Published on April 6, 2023
Almost all of us will develop a double chin at some point in our lives. But while it doesn’t pose any health risk, a jiggling jawline can severely affect our self-confidence.
In fact, according to a 2016 survey, 49% of participants said that the pockets of fat under their chin negatively impact their appearance. While about 35% tend to avoid video chats or shy away from photos because of their double chin.
The good news is there are lots of ways to get rid of double chin and tighten the skin around your jawline. And many of them don’t even involve surgery or invasive procedures.
In this post, we’ll list down how you can get rid of your double chin without going under the knife. But first, you need to understand why double chins exist.
What Causes a Double Chin?
Also known as submental fat, a double chin develops when layers of fat amass underneath your chin. This stretches out the skin around that area, causing it to droop and bulge.
While a double chin is traditionally associated with weight gain, it can be caused by a myriad of factors. This includes:
- Genetics. Our genes determine where our body fats will accumulate. So if your family and relatives have double chins, then you’ll most likely have one too.
- Old age. As we age, our skin loses its structure and elasticity. So when fat deposits weigh it down, it easily sags, leading to drooping chins.
- Weight gain. This goes without saying. When we gain weight, excess fat deposits also tend to rack up in certain parts of our bodies – including our chins.
- Poor posture. When you’re constantly looking down or slouching, it can weaken your neck muscles. As a result, they cannot effectively hold the fats under your chin, causing the skin to sag.
How to Get Rid of Double Chin
Depending on what’s causing your double chin, here are some of the most effective ways to get rid of it:
1. Kybella
As of this writing, Kybella is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment for submental fat.
This minimally-invasive procedure uses deoxycholic acid injections to destroy the fat cells under your chin. Aside from improving your jawline, it also prevents excess fat from accumulating in that area ever again. Because of this, Kybella results are permanent, and follow-up treatments are usually not necessary.
2. Botox
You’re probably wondering why Botox is on this list. I mean, it’s for fine and wrinkles, right? How can it help get rid of your double chin?
Well, if your double chin is brought about by loose skin and sagging muscles, botox can help. It uses onabotulinum toxin, a type of neurotoxin that blocks nerve signals in the treatment area. This relaxes the muscles and prevents them from moving.
When injected under your chin, it improves the appearance of your submental fat. It can also slim down your face giving you a more defined jawline.
3. Dermal Fillers
As the name suggests, dermal fillers are gel-like, injectable soft tissue fillers. They boost your skin’s collagen production, plumping it up and improving its elasticity.
With better elasticity, the skin beneath your chin will become tighter and smoother. This makes your extra chins less droopy, enhancing your jawline and highlighting your facial contours.
4. PDO Threads Facelift
PDO threads facelift is a non-invasive solution to sagging chin and drooping jowls. It uses polydioxanone (PDO) threads to create a sort of scaffolding under your chin and lift up your jowls. These threads are fully dissolvable, and it gets absorbed by the skin after a few months.
It also promotes the production of collagen. This makes your skin look tighter, firmer, and younger.
5. PRP Injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use your own blood platelets to “heal” your skin. It stimulates collagen production and restores your skin’s youthful appearance.
Because of this, PRP injections are effective for double chins caused by aging and sagging skin. It firms up your skin, enhancing its ability to hold excess fat layers without drooping.
6. Buccal Massage
If you can’t stand your double chin but are not a fan of needles, buccal massage is for you. This type of deep tissue massage targets the areas around the cheeks, mouth, and jawline. It improves lymphatic drainage, which in turn, decreases puffiness and enhances your facial contours.
The entire process lasts no more than 30 minutes and doesn’t involve using any topical creams, needles, or inorganic substances.
7. Exercise
In addition to massages, a few simple exercises can also help improve your chin’s appearance. They don’t directly reduce your submental fat. But they can strengthen and tone your neck muscles, giving you a more contoured jawline.
Here are some you can try today:
- Neck stretch. Raise your head towards the ceiling, then put your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then release. Repeat the process for a few minutes.
- Kiss the ceiling. Tilt your head back and look at the ceiling. Then pucker up your lips like you’re about to kiss the ceiling. Repeat the process for a few minutes.
- Ball squeeze. Place a tennis ball between your neck and chin. Squeeze it tightly for a few seconds, then release. Repeat the process a few times.
Note that, unlike cosmetic procedures, these exercises don’t produce instant results. You may need to do this for months before you’ll notice any difference.
What’s the Best Way to Get Rid of a Double Chin?
It really depends on your needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for permanent results, you’ll achieve that with Kybella. Or, if you’re looking for more subtle results, a dermal filler or PDO threads facelift might be more suited to your needs.
But if you’re not a fan of needles, you can also try getting a buccal massage or doing chin exercises.
If you’re not sure what’s the best procedure for you, our board-certified aestheticians can help. Book your appointment today.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio has been writing about health and beauty topics for years. As an experienced writer, she makes sure to only use information from reputable sources and peer-reviewed studies. Her writing has also appeared on various US-based sites.
