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How’s your skin health? Are you seeing more dark patches and freckles or sagging around the eyes and cheeks?
November 17, 2024
Table of Contents
The double chin is a common appearance issue. In fact, some may even experience a triple chin concern. As common as it is, one can’t help being self-conscious about its presence. After all, the face is what everyone notices first, and the chin is one of the focal points.
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery survey found that 67% of respondents were bothered by their double chin appearance. It is not hard to assume that a wider global survey would probably generate an increase in those figures.
Double chin causes & How it develops over time
The double chin (submental fat) appears when a layer of fat forms below the chin. When it accumulates in volume, a wrinkled appearance is formed. This wrinkled appearance is what we know as the double chin.
Fat is more evident in areas like the cheeks, jowls, neck, and under the chin when it comes to the face. Some causes of the double chin include genetics, poor diet, lack of exercise (or healthy lifestyle) and the inevitable ageing.
Ageing skin and skin laxity
Ageing is arguably a nemesis for many when it comes to concerns surrounding appearance. The process can enhance the appearance of a double chin, especially among those with such genetic predispositions. This occurs commonly around the age of 40 or even earlier.
As you age, you lose muscle tone and collagen. Collagen is basically the protein that is responsible for skin elasticity and healthy joints. It keeps you looking youthful. The amount of collagen the body produces starts to decline around the age of 20. As we get older, skin loses collagen and elasticity, causing it to sag. When this happens to the areas around the jaw and neck, excess skin will appear, hanging off the jowls.
This appearance is further accentuated as we lose muscle tone and definition. Ageing can not be avoided, but knowing or unknowingly, our habits can hasten the process.
Bad habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of exercise, overexposure or prolonged exposure to the sun are just some things that we are guilty of. We might not give them much thought for whatever reasons, but when we finally do, the damage done may be difficult or even impossible to undo.
Ageing also causes a certain degree of bone and soft tissue atrophy. Loss of jaw bone with age weakens the jawline and results in the appearance of a double chin.
Weight Gain
A common misconception is that one has to be overweight to run the risk of gaining facial fat or a double chin. In reality, a person of seemingly normal weight can experience them. The reason is because of genetics and/or the effects of ageing.
Weight Loss
As the skin loses elasticity with age, this issue is compounded with fluctuations in weight. Putting on and losing weight causes skin to expand and contract, and this stress significantly reduces skin’s laxity resulting in, among other things, a double chin.
Genes is why Skinny People Have Double Chins
Genetics is another bugbear for many when it comes to appearance issues. A person, for example, may be slim, but because of their genes, they may still carry excess fat in certain areas. Some carry that excess around the waist while others in the thighs, underarms to name a few. There are those who carry them around the jawline.
If a person has a family history of excess stubborn fat deposits or sagging skin, then there is a high probability that they will face the same issues.
Thyroid gland disease
Perhaps one of the relatively lesser-known causes of a double chin is a medical condition - but it does happen. Cushing’s disease, underactive thyroid, kidney disorders, sinus infections and saliva inflammation are just some conditions on the list. One way to spot its onset is the appearance of a double chin that has nothing to do with a change in diet or any other factors that have been mentioned earlier. Seek a qualified doctor’s assessment and advice should it happen to you.
Facial structure such as short necks or wide neck
A weak chin is also known as a receding chin. It is mostly determined by genetics. In many cases, receding chin is also a natural process of ageing. As you grow older, you would lose a bit of bone and tissue around the jaw, leading to a weak chin. This often leads to unsightly cosmetic issues such as ‘short neck’, ‘wide neck’ or ‘double chin’.
There is another issue that affects the chin - the weak chin. Also known as a receding chin, it is commonly caused by genetics, although ageing does seem to play a part as well. Due to bone and tissue loss around the jaw from ageing, the chin appears ‘withdrawn’ or to recede. This often renders the appearance of a short or wide neck and even a double chin.
In such situations, a qualified and experienced doctor’s help is much-welcomed and needed. Dr. Ivan Puah has seen and treated patients in regard to the matter. He is able to identify and distinguish between hereditary and ageing chin issues and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.
Common double chin questions Dr Ivan Puah get during consultation
Why do I get a double chin when I laugh?
