Double Chin Problems: What’s the Right Solution?
There is merit to the idea that eating well and exercising regularly can help us maintain a satisfying weight and appearance. For the most part, healthy lifestyle habits do support overall wellness. They don’t, however, guarantee that we will look exactly how we’d like. Most people report that, despite their good choices, they have one or more trouble-spots; areas where fat lingers regardless of ideal weight. One such area is the upper neck. Here, excess fat is referred to as submental fullness or a double chin. No matter what we call it, what people want to know is how to get rid of it. We have two options.
Injectable Fat Reduction
Who would have thought we’d ever be at a point in history where we can inject a chemical into an area of unwanted fat and watch it melt away. This is exactly where we’re at, and it’s pretty exciting. Just a few years ago, the United States FDA approved Kybella, a form of deoxycholic acid. This chemical, which the body makes to break down dietary fat, had been previously used in several other countries long before FDA-approval occurred here. Injections into the submental area and upper neck stimulate the breakdown of targeted fat cells, resulting in their natural elimination.
Points to consider: Kybella does not require downtime. However, significant swelling may last 4 or 5 days after injections. Multiple treatments may be needed to fully resolve a double chin. Results can last indefinitely with good weight management.
Liposuction for Double Chin Fat
Liposuction is known for its value in sculpting larger areas of the body. Rarely do we hear about the benefits of neck liposuction, though. This outpatient procedure suctions unwanted fat cells through a small hollow tube, achieving results that may be noticed immediately. The minor procedure may be performed using a local anesthetic and sedative rather than general anesthesia.
Points to consider: Liposuction does require one or more incisions but these are very small and expected to fade to be barely noticeable, if at all. Bruising and swelling may be managed with a dressing and compression strap, which incurs a few days of downtime at home. Within a few days to a week, most patients can return to normal activities. The results of chin liposuction can last indefinitely with good weight management.
Both Kybella and chin liposuction can achieve excellent results. The choice is not about which is best, but which is best for your needs and preferences. To schedule a consultation in our Seattle or Renton office, call 206-859-5777.
