Do you have a double chin? Are you looking for ways to get rid of the double chin? Do you feel insecure about them?
You're not alone — 68% of people feel the same way, according to a survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
Double chins are a common aesthetic concern that many people struggle with, regardless of age, gender, or body shape. Genetics, the aging process, bad posture, and weight gain all contribute to the development and persistence of this issue.
Lately, searches like “how to get rid of double chin fast” and “double chin exercise” have spiked on Google. If you check out platforms like TikTok or Instagram, you'll find hundreds of suggestions, from makeup tricks to facial exercises and surgery. Yet, it's tough to figure out what genuinely works.
Continue reading to learn how to get rid of a double chin with expert guidance! From understanding the causes to exercises, this blog has got you covered.
What is a double chin?
A double chin, scientifically known as submental fat, is the layer of fat that accumulates under the chin, resulting in a noticeable sagging or fullness.
The double chin is made up of two layers of fat:
- superficial fat above the platysma muscle
- subcutaneous fat below the platysma.
People of all ages may notice a double chin, regardless of their activity level or lifestyle. Double chins are usually hereditary and are caused by jaw bone structure and a person's natural fat pads.
For the record, having fat around the neck is quite normal. In fact, you shouldn't feel pressured to change what you believe is a double chin.
So, what are the ways you can get rid of them? The important thing to do is to figure out what's causing those jowls to make themselves known and go from there.
What causes a double chin?
As for the double chin, the causes are pretty straightforward. Generally, a double results from being overweight. But, several other factors contribute to the development of this unwanted feature, including:
i) Obesity/Weight gain
Obesity, according to several experts, is the major cause of having a double-chinned face. When you gain weight, the body stores fat in various areas, and the submental region is no exception. Weight gain in and around your face can sneak up on you, depending on your body type.
ii) Genetics:
A double chin is primarily associated with weight gain, but additional fat around the neck could also be genetic. This means that if your family has a history of double chins, you may be more prone to developing one.
If you have a double chin despite being skinny, your body simply stores additional fat around the jawline and neck due to genetics.
iii) Aging
Another common cause that often goes unnoticed is the effect of aging on our skin. When the amount of collagen produced drops, our skin loses elasticity and starts to sag. The less collagen we have, the more apparent the effect becomes as we age.
The effect of sagging skin beneath our jaws is identical to that of carrying excess fat in the same area. To boost the effect, we also tend to lose muscle definition as we age.
iv) Lack of exercise:
Yes. If you don't get enough exercise or physical activity and live a sedentary lifestyle, your neck and chin muscles may weaken, resulting in a double chin.
v) Medical conditions like thyroid:
Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and lymphatic illness, might increase a person's susceptibility to fat deposits, resulting in a double chin.
While a double isn't necessarily something to worry about, the underlying cause can result in minor health complications.
For example, obesity, which is the leading cause of double chin, has been connected to a number of health conditions, including high blood pressure, a higher mortality rate, diabetes, and others.
How to Get Rid of a Double Chin?
Now that we've understood the causes, let's explore expert-recommended strategies for getting rid of a double chin.
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Facial exercises/Yoga:
Doing facial exercises that specifically target muscles can drastically enhance the state of the muscles in the neck and cheeks. Exercise may help lose the extra layer of fat around the neck and chin.
There are various double chin exercises you can do from the comfort of your home. We'll discuss a few facial exercises you can do to remove excess fat on your double chin in the next section.
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Face-lift
A face-lift is best recommended for people who have double chins due to sagging or drooping neck skin. Facelifts normally necessitate the use of a general anesthetic, but they can sometimes be performed under a local anesthetic.
Regardless, the doctor will remove all fat and droopy skin surrounding the chin and neck during the treatment, reducing the double chin.
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Neck lift
A neck lift procedure is quite similar to a facelift. However, there are different types of neck-lift practices that can be done.
Cervicoplasty is a common procedure that removes excess skin from the neck and chin.
Another common procedure is platysmaplasty, which focuses on tightening the neck muscles.
Both of these techniques help in the contouring of your neck and chin.
According to experts, more than one surgery may be required to achieve faster outcomes. You may need liposuction and a face-lift to reduce your chin fat.
Surgical procedures require 10 to 14 days of recovery time. Certain side effects, such as bruising and swelling, may occur during treatment.
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Use Gua Sha
You have probably heard of gua sha, as it's becoming a viral tool for improving facial tone.
It can be helpful in the case of eliminating double chin, too. All you have to do is give yourself a lymphatic massage with gua sha. Roll it along your jawline and the rest of your face to shape your features while also releasing tension in your facial muscles.
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Massage with your favorite moisturizer
Correct application of serums and moisturizers is a skill that most individuals need to improve. You have to apply by massaging them with an upward sweeping motion.
Start at the base of your neck and work your way up to beneath your chin, giving your neck a light massage with your index and middle fingers.
This will enhance the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid in the area, thereby decreasing the appearance of a double chin. This may be more beneficial if your product is formulated to boost collagen production.
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Chewing gum
Although there isn't enough proof to support this claim, chewing gum may certainly tighten the muscles surrounding the neck, which might reduce the appearance of a double chin.
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Chin liposuction
If you want to get rid of a double chin quickly and don't mind undergoing a small operation, chin liposuction is the best alternative.
This is performed by inserting a tiny tube through a small incision made by a specialist. When performed on the neck, the specialist will additionally shape and contour your neck and chin in order to modify your jawline. Liposuction can be performed under local anesthetic with little recovery time.
