Getting Rid Of Your Double Chin

By Anne Littman, PA-C, MSHS

The Sendi Center for Cosmetic Surgery

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Getting Rid Of Your Double Chin

Patients often ask, “How can I get rid of my double chin”? If the problem is excess fat, we have two new non-surgical methods for addressing this area.

Traditionally, the only option to address excess fat under the chin was liposuction. This could be done safely with general anesthesia, or local anesthesia in a safe, accredited surgery center with a board certified plastic surgeon. Often times liposuction is combined with a neck or mini-facelift if the double chin also involves loose skin and muscle. Risks are greater than some of the non-surgical counterparts, and there is usually some down time, but surgery provides the fastest and greatest amount of fat reduction.

In the past year, the FDA has approved two new, non-surgical options for reduction of fat under the chin. First on the market was Kybella (deoxycholic acid). This is a series of two injection treatments spread eight weeks apart. Kybella dissolves the fat under the chin, which is gradually then absorbed by the body resulting in permanent fat reduction. Since it is a gradual process, with results visible by about week three, the skin will likely contract with fat reduction. Risks and side effects are minimal with a properly trained medical provider.

Earlier this year, the FDA approved Coolmini, a Coolsculpting treatment for under the chin. Coolsculpting, by Zeltiq, has had over two million successful non-invasive body contouring treatments nationwide, and is spreading internationally. The treatment is quite comfortable, the results are gradual, without need for compression garments, minimal downtime, and minimal risks and side effects. Most patients see results in three weeks with the most dramatic results in 1-3 months.

A sagging neck can involve loose skin, loose muscle, and excess fat, so a thorough evaluation is warranted to determine the cause of the double chin. There are additional surgical options, laser options and injectable options to help address these other concerns of the aging neck. Due to the risk of nerve damage in the chin area, we highly advise seeing a board certified medical provider for consultation and best management approach to your aging neck concerns.