Double Chin

A double chin, or accumulation of submental fat, can occur for a number of reasons. Although we might initially attribute the main cause as weight gain, while this can be a contributing factor, for some genetics also plays a role. Genetic factors such as your jaw structure and shape can give the illusion of a double chin, which could be hereditary from one or both of your parents.

Other causes include the natural ageing process, where we lose collagen and elasticity as we age, resulting in skin laxity and a pocket that hangs under the chin, or a weakening of the neck muscles, which can be linked to poor posture. For people experiencing a double chin, the underlying cause may be one or a combination of these factors.

It may not be completely possible to prevent a double chin if you have a genetic predisposition, however there are a number of things you can do to delay or minimise its appearance.

As weight is a main contributing factor, ensuring you remain at a healthy weight by consuming a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated, alongside regular exercise, can be beneficial. As part of your exercise regime, incorporate exercises that will target the neck and jaw area to help keep this area strong and toned. Always maintain a good posture to further prevent muscle weakness.

Healthy lifestyle habits such as incorporating a daily SPF to protect the skin from harmful UV rays that contribute to premature aging, improving skin health by not smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can all also help to combat the underlying causes of a double chin.

If your double chin is still bothersome after incorporating lifestyle changes, there are a number of non-surgical treatment options available that can be advised following an assessment.

1. CoolSculpt – CoolSculpting is the leading non-invasive fat reduction treatment that eliminates stubborn fat safely and effectively, without the need for surgery or downtime. This fat reduction treatment is the only FDA-approved procedure to use controlled cooling to safely target and eliminate diet- and exercise-resistant fat as a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. CoolSculpting is a scientifically proven way to contour your body for noticeable, lasting results, so you will look and feel great from every angle. A great treatment option if you are looking for a permanent fat reduction in the submental/chin area.
2. Exilis Ultra 360 – this can be used as a standalone treatment or alongside Ultherapy® for lifting and tightening the double chin area. This high tech, medical grade system uses controlled radio-frequency to heat the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and a skin tightening effect. This treatment also improves the appearance of a double chin by tightening the skin and reducing the submental fat layer by heating up the underlying fat cells, causing them to shrink and eventually be broken down and eliminated by the body.
3. Ultherapy® – a non-surgical alternative to a face lift, recognised as Gold Standard for non-surgical skin lifting and tightening. Ultherapy® uses advanced ultrasound energy in the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate the natural production of collagen and elastin, restoring the skin’s suppleness and firmness. Ultherapy® treatment can be effective in lifting the lower face and submental region to give a more strongly defined jawline, reducing the appearance of a double chin that can last over a year from a single treatment. It can be used in combination with other treatments for further rejuvenation.

Following your consultation your practitioner will advise on the best treatment for optimal results. We will ensure you have a good understanding of how the treatment will benefit your skin, including any downtime expected, treatment duration and costs.

ZO® Skin Health products are specifically designed to be the best skin care for ageing skin by addressing both the visible signs and key triggers of ageing at every phase. It uses only the highest quality active ingredients like retinoids, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, glycolic acid, lactic acid and more.

Following a consultation the best anti-ageing regimen that works to improve lip skin texture, repair your skin barrier and restore a healthy, youthful appearance to your skin will be prescribed.

To help improve the appearance of ageing skin whilst supporting skin elasticity, firmness and collagen production, experts recommend supplements from the Advanced Nutritional Programme (ANP) supplement range alongside a healthy diet. Traditional skincare is turned inside out with the innovative, award-winning range of evidence-based skincare supplements.

While topical skincare only treats 50% of the skin on the surface, ANP potent nutritional blends feed your skin from within for a proven, 100% skincare approach. If you’re looking to give your skin the ultimate support, we love Skin Ultimate and Skin Collagen Synergy which both come in a convenient 28 day blister pack . Your bespoke nutritional programme will be tailored to your specific needs following your consultation.