Post-surgery, you will be required to wear a chin strap for 2-3 days to minimize swelling in the afflicted area.
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Mesotherapy (Kybella injections)
Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of double chin and other conditions. It uses a series of injections to administer a small number of fat-dissolving chemicals.
In the year 2015, the US FDA approved deoxycholic acid (Kybella), an injectable drug used in mesotherapy for the purpose of removing double chin.
During this procedure, deoxycholic acid – a substance in the gallbladder responsible for dissolving dietary fat – is injected into the skin below your chin.
It may take over 20 injections of deoxycholic acid per therapy to treat a double chin. You can get up to six treatments, although you may have to wait a month between sessions.
The procedure is thought to be successful for people looking for a non-surgical way to reduce stubborn fat in the submental area, resulting in a more defined and youthful shape.
Keep in mind that Kybella may pose severe nerve damage if not injected properly. Hence, make sure to get the surgery done by a dermatologist or an expert plastic surgeon.
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Cool Sculpting
Another effective treatment option is CoolSculpting, also known as cryolipolysis. It works by freezing fat cells, causing them to solidify and gradually die. The body naturally processes and destroys these fat cells over time, resulting in a more sculpted and toned appearance.
It could take up to two months for the treatment to work and for the chin fat to vanish completely.
What Are The Effective Double Chin Exercises?
Here are five facial exercises that may help the muscles and skin surrounding your double chin and jaw.
1. Straight jaw jut
This is a simple yet effective exercise that requires stretching your neck or jaw.
How to do it:
- Look up at the ceiling with your head tilted back.
- Move your lower jaw forward. You’ll feel a stretch under your chin.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- Relax your jaw and then return to a normal position.
- Repeat this process ten times.
2. Ball exercise
Using a cricket or tennis ball to remove your chin fat is the most effective approach. This simple exercise makes use of repeated pull-down movements to target facial and neck muscles. Here's how to do it:
- Place the tennis ball under your chin.
- Then, push your chin down against the ball.
- Do these repetitions 10-15 times regularly.
3. Neck stretch:
Neck stretch exercise targets the muscles around the chin and neck. You can do it in your free time while sitting. How to do it:
- Start by lifting your chin towards the ceiling.
- Press your tongue against the mouth's roof.
- You will feel a slight tightness under your chin.
- Hold for 5-10 seconds and release
- Repeat this for 10 times.
4. Tongue stretch:
This exercise makes use of the muscles of your tongue and helps reduce your chin fat. Here's how to do it:
- Sit straight, and stick your tongue out as much as you can.
- Lift your tongue and point it close to your nose.
- Hold onto this position for 10-15 seconds.
- Take a deep breath and repeat 10 times.
5. Facelift exercise
Face-lifting exercise is another effective way to tone up your facial muscles, particularly those surrounding your chin and cheeks. You can do this before bed or early in the morning. You may also do it when applying moisturizer.
Here's How to do it:
- Open your mouth and blow your nostrils
- Draw your upper lips as high as you can.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- With your mouth open, place your index finger on your cheekbones.
- Curl up the upper lips while applying pressure on the cheeks with fingers.
- Hold for a few seconds and repeat for 10 times.
Preventive Tips
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent a double chin completely, certain basic lifestyle changes may help you lower your chances of getting one.
Eating healthy and engaging in regular exercise are the most effective approaches to removing extra fat in any portion of the body.
Maintain a healthy weight by following a strict diet that includes omega-3-rich foods like salmon and walnuts while limiting alcohol use.
Exercise on a regular basis helps to burn calories and tone skin tissues. Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid chin sagging.
Maintain proper posture by keeping your shoulders back and your head raised high. Also, try limiting your screen time to improve your overall well-being.
If you are still dissatisfied with your results after trying at-home treatment, you may wish to consider getting in-clinic treatment from a dermatologist or a doctor.
After all, treatments carried out by professionals tend to be more effective than those performed at home and may result in quick improvements and positive results.
Final Reflections
Lastly, do not let a double chin jeopardize your confidence and keep you from being yourself if you think it makes you look unattractive.
By following the tips and strategies above and focusing on your healthy lifestyle, you can quickly reduce your double chin and say goodbye to them!
FAQs
1. How can I lose my double chin fast?
Ans: There's no fastest way to eliminate a double chin apart from surgical intervention. Liposuction is widely regarded as the quickest procedure available today. However, if the cause is obesity, the best way to remove chin fat is to live a healthy lifestyle with a proper diet and facial exercise.
2. Will my double chin go away once I lose weight?
Ans: Yes. Since weight gain is the primary cause of double chin, losing weight can certainly help get rid of it.
3. Can facial exercise alone get rid of the double chin?
Ans: Yes. Engaging in facial exercises can be beneficial as they help strengthen the muscles around the neck and chin region. There's a chance that this strengthening will make a double chin disappear.
4. Are double chins permanent?
Ans: Double chins are often permanent due to genetics. However, if the cause is weight gain, it can be temporary and may go away once you start losing weight. Fortunately, many surgical and non-surgical options are available to remove chin fats.
5. Can a double chin go away on its own?
Ans: If the underlying cause is weight gain, then your double chin may certainly go away on its own, only if you consistently follow a healthy diet and do facial exercises. However, if the cause is sagging skin or genetics, you'll probably need surgery to remove it completely.
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