A double chin is caused by layers of subcutaneous fat deposits below the chin. Due to this sag, it appears as a second chin and hence its name. Some of the factors like age, diet, weight, posture and lifestyle contribute to this condition. Genetics or loose skin resulting from aging may also cause a double chin. So it’s very important to identify if the double chin is because of accumulation of fat or due to the loose skin as the treatment varies for both. For accumulation of fat, the treatment which is gaining popularity is injections that destroy the fat cells. For loose skin, thread lift and machine-based treatments that aim to deliver energy to heat the tissue to stimulate collagen are used. Whereas high intensity focused ultrasound, also known as HIFU,works in both cases.
Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. This is injected into the fat deposits of the double chin. This then destroys the fat cells which can no longer store or accumulate fat and are reabsorbed naturally by the body. These injections are primarily based on Deoxycholic acid. This treatment is gaining popularity as the go-to treatment due to its non-invasive nature. Some of the leading brands are Kybella, Geolysis etc.
This treatment has been a saviour to many Hollywood celebs like Courtney Cox, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Aniston and Cardi B.
How does it work?
The dermatologist will first take complete medical history and health profile with a thorough examination of the treatment area. The physician will map out the various injection points about 1 cm apart all over the double chin area. The exact number of injections will depend on the amount of fat the patient has under the chin and patients profile. After applying anesthesia the physician will one by one inject the solution into the planned points over the double chin. The complete treatment takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Treatments can be repeated two to three times to a maximum of six sessions with a minimum gap of one month. The fat under the chin should start to disappear over the course of four to six weeks. The most common side effects are swelling, numbness, pain and redness to uncommon side effects of bruising, trouble swallowing etc. Depending on the health and medical profile and the treatment protocols, these side effects can last for few hours/days or a couple of weeks. The price depends on the target area, volume, number of injections required etc. But, usually it costs around '8,000 to 10,000 per session.
Alternate treatments
There are multiple treatments that help to treat double chin. Some of the simpler ones involve facial exercises and following a specific diet plan. A procedure called Cryolipolysis chills fat cells to the point of freezing, damaging their membranes so they are absorbed and metabolised by the body. Non-surgical neck-lift procedures like HIFU by high intensity focused ultrasound energy which is delivered below the skin, affects the three layers of the skin which results in tightening and lifting of the skin. This improves the contours of the neck and chin. Some invasive procedures have known to give very good results like liposuction which removes the fat from beneath the skin.
— The writer is a Mumbai-based dermatologist
Disclaimer: Always check with a dermatogist/cosmetic surgeon before going ahead with this procedure.
