shoulders relaxed. Next, tip the head back to stare up at the ceiling while attempting to form a kissing face. The muscles in the chin and neck will flex as a result. Repeat this 10 to 15 times daily while holding it for up to 10 seconds.

    • Pouting Stretch - Another useful exercise for the chin and neck muscles is the pouting stretch. To perform this exercise, sit down, stick out the bottom lip as far as possible, and make a pouting look. Try using the neck muscle to tilt the chin towards the chest while maintaining the pout. To achieve greater outcomes, keep this position for at least three seconds and then repeat it 10 to 20 times.

    • Lion's Yawn - Many muscles in the neck, chin, and face can be strengthened with the use of this exercise. To perform this exercise, widen the mouth as much as possible and extend the tongue to resemble a lion that is yawning. Before moving on to other exercises, hold this position for ten seconds, then perform it at least ten times. When performed correctly, one may feel the strain in the neck, chin, and jaw muscles. One can carry out this workout either sitting or standing.

    • Ball Squeeze - The exercise involves a squeezable ball ranging in size from five to ten inches (depending on personal preference). The ideal position for this exercise is to be seated with the ball under the chin, the back straight, and the shoulders relaxed. Now attempt to press the ball steadily and firmly toward the chest. Each day, this routine should be repeated 20 to 30 times.

    • Whistle at the Ceiling - The Kiss the Sky exercise and this one are pretty comparable. The lips should be held tightly and relaxed to feel the contraction on both sides of the neck during this exercise, which is the sole variation. At least ten times each day should be spent performing this exercise with a straight back and relaxed shoulders.

    • Chewing Gums - Many people find that chewing gum can help them lose their double chin in addition to the workouts indicated above. According to a study, chewing gum has been shown to lessen the desire for more snacks, which can help people lose weight and consume fewer calories. Gum chewing is regarded as a mild neck and chin exercise that can aid in overall fat loss. To achieve the best results, it must be combined with other workouts.

How Is Double Chin Treated?

In addition to the exercises mentioned above, there are other treatment options to eliminate the double chin. They are:

  • Diet - A healthy natural diet may be able to reduce the double chin if weight increase is the root of the problem. A calorie-deficit diet, which lowers daily caloric intake, may aid in double chin reduction. Additionally, it is crucial to include meals high in water, including cucumber and melons, since they help the body remove toxins and aid in weight loss. The amount of water consumed, the timing of water consumption, and other aspects all relate to food and diet. In a study, it was discovered that individuals who have the practice of drinking water before meals lose more weight than those who do not.

  • Face Masks - There are numerous face masks available right now that help to reduce the visible signs of a double chin and tighten loose skin. Some of the face masks that have aided in the process of shedding the double chin are:

    • Glycerin mask.

    • Coffee mask.

    • Green tea mask.

    • Mask made from egg white, honey, and lemon juice.

  • Surgery - Surgery and other more invasive procedures may be used to address double chins in those who do not experience any improvement using non-invasive techniques. There are two main invasive treatments for double chins. They are as follows:

    • Mesotherapy: The least intrusive surgical option for treating a double chin is mesotherapy. During the process, deoxycholic acid, a substance that dissolves fat, is repeatedly injected. A deoxycholic acid treatment requires 20 or more injections. There must be a minimum one-month interval between treatments, and this technique can only be performed a total of six times. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved deoxycholic acid, popularly known as Kybella, which aids in absorbing body fat. Mesotherapy should only be performed by dermatologists or plastic surgeons with experience with medications. Any mistakes in the procedure might lead to nerve damage, and the other side effects of mesotherapy include bruising, swelling, pain, redness, and numbness.

    • Lipolysis: Melting the fat and reshaping the skin is done using a procedure known as lipolysis, commonly known as liposculpture. The procedure requires anesthesia, but most of the time, a local anesthetic is sufficient, and only very rarely could a general anesthetic be needed. Lipolysis solely treats fat; it does not affect extra skin or the suppleness of the skin. This phenomenon could have negative implications, like pain, bruising, and swelling.

Conclusion:

If the necessary lifestyle adjustments are not made after receiving effective treatment, there is a considerable likelihood of developing a double chin once more. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a healthy weight and lead an active lifestyle because doing so will help people avoid developing double chins and guarantee that their bodies are in good overall condition.

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Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

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