Surgical vs Non-Surgical Double Chin Reduction

Our weight, age and genetics can affect all areas of our body, including our chin. Our Ottawa medical cosmetic professionals share some information about what a double chin is and what you should know about the surgical and non-surgical double chin reduction options.

What is a double chin?

While many people think the sight of a double chin means that you may be overweight, this is not necessarily the case. While it is possible that weight and excess fat can be a contributor, there are a number of other factors including genetics, age and a loss of skin elasticity. Whether you are a man or a woman and no matter your weight, anyone can develop a double chin.

What causes a double chin?

There are 3 main factors that contribute to the excess fat and sagging skin that make up a double chin.

Genes: Many times, the effects of a double chin have actually been inherited by our relatives. Your genetics not only decide the bone structure of your face and body but also where fat is deposited. If your face is already round, then you may be more likely to develop a double chin. While a healthy lifestyle can help reduce a double chin, genetic factors may prevent you from ever being entirely rid of it.

Weight: If you are overweight or obese, the likelihood of a double chin increases drastically. When fat has already been deposited to all of the typical areas including the stomach and thighs, it will also eventually be deposited into the chin. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to lose weight very quickly then you may be left with extra loose, sagging skin when the fat deposit used to be. Exercising regularly and ensuring a healthy diet can help you lose and manage your weight, which can help treat and prevent a double chin.

Aging: As you age, your metabolism slows down. This can lead to various health concerns such as muscle loss, low elasticity of the skin and fragile bones.

What are double chin reductions?

Double chin reductions and liposuction are procedures that remove the stubborn fat from a double chin which will create a new contour and more definition between the face and neck.

This can help to reduce the appearance of a double chin or a sagging neckline. These medical procedures are designed to leave you with a contoured jawline and a more youthful appearance.

What are the different types of double chin surgery?

Plastic surgeons use a variety of procedures to remove a double chin. These procedures include:

Liposuction

This procedure removes fat from beneath the skin and sculpts the chin and neck contour. A small incision will be created in the area to be treated, and a small tube will be inserted to suction out the unwanted fatty deposits. A local anesthetic will be utilized to help keep the client comfortable throughout the procedure.

Face Lift

Your medical professional will utilize this procedure to remove fat and loose, saggy skin around the chin and neck, in turn removing the double chin. The client will typically be unconscious and under general anesthesia, though it is possible to do this with a local anesthetic.

Neck Lift

There are 2 different types of neck lift procedures that aim to remove extra skin (cervicoplasty) or tighten neck muscles (platysmaplasty). Each of these surgeries helps to improve the contours of the neck and chin. Often this procedure is combined with others such as a facelift to create an all-around change.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of surgical double chin removal?

Like any other cosmetic procedure, there are advantages and disadvantages to getting chin liposuction.

Advantages

• Can be a quick and effective way to get rid of a double chin.
• Long-lasting results as long as you maintain your current weight.

Drawbacks

• You will need to take some time off for recovery.
• You’ll need to wear a chin strap for two weeks.
• The procedure can be uncomfortable, especially during recovery.

Who is a Good Candidate?

As with many other cosmetic procedures, not everyone will be a good candidate for surgical double chin reductions.

For the chin to heal properly in its new shape, the ideal candidate should have a certain amount of skin elasticity.

The cosmetic professional typically will not perform these procedures on clients who are experiencing obesity. The clients have fat deposits that are too difficult to remove using liposuction.

What about non-surgical double chin reductions?

When it comes to double chin reductions, surgical options can be expensive. You may require multiple sessions, which can each be costly. Non-surgical double chin reductions can be a fairly quick and cost-effective method of contouring your chin.

What is RF (Radio Frequency)?

During radio frequency (RF) skin tightening, providers use an electromagnetic device that generates heat to stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and new skin cells. This non-surgical facelift firms and lifts sagging skin. The results are temporary, but they're similar to a surgical facelift.

What are the benefits of non-surgical double chin removals?

Benefits of non-surgical chin reductions using RF include:

• Tightening of the lax skin without surgery.
• Tightening of the sagging neck.
• Reduction in jowls or cheek folds.
• Improvement in fine lines & wrinkles.

What to Expect With Non-Surgical Double Chin Reduction

This non-surgical procedure causes no bruising and has little to no downtime making it ideal for people looking for a non-invasive chin lift.

A double chin can be safely and effectively treated with RF (radio frequency) skin tightening. This procedure gradually heats the skin to 38 - 41 degrees, stimulating the healing factors known to rejuvenate, remodel and restructure the collagen and elastin proteins found within the skin. It is suitable for all phototypes and most skin types.

For most clients, we generally recommend a series of 6 to 10 weekly treatments followed by a once-yearly maintenance appointment.

Would you like to learn more about using RF for non-surgical chin reductions? Contact our medical cosmetic professionals at Pure Medical Cosmetics to schedule a consultation.