Submental fat, or double chin, is an excess of fat under the chin. Several factors contribute to the accumulation of submental fat. You may think it’s a sign of weight gain or obesity, but it’s not always the case. Genetics can also play a role. A double chin is more likely to occur if your family has a history of sagging skin and stubborn fat. Dr. Chiam at Ensoul Medical Clinic also shared that a lack of elasticity and muscles in your skin and face can also result from ageing and poor posture.
Exercise and diet typically do not reduce submental fat. Because of this, sometimes it takes a little extra help in order to effectively get rid of or remove the double chin. There are different types of double chin surgery, including liposuction, face-lift, and neck-lift. While surgery has many advantages, it can also have several downsides such as;
- Longer downtime
- Recovery can take a long time and depends on the individual
- It does not help with skin laxity
- After surgery, there may be some discomfort
- Costly
- This procedure is not suitable for everyone
Those who do not want to undergo surgical procedures because of the long recovery period can consider non-invasive double chin treatment. Noninvasive procedures are much safer than surgical procedures.
In this article, we’ve discussed with Dr Kenneth Thean from Ensoul Body Medical Clinic the other non-invasive treatments for reducing double chin.
#1 Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing)
A Cryolipolysis treatment is a breakthrough non-invasive method of removing fat from a localized area by applying freezing cold temperatures. As the fat cells cannot survive in sub-zero temperatures, the cells will crystallise and die and be eliminated by the body’s natural waste disposal system. This treatment can destroy up to 27%* of fat cells within each treatment. It is painless and requires no anesthesia.
As part of the Coolsculpting freeze detect technology, temperature levels can be adjusted during treatment to ensure consistency and maintain the ideal temperature. Since Cryolipolysis treatments do not require any downtime, patients can return to their daily routines almost immediately.
Over the course of 90 days, as the body eliminates damaged fat cells, you will continue to see progress week by week, but the final results will only become visible 3 months after the treatment. (1)
Requires an experienced operator
CoolSculpting is a treatment that requires accuracy from the assessment stage to the actual procedure. During the body assessment, body measurements are taken to determine the patient’s fat composition. To ensure the correct amount of fat is removed from the targeted area, the practitioner must select the right applicator and mark the targeted treatment area appropriately.
Rare But Adverse Side Effects
Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) is a rare condition in which targeted fat cells grow instead of shrinking. Based on a study conducted by the manufacturer of CoolSculpting, Allergan, the risk of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia is 1 in 4000 cycles or 0.025%.
#2 Laser Lipolysis (Warm Sculpting)
Another non-invasive fat removal treatment is Sculpsure, also called Laser Lipolysis, which uses laser energy to heat and destroy fat cells in the treatment area. There is no need to make incisions or undergo anaesthesia for this procedure.
In addition to reducing chin fat, it can also reduce skin laxity and improve loose skin. During treatment, an applicator is strapped in place on the targeted area, where laser lipolysis is performed.
Lasers emit a constant and concentrated heat between 45°C and 47°C, which causes fat cells to break down. The body’s natural waste disposal system gradually expels the damaged fat cells. The second benefit of this treatment is that it penetrates deep into the dermis, promoting collagen production, which is effective in treating loose skin in the targeted area. (2)
Results Take Time
Similarly, to Cryolipolysis, laser lipolysis relies on the body to naturally dispose of fat cells, so results are visible over time rather than immediately after treatment.
#3 High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
One of the popular HIFU treatments is Ultherapy. The non-invasive treatment is effective for lifting and tightening the skin. Micro-focused ultrasound energy is delivered into multiple layers of the skin without damaging the surface. By making the skin more elastic and holding fat firmly, it reduces the appearance of a double chin. Additionally, it targets the superficial musculoaponeurotic layer (SMAS), which is located between the muscle and fat layers of your skin. SMAS is the area that a plastic surgeon would pull and tighten under a surgical procedure using a knife. With HIFU, this layer can be targeted without surgical incisions, resulting in no downtime for the patient.
As these ligaments are tightened, the skin is lifted, resulting in a tauter appearance. After treatment, patients are able to resume their daily activities immediately. Some patients can see results right away, depending on the degree of laxity in their skin.
Struggling with Double Chin? Get help from professionals.
Although there are many options available to you, every individual has different goals and needs. Choosing a practice that considers your goals when creating a treatment plan for you is the key.
A detailed assessment is vital for medical practitioners to recommend to you the suitable modalities for your double chin concerns.
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