What is a double chin?

Also known as “submental fullness,” a double chin develops when a stubborn layer of fat accumulates below the chin. It’s a condition that can affect both men and women. Although it’s often associated with weight gain, it can also occur due to loose skin, genetics and the natural aging process.

The anatomy of a double chin

A double chin is far more than the simple accumulation of volume in the neck area. Upon closer inspection, the following characteristics can often be identified:

• Weak chin bone
• Weak jaw bone
• Excess neck fat
• Droopy salivary gland
• Sagging platysma muscle
• Loose skin

What’s causing your double chin?

There are fourthree primary causes of a double chin. They are:

Aging

The neck and chin area is highly susceptible to age-related fullness, sagging and drooping. As such, many mature patients come to Dr. Rahban’s office specifically for help restoring and refreshing this particular area of the face.

Weight gain

A double chin is often accompanied by an overall increase in weight. Because the body loses weight proportionately, the volume beneath the chin should decrease as you improve your diet and exercise routine. However, many patients find that their submental fullness persists even once they’ve lost the weight. When this occurs, they often need to address the issue surgically.

Unfavorable bone structure

Many patients have either a poorly developed mandible—AKA jaw—or a weak chin. In either case, this leads to a weak profile and poor projection of the lower face. Once excess fat or skin accumulates, a double chin quickly appears.

Genetics

Genetics are a major cause of submental fullness. The genes in your DNA determine fat storage, water retention and a number of other factors that can contribute to this issue. If other members of your family have a double chin, there’s a strong chance that yours is caused by genetics as well.

How to address a double chin

A double chin stands out. Patients often tell us that it’s the first thing they see when they look in the mirror or view a photo of themselves, and as such it makes them extremely self-conscious about their appearance.

Fortunately, a double chin is often correctable. In addressing the excess fat, weak chin or lose skin, many of our patients are able to achieve a jaw and neck that is proportionate to the rest of their face, features taut and smooth skin, and showcases the elegant contours of their natural bone structure.

To accomplish this desired outcome, Dr. Rahban embraces a customized surgical approach. He begins by assessing your face as a whole and evaluating your basic proportions. He then closely investigates the submental fullness to determine the underlying cause – weight gain, poor bone structure, the aging process or genetics. From there, he will make his recommendations. In some cases, submental liposuction is all that’s needed. In others, a neck lift is performed simultaneously. In addition, some patients find that they also require a chin implant to address structural weakness that is revealed once