A double chin is caused by several factors, including genetics and ageing. The thick layer of fat which appears underneath the chin appears like a second chin when you speak or laugh. It also appears slightly larger than your actual chin when you bend down.
Will double chin go away with weight loss?
While not exclusively so, weight gain can nonetheless be considered as a primary cause of a double chin. So, losing weight does help. However, stubborn fat is notoriously difficult to remove and losing weight might not be the foolproof option.
Does chewing gum help reduce double chin?
Chewing gum may help strengthen jaw muscles and give a lift to the jawline, but it has no effect on a double chin.
What are the available treatments available out there today?
Chin muscle relaxation and dermal filler injections
Chin muscle relaxation is injected into areas where it is needed, leaving surrounding ones unaffected. After it is injected into the chin, causing the muscles to relax, dermal fillers can then be injected to help create a more prominent appearance. In the experienced hands of Dr Puah, this will be done in a way that results in a more natural-looking appearance.
To Improve Small or Receded Chin
A small or receded chin can be addressed with chin fillers. They help to lengthen and improve its appearance. It is a simple yet effective procedure that may even result in a much younger appearance.
To Correct Cleft Chin
Chin muscles that are farther apart than the norm is the cause of a cleft chin appearance. Fillers such as Hyaluronic Acid are injected into the dimple or indentation to fill it up. Creating a more proportional and balanced appearance.
To Achieve a V-Shape Face
The much sought-after V-shaped face can be achieved with fillers. Fillers are able to sculpt the chin or jawline, resulting in a narrower or sharper appearance. To maintain results, it is recommended that a person goes for a touch-up procedure when needed.
A filler treatment typically lasts between 9 to 12 months or up to 2 years, depending on whether they are of temporary or semi-permanent nature. It is recommended that temporary ones such as Hyaluronic Acid fillers are opted for as they come with lesser long-term side effects. Hyaluronic Acid fillers are also reversible. Do go for regular top-up injections to maintain results.
For those who prefer a permanent solution, Facial Liposuction may just be what the doctor ordered.
Facial liposuction with MDC Sculpt-Lipo® technique
Concerns such as chubby cheeks and double chins can be effectively addressed with Facial Liposuction. Armed with a wealth of experience and knowledge, Dr. Ivan Puah developed the MDC Sculpt-Lipo® technique. This technique enables him to remove fat and sculpt an appearance that meets the specific needs of his patients. The MDC Sculpt-Lipo® technique also involves lesser downtime and minimal scarring.
How does Facial liposuction with MDC Sculpt-Lipo® technique work?
Facial Liposuction is a delicate procedure that requires experienced and steady hands. Meticulous attention must be given at all times to ensure that not only desired results can be achieved, but more importantly, the patient’s well-being is always of primary concern. Local anaesthesia is preferred over general anaesthesia to avoid possible complications associated with the latter.
During the procedure, tiny insertions are made on the neck, and a cannula is inserted. Excess fat is then sucked out via the cannula. Facial Liposuction utilises the tumescent liposuction technique, which improves outcome and recovery, resulting in a more natural appearance. There is no or minimal scarring, and even in the event of such, it will subside and fade.
Common areas where it is applied are the jawline, small areas on the cheeks, the jowl and the submental/chin. The area below the jaw extending to the front of the neck is also included. The procedure may take an hour, but the doctor will be in a better position to advise.
Ultherapy with Facial liposuction with MDC Sculpt-Lipo® technique
Ultherapy, a non-invasive skin tightening and lifting treatment, may also be used in tandem for a more complete treatment that includes the neck. This would result in an overall improved and more youthful appearance.
Fat that has been eliminated will not regrow. Nonetheless, it is important that a patient maintains a healthy diet and lifestyle for prolonged results and to reduce the possibilities of excess fat gain and accumulation.
Dr Ivan Puah, Liposuction Doctor in Singapore
Dr Ivan Puah is an accredited liposuction doctor by the MOH in Singapore. His 15 years of experience (and counting) in facial and body sculpting procedures and fat grafting has enabled him to understand and deliver results. Dr Ivan Puah uses a combination of his artistic eye and modern techniques to sculpt the face, much like how a sculptor uses artistic know-how to mould material into the desired shape.
