Ask someone what their least favorite age-related feature is and you might be surprised at the results you receive. For just about every individual that laments the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, another will complain about the formation of submental fat underneath the chin. Known as “submental” fat, this double chin look can give your face a rounder, older appearance. It can also look as if you have put on weight, even if you haven’t gained a single pound. The good news is you can now say goodbye to your double chin without surgery, anesthesia or downtime.
Options in Double Chin Treatment
At Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, we offer three non-surgical treatment options for the double chin. The first uses controlled cooling to destroy submental fat cells, creating a more sculpted jawline. The second makes use of targeted heating to tighten up loose skin under the chin, producing the appearance of greater definition and a more youthful facial profile. The last uses a chemical to dissolve fat producing an improved chin and neck contour. Depending on your specific needs and aesthetic goals, these procedures may be used separately or in combination to offer you the best possible results from your treatment.
CoolMini
The CoolMini is a special applicator that used with the CoolSculpting device to treat smaller areas of fat like the fullness found in the chin. This procedure works on the theory of cryolipolysis or controlled cooling delivered directly to the treatment area. Because fat cells are destroyed at a higher temperature than other cells of the body, the delivered cooling action eliminates fat without damaging surrounding skin and tissue.
A CoolMini treatment is quick and painless. After the procedure, patients are able to return to their regular activities right away. Results will appear over time as the treated fat cells are eliminated through natural body processes and the treatment area becomes slimmer and more defined. Most patients will achieve their full results after just two treatment sessions and those results will be long-lasting since the fat cells are completely eliminated.
ThermiTight
In some cases, the submental fat isn’t the only problem. You may also be experiencing skin laxity that is exacerbating the double chin look and even giving you a bit of a turkey wattle. If this is the case, you might be a better candidate for a non-surgical procedure known as ThermiTight. This treatment uses radiofrequency energy to heat the underlying dermal layers without damaging the surface tissue.
While ThermiTight will primarily tighten and firm skin, it can also provide a bit of submental fat reduction to create a smoother result. At Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, this procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, using local anesthetic. A small probe is inserted into the treatment area, which delivers the radiofrequency energy to subdermal tissue. The heat constricts the tissue while stimulating collagen production for long-lasting results. Patients experience little discomfort after the procedure and usually return to regular activities the day after treatment.
Kybella
Deoxycholic acid is a fat emulsifier, meaning it can dissolve fat. Through a series of injections in defined areas in the chin, Kybella is delivered directly into the fat deposits. Over weeks to months, the fat dissolves and is eliminated by the liver. Typically, several treatment sessions are employed to fully treat the area. Minor skin tightening can also be seen with Kybella treatments.
The Best of All Worlds
For patients experiencing both submental fat and skin laxity underneath the chin, CoolMini or Kybella treatments can be combined with ThermiTight treatments to produce the most dramatic results. In this case, the CoolMini or Kybella treatments are performed first. The fat reduction treatments are then followed by the ThermiTight procedure. Patients typically see the results of both of their procedures about three months after the treatments are completed.
If you are unhappy with your double chin, options are available. Contact Dr. Andrews Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery today at 855-338-0261 to find out if these treatments are a good choice for you.
