Excessive fat deposition under chin and in neck gives appearance of bulky chin, commonly known as, ‘double chin’. This is a very common aesthetic concern in many men and women. Aging, hereditary, weight gain or certain lifestyle factors cause accumulation of excess fat under chin and in neck. Fat deposition is either a part of generalized obesity or only specific to neck and chin. There are various treatment modalities to deal with this condition and their selection depends upon if person has only excess fat or both fat and skin as well as his/her preference for surgical or non- surgical treatment.
- Chin Liposuction-
This is the most popular and definitive method to tackle the problem of ‘double chin’. Liposuction is minimally invasive surgical procedure which predominantly removes excess fat from chin and neck area. It also creates a well defined jaw line. It can be done under local or general anesthesia. Downtime is 3 to 4 days. Biggest advantages of liposuction are a very good result is achieved in single treatment and result is seen immediately.
- Neck Lift-
When there is loose skin under chin and in neck which gives ‘turtle neck’ appearance, it can be better dealt by neck lift. This procedure removes excessive skin. It can also be combined with neck liposuction to remove excess fat. A single treatment can achieve a long lasting result.
- Mesotherapy/ Kybella-
This is an injection treatment. It involves multiple injections of deoxycholic acid, which breaks down fat cells and destroyed them. Multiple injections ( 20 or more) are required in each treatment. Generally six or more treatments are required with at least four weeks interval in between two treatments. It is a good option when there is minimum to moderate amount of fat under chin with no loose skin.
- Cryolipolysis-
Also known as ‘Cool Sculpting’. This option consists of application of freezing temperature to fat cells via a hand piece placed on skin. This temperature destroys fat cells by damaging their membrane. This fat is then metabolized in body. The result is not seen immediately but takes around two to three months. Multiple treatments may be required. The ideal candidate for this treatment is the one with minimum to moderate amount of fat in neck with no loose skin.
- Radiofrequency (RF) Skin Tightening-
This is another nonsurgical method in which radiofrequency (RF) energy is applied via a probe placed over skin. This RF energy causes collagen remodeling and tightening of loose skin. Some associated fat loss may also be seen. This is a suitable treatment modality for candidates who have loose extra skin under chin and neck is the main concern with minimum amount of fat. Typically multiple treatments are required with four to six weeks interval in between two treatments. The result is not seen immediately and takes 2 to 3 weeks
Dr. Ashish Sangvikar 