Double Chins

What Causes a Double Chin?
Double chins tend to be associated with weight gain and/or aging but they may also occur as an inherited characteristic. Like any other part of the body the chin is prone to laying down fat, therefore the most common reason for getting a double chin is too much fat being stored below the jaw.

How Do I Get Rid of a Double Chin?
There are a number of choices available to you. Starting with the least radical:

change your diet to one of high fiber and low calorie. Eat plenty of fruit and fresh vegetables.

Exercise by opening your mouth very wide and pushing your lower jaw forward and then upwards so your bottom teeth extend over the top of your upper lip. Do this 10-15 times and repeat 3-4 times a day. Like all exercise you may need to build up to the maximum number, so don't strain.

Follow your jaw exercise by moderate slapping under the jaw line. Keep this up for a couple of minutes each time.

Beyond these home remedies a thriving market exists in devices and techniques designed to tone and tighten the jaw. However, the most decisive way of removing a double chin is by surgery and specifically via submental lipectomy. More commonly known as a 'neck lift' the standard procedure can be carried out as an outpatient and involves a small incision under the chin. The fat is then sucked out. More complex procedures may involve surgery on muscles or even chin implants.

As insurance generally does not cover the costs of cosmetic procedures a lipectomy will cost somewhere in the region of $2500 but prices will vary according to what is required and the charges and on-costs imposed by different clinics.