Learn the Most Common Ways to Eliminate Submental Fat on Your Chin
Do you have fullness under your chin, or a double chin?
Is this a new problem, or have you struggled with this for a long time?
Has it persisted despite improving your eating habits and exercise?
A double chin can be a result of genetics, loose skin, or weight gain. It is also a common concern for many of patients of the Rejuva Center in Latham, New York.
But, to beat your double chin — or submental adiposity, as it is called in the medical field — you need to first understand what it is, where it came from, and what it means for your body and well-being.
What is Submental Adiposity?
Submental adiposity, or submental fat, is the scientific term for a double chin.
As with all excess fat, the best initial treatment regimen is diet and exercise. However, fat in the chin and neck can be stubborn despite a healthy diet and workout regimen.
At the Rejuva Center, we see many patients who have lost an impressive amount of weight through healthy eating and exercise — but they are still plagued by their submental fat.
Luckily, there are several options available to remove your double chin for a slimmer neck and face.
1. Kybella
The first non-surgical option is Kybella, an injectable medication called deoxycholic acid.
This is a bile acid normally produced by the body, which helps with fat absorption during the digestive process.
When injected into submental fat, Kybella destroys fat calls — preventing the body from storing fat in the chin area.
Currently, Kybella is only indicated for injection into the submental region.
In the future, it is possible that we will see Kybella be used in other parts of the body. But for now, anything other than using it in submental fat is considered off-label use.
Kybella is typically injected after applying topical numbing medication to the chin. A template diagram sticker is placed on the submental region to determine the amount of Kybella needed for injection.
The most common side effects from Kybella are swelling, redness, pain, and firmness within the injection site. Patients can expect redness and swelling for a few days after receiving treatment because the medication is destroying fat cells.
Many patients require two to three treatment sessions, but some patients receive amazing, natural results after just one session.
This patient saw instant results after one Kybella treatment.
In rare cases, patients may require up to six sessions.
When more than one session of Kybella is necessary, the treatments are typically separated by approximately six weeks.
2. CoolSculpting
Another non-surgical option for patients to consider is CoolSculpting.
This option utilizes a process known as cryolipolysis, where a device freezes and destroys the fat cells by subjecting them to freezing temperatures.
CoolSculpting can be used to remove fat under the chin, or in other trouble spots like the stomach, thighs, back, and more.
Treatment sessions take approximately 45 minutes when only focusing on the submental region. If more areas of the body are being treated, the sessions will take longer.
To check if a patient is a candidate for CoolSculpting, the device’s vacuum-applicator must be able to appropriately fit on a patient’s neck.
During treatment, patients can expect to feel a sensation of intense cold, pulling, and slight discomfort in the treatment area.
After treatment, patients may have some mild swelling, redness, and slight bruising.
CoolSculpting is similar to Kybella injections in that they both typically require multiple sessions.
3. Submental Liposuction
For patients who are looking for a one-time treatment, submental liposuction is a surgical approach to removing submental fat.
This liposuction can be performed either with local anesthesia or injected numbing medication. In addition to this, some patients will take an oral relaxing medication as well.
After the skin has been numbed, a small incision is created in a hidden skin crease underneath the chin.
The skin is then separated from the fat through the small incision and a suction device removes the excess fat.
At the Plastic Surgery Center at Williams, we remove fat from both the neck and the jawline for optimal, natural results.
Next, the incision is closed with sutures that are removed approximately one week after the procedure.
There can also be somewhat of a skin tightening effect from submental liposuction as the skin heals.
4. Lower Face & Neck Lift
The three aforementioned treatments are effective in addressing excess fat in the neck and submental region.
But, when patients have bothersome excess neck skin, they will not likely experience their ideal results without surgery.
For patients who are interested in both removing submental fat and excess neck skin, a lower face and neck lift may be an option.
A lower face/neck lift tightens the lower face and neck to remove excess skin, resulting in patients looking much younger than before.
This facelift, also called a weekend/neck lift because of its short recovery period, is performed under general and local anesthesia and requires 10 to 14 days of recovery.
This procedure is best for patients who want a more permanent one-time treatment that will both remove their double chin and any excess skin on the neck and lower face.
Importance of Choosing Experienced Rejuvenation & Surgical Specialists
The first step to getting rid of your double chin is to be evaluated by an experienced physician or provider familiar with the anatomy of the head and neck.
This is important to determine the anatomical level of where the fat is located, as well as distinguish normal anatomical structures from fat.
Additionally, the presence or absence of excess skin can influence treatment recommendations.
Although the submental region is a relatively safe anatomical zone, areas in close proximity harbor important nerves and blood vessels which need to be avoided during treatment.
Finally, it is important to seek consultation with a clinic that has both non-surgical and surgical options so that patients can be fully informed of their options.
Contact Us
If you are interested in getting rid of stubborn submental fat or improving the appearance of your neck, contact the Rejuva Center.
We would be happy to discuss both surgical and non-surgical treatment options.