A double chin occurs when a fatty mass forms at the back of the chin, under the lower jaw. In some cases, it is also linked to sagging skin. The result? A more or less pronounced crease appears under the chin, the contour of the face becomes blurred… Sometimes, two or three bulges of flesh also form underneath: this is known as a triple chin.
In short: in either case, it’s not very aesthetic. Even more so when the excess fat under the chin is accompanied by jowls. It really does give the impression that the oval of the face is sagging… And it also makes the profile look heavier. The good news is that there are solutions to combat the double chin and refine your face. Including non-invasive, painless solutions!
Present in both men and women, a double chin can form in youth or at a more mature age. We present the main causes in detail below!
Sometimes, having a double chin is just a matter of bad luck in the great genetic lottery. This explains why young, slim men and women can still have a double chin. Their genetic heritage simply predisposes them to store fat in this area. Fortunately, however, it is still possible to eliminate excess fat under the chin, even when genetics favor its installation.
Unsurprisingly, weight gain can also be the cause of excess fat under the chin. The body doesn’t just store fat on the stomach, hips and buttocks. In fact, reserves can be built up in many other areas, including the face and neck. Hence the formation of a double chin or jowls, for example. To limit the risk, we recommend a healthy diet and regular exercise.
We don’t think about it as much, but weight loss, especially rapid and significant weight loss, can also promote the formation of a double chin. Why is this? Quite simply, because when fat mass is lost rapidly, facial skin can lose tone and elasticity. Sagging skin can, in turn, lead to the appearance of a double chin… This is one of the many reasons why it’s better to eat healthily on a daily basis rather than follow a drastic diet. However, there are ways of correcting a double chin linked to sagging skin.
Age is also a major cause of double chin. Skin firmness and elasticity naturally diminish over time. The cause: reduced production of collagen and elastin, two proteins essential to skin tone…
That said, it’s not a big deal: there’s a solution for every problem. Follow our tips to firm up your skin !
This is still a matter of debate, but many doctors and plastic surgeons believe that poor posture can encourage the appearance of a double chin. In particular, you should avoid regularly tilting your head downwards. Similarly, not keeping your neck and back straight can weaken neck and jaw muscles. The result is a double chin.
In some cases, the appearance of a double chin is directly linked to hormonal upheavals. We’re thinking in particular of those caused by thyroid dysfunction. In this case, the double chin may even be associated with a goiter (a lump in the neck due to the sometimes impressive swelling of the thyroid gland), but this is not always the case. If in doubt, talk to your doctor. If your adiposity problems are indeed due to a thyroid disorder, you may need treatment.
Just as there are many possible causes for a double chin, there are also many ways to get rid of it. The same goes for jowls and neck fat, for that matter! In fact, most of the techniques on offer can combat all 3 problems. Here’s a quick overview of these solutions.
Have you ever heard of the BodySculptor face-lift mask? Suitable for both men and women, it uses BioStimology®, a patented, non-invasive technology that diffuses a very low-frequency magnetic field to activate muscles imperceptibly. All without pain or unpleasant contractions!
Results vary according to the number of sessions performed. But as a guide, a clinical study1 found that after 12 sessions spread over 4 weeks :
an average 17% reduction in the volume of the oval of the face;
visible reshaping of the oval of the face;
firmer, more textured skin on the face and neck.
In short: this mask acts as a kind of natural facelift, without the drawbacks of surgery. And best of all, you can use it right at home!
Find out more about BodySculptor lifting mask
If your double chin is linked to excess weight, it’s highly recommended to adopt a healthy diet to eliminate it more easily. And, more broadly, to stay in good health, since excessive fat reserves are conducive to the onset of numerous disorders. In particular, cardiovascular problems…
Essentially, this means reducing your consumption of products rich in saturated fatty acids, trans-fatty acids and added sugar. For example, pastries, cold meats, ready-made meals, industrial sauces and so on. On the other hand, you can give seasonal fruit and vegetables a prominent place on your menus, as well as many other foods. Take a look at our top 20 weight-loss foods.
Does your double chin seem to be linked to aging skin? If so, add antioxidant-rich foods to your diet on a regular basis. They’ll help you fight the notorious free radicals that accelerate the effects of aging.
Massaging the neck and lower face is a good way to boost microcirculation and firm the skin. All the more so if you massage with a moisturizing cream. Good hydration is essential to keep skin supple and elastic. That said, you can also opt for an anti-aging cream containing moisturizing active ingredients to maximize results.
To perform this facial, concentrate first on your jaw. Use your thumb to move rapidly up and down, then from the center outwards, first on one side of the jaw, then on the other. Then grasp the skin of your jaw between thumb and forefinger and let your hands slide from the inside to the outside of your face. After 5 repetitions, finish by smoothing your neck from top to bottom with your fingers.
You can also perform massages using various instruments, such as a jade roller or a rose quartz Gua Sha.
Yes, facial gymnastics do exist. It’s even known as facial yoga ! Among the many facial exercises available, some are particularly recommended for double chins. For example, you can :
push as hard as you can against the roof of your mouth with your tongue. The aim of the manoeuvre : to work the muscle located under the chin ;
pronounce the letters 0 and X, exaggerating the movements as much as possible to act on the chin and cheek muscles ;
pull your tongue forward as far as possible, opening your mouth as wide as possible. By ” forcing ” your jaw towards your neck, you work the targeted area.
Repeat several times, morning and night !
Ultrasound is best used when the double chin is due to loss of skin elasticity. Preferably before age 60. Most people who use ultrasound are between 40 and 50. Why ? Because this technique is based on :
retraction of the fleshy parts of the face, at the level of the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System, a sort of fibrous zone located between the hypodermis and the muscle that supports the facial skin) :
activation of collagen and elastin production, to restore tone to facial skin.
You therefore need relatively young skin with sufficient collagen fibers to obtain good results. Ultrasound itself presents no particular danger. On the other hand, you should generally take a painkiller before the session, as the device used may cause pain in prominent areas of the face.
a slimming effect, through the destruction of part of the adipose tissue by heat ;
a tensor effect, causing the dermis to shrink ;
and also reduce age spots, by destroying melanin pigments.
It should be noted, however, that this technique is contraindicated in certain cases (e.g. : pregnancy, wearing a pacemaker, couperose, hypersensitivity to heat, etc.). In addition, like ultrasound, it is not recommended in cases of significant skin slackening.
Focus on Lipolysis
The principle ? Inject a substance, the composition of which varies from case to case, to break down fat cells. These are then transported by the bloodstream to the liver, where they are eliminated from the body. As a general rule, there are few side effects, apart from temporary redness and swelling. But you really do need to call in a qualified professional and be aware that you’ll need several sessions, depending on the amount of fat to be eliminated.
Cryolipolysis uses cold to destroy fatty deposits. The body then naturally eliminates the dead cells. Often used to treat cellulite, it can also be used to treat double chins. It’s not really painful, but you may feel a tugging sensation at the beginning of the session. And sometimes even a little itching at the end of the session, due to the heating of the flesh. Note also that the effects are not immediately visible. It usually takes a month to see them.
Photonic light treatment, also known as dynamic phototherapy, is based on the use of a large number of diodes, delivering much higher photonic energy than lasers. This energy pushes fat cells to reject the fat they contain. Fat is then eliminated by the body. This technique also improves skin firmness by stimulating collagen production. Usually painless, it is equally effective in combating double chins and jowls.
Finally, let’s end our overview with the main cosmetic surgery techniques used against double chin. To know :
double chin liposuction, also known as ” cervical liposuction “. Performed under local or general anesthesia depending on the case, it literally sucks out the fat from under the chin ;
chin and neck lift. It consists of removing excess skin, under general anesthesia ;
hyaluronic acid injections, aimed primarily at reshaping the oval of the face. Technically, they can also be performed by a trained aesthetic physician, but they are often carried out directly by aesthetic surgeons.
Do all these techniques work ? Yes. But bear in mind that cosmetic surgery procedures always involve risks (e.g. : risks associated with anesthesia, healing problems, infections). That’s why many people prefer to look for alternatives to liposuction and other surgical techniques. So take the time to compare the various solutions carefully before making your choice !
BodySculptor® Mask, the first triple-action anti-ageing mask for your face, neck and décolletage. Visible, measured and proven results in just a few weeks. A more refined face, eliminating double chins and sagging, while achieving smoother and firmer skin on the neck and décolletage.
