Having a double chin can have a serious effect on your self-confidence, and it makes a lot of people feel unhappy with the way they look. Being conscious of your double chin or loose skin around your neck can make posing for pictures difficult, with many women and men avoiding getting their photographs taken at all for fear of not liking the way they look in it.
Double chins may feel like a nightmare, but there are ways to get rid of a double chin and get you feeling happier about the way you look.
Today we’re going to go through what causes a double chin and how you can get rid of a double chin using both surgical and non-surgical methods.
What causes a double chin?
Double chins are often associated with old age, weight gain or obesity, but this isn’t always the case. A lot of people who are of average weight or even underweight can have a double chin.
A double chin is also called submental fat, and it’s an incredibly common condition that happens when a layer of fat forms just below your chin. This can be caused by weight gain, but genetics and looser skin from ageing also cause a double chin.
How can age cause a double chin?
As we get older, the effects of gravity, the sun’s harsh UV rays and our lifestyles can cause our faces to appear droopy and aged, leading to a double chin.
The sagging of the skin and the loosening of neck muscles can also result in a less defined jaw and give the appearance of a double chin.
How do genetics cause a double chin?
Just like how genetics have a say in the structure of your jaw, they also play a part when it comes to your body’s tendency to accumulate and hold submental fat.
If you’ve got the gene that stores more fat in this area, then you’re going to have a double chin regardless of how much weight you lose.
If you have a double chin and it’s upsetting you, there are a few non-surgical options you can try to get rid of it.
Can you get rid of a double chin without surgery?
There are a couple of ways you can get rid of a double chin without the need for surgery.
1. Do regular double chin-targeting exercises
There is no scientific evidence to prove that these exercises work and will help get rid of your double chin, but a lot of people swear by them.
Here are a few exercises for you to try that might help strengthen and tone the muscle in your chin.
Straight jaw jut
- Tilt your head back
- Look toward the ceiling
- Push your lower jaw forward
- Feel on your neck
- Hold this position for ten seconds
- Relax your jaw
- Return your head to its natural position
- Repeat
Tongue stretch
- Look straight ahead
- Stick your tongue out as far as it’ll go, lift your tongue upward and toward your nose
- Hold for 10 seconds before releasing
- Repeat
Neck stretch
- Tilt your head back
- Look at the ceiling
- Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth
- Hold for 10 seconds before releasing
- Repeat
Bottom jaw jut
- Tilt your head back
- Look at the ceiling
- Turn your head to the right
- Slide your bottom jaw forward
- Hold for 10 seconds and release.
- Repeat on the left side
- Then repeat again
2. Having a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine
If your double chin is due to weight gain, losing weight may reduce or get rid of it.
The best way to lose weight is to:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
Here are a few healthy eating tips for you to try:
- Four servings of vegetables every day
- Three servings of fruits every day
- Replace refined grains with whole grains
- Avoid eating as many processed foods as possible
- Eat lean protein – avoid too much fatty red meats
- Eat healthy fats like avocados and nuts
- Avoid large amounts of fried food
- Buy low-fat dairy products – avoid whole fat milk & yoghurts
- Reduce how much sugar you eat
- Eat smaller portions
These two options can help you get rid of your double chin issue, but these methods won’t be very effective if your double chin is caused by age or genetics.
The only option left is to consider getting neck lift surgery.
What is neck lift surgery?
Neck lift surgery, also called platysmaplasty, is a procedure that removes excess skin and fatty tissue from the neck. It also tightens the neck muscles to help redefine the jawline.
The procedure is used to help create the look of a regular chin and outline a younger, fitter-looking facial appearance.
If you have sagging neck skin or neck folds, often caused by age, then a neck lift is the perfect procedure for you. Age often causes the neck to sag and jowls to form, and unfortunately, these types of issues can’t be remedied with a healthy diet and exercise.
What’s involved in neck lift surgery?
Neck lift surgery is a simple procedure. It’s performed through minimal incisions hidden behind the ears.
When a neck lift is performed, the neck muscle is tightened by the incisions behind the ear, and any excess skin is removed.
How long does neck lift surgery take?
Neck lift surgery usually takes one or two hours and is performed under general or local anaesthesia.
How long does it take to recover after neck lift surgery?
Neck lifts usually take about a week to recover from before you can go back to work.
If you’re thinking of getting rid of your double chin and want some more information about neck lift surgery then our experienced surgical team at Auralia would love to help. Our team offers the very best cosmetic surgery in Ireland and we’d be happy to help you achieve your dream look.
Get in contact with us today and we can answer any questions you may have about double chins and neck lift surgery. Book your free consultation today.
