What Causes a Double Chin and How To Treat It

Submental fullness AKA double chin is caused by an excess of adipose tissue or fat in the area under the lower jaw below the chin. This occurs due to weight gain, genetics, posture, age and recession of the mentum or bone of the chin. The good news is that we can treat it!

Popular treatments like Kybella and CoolSculpting have significant limitations. One, candidates must have a very small amount of fat for these treatments to be effective without spending tons of money. Two, even though the fat may be reduced, the skin will still be loose after the fatty volume is removed. Three, Kybella causes significant swelling and tenderness which is undesirable to most patients. Finally, both of these treatments require multiple treatment sessions. 

If the two most popular treatments aren’t the best choices, then what is? Let us introduce you to FaceTite with Micro Lipo and Morpheus8. FaceTite with Micro Lipo is a one and done procedure that melts fat, permanently removes it, and tightens the skin all in one treatment. Morpheus8 is often performed in a series of 3 minimally invasive treatments that cause lipolysis (fat reduction) and promote skin tightening. These treatments may also be combined for great fat destructing and skin tightening results. 

First, let’s talk about FaceTite. FaceTite uses a hand piece designed with an external and internal probe. The internal probe is about 1 mm around, roughly the size of a sharpened pencil tip. Radiofrequency energy travels between the two tips heating the tissue to a degree that achieves fat destruction and stimulates the fibroblasts to produce massive amounts of collagen and elastin. This technology tightens the fibroseptal network resulting in a tighter, more contoured appearance to the chin and jawline. After FaceTite is performed, a vibration-assisted micro-cannula is used to aspirate or suck out the fat. This fat removal is permanent. With just a few days of social downtime, this option is often more affordable than multiple sessions of Kybella or CoolSculpting. 

Now, let’s talk about our most popular aesthetic treatment, Moprheus8! Morpheus8 uses radiofrequency microneedling to destroy fat and tighten skin in a minimally invasive way. Silicone coated microneedles penetrate the skin at a controlled depth which minimizes epidermal injury and decreases social downtime. Once the needles are inside the skin, radiofrequency energy delivers heat to the tissue to stimulate collagen and elastin production and tighten the skin. At certain depths, the heat can disrupt and destroy fat cells which are then removed from the body through the lymphatic system. A series of 3 treatments is recommended for tightening and/or fat destruction. Patients can expect about 24 hours of social downtime where they appear to have a moderate sunburn-like appearance. 

When these two treatments are combined, the results are unmatched. In addition to combining the treatments to improve efficacy, we also educate patients on products that will improve collagen and elastin production and aid in tightening the skin and help maintain their results. Some of these include Alastin regenerating Skin Nectar which is used two weeks before and after each treatment, SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight which is our most popular PM anti-aging product, ZO Skin Health Firming Serum and Growth Factor Serum which promote skin strengthening and tightening, and ZO Skin health Daily Power Defense which provides antioxidant protection against free radicals and UV damage. Don’t forget to test all of our sunscreens in our reception area. 80% of age-related changes are caused by sun damage so SPF is the single most important product that you can use to protect your investment. And no, the SPF in your makeup does not count. 

As always feel free to schedule a consultation to learn more about which treatments are right for you.