Find out about the most common methods of removing chin fat.
- Do you have fat under your chin, or a double chin?
- Is this a new problem, or have you been struggling with it for a long time?
- Has it persisted despite improved eating habits and exercise?
 

4 ways to get rid of a double chin

 
A double chin can be the result of genetics, loose skin or weight gain. It is also a common concern for many patients. But to overcome your double chin - or submental adiposity, as it's known in the medical field - you first need to understand what it is, where it comes from, and what it means for your body and your well-being.
 

What is submental adiposity?

 
Submental fat, or submental fat, is the scientific term for a double chin. As with any excess fat, the best initial treatment is diet and exercise. However, chin and neck fat can be stubborn despite a healthy diet and exercise programme. There are many patients who have lost an impressive amount of weight through healthy diet and exercise, but are still plagued by their submental fat.
 

Fortunately, there are several options for eliminating your double chin and refining your 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 aids the absorption of fat during the digestive process. When injected into the 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 area. In the future, it is possible that Kybella will be used in other parts of the body. But for the time being, anything other than use in the submental fat is considered unauthorised use. Kybella is usually injected after the application of a topical anaesthetic drug to the chin. A sticker template is placed on the submental area to determine the amount of Kybella needed for injection.
The most common side effects of Kybella:  
- Swelling,
- Redness,
- Pain
- Firmness at the injection site.
Patients can expect redness and swelling for a few days after treatment, as the drug destroys fat cells.
Many patients require two or three treatment sessions, but some patients achieve amazing, natural results after just one session.
In rare cases, patients may need up to six sessions.
 
When more than one Kybella session is required, treatments are usually spaced about six weeks apart.
 
2. CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is another non-surgical option for patients to consider. This option uses a process known as cryolipolysis, in which a device freezes and destroys fat cells by subjecting them to freezing temperatures. CoolSculpting can be used to eliminate fat under the chin, or in other problem areas such as the stomach, thighs, back, etc. Treatment sessions last approximately 45 minutes when focused on the chin area only. If other areas of the body are treated, the sessions will be longer. To check if a patient is a candidate for CoolSculpting, the vacuum applicator of the machine must fit properly on the patient's neck. During treatment, patients can expect to experience a sensation of intense cold, tightness and mild discomfort in the treatment area.
After treatment, patients may experience slight swelling, redness and bruising. CoolSculpting is similar to Kybella injections in that they both require several sessions.

 
 
 3. Liposuction
For patients seeking a unique treatment, submental liposuction is a surgical approach to remove submental fat. This liposuction can be performed under local anaesthesia or by injection of anaesthetic drugs. In addition to this, some patients will also take an oral relaxant medication.
After the skin is anaesthetised, a small incision is made in a skin fold hidden under the chin. The skin is then separated from the fat through the small incision and a suction device removes the excess fat. Afterwards, the fat is removed from the neck and jawline for an optimal and natural result.
The incision is then closed with sutures, which are removed about a week after the procedure. Submental liposuction can also have a skin tightening effect during the healing process.
 
4. Lower face and neck lift
All three of the above treatments are effective in treating excess fat in the neck and submental area. But when patients have embarrassing excess skin on the neck, they are unlikely to achieve ideal results without surgery. For patients who want to remove both submental fat and excess neck skin, a lower face and neck lift may be an option. A lower face and neck lift tightens the lower face and neck to remove excess skin, allowing patients to look much younger than before. This facelift, also known as a weekend/neck lift because of its short recovery period, is performed under general and local anaesthesia and requires 10-14 days of recovery. This procedure is ideal for patients who want a more permanent one-time treatment that will remove both their double chin and any excess skin on the neck and lower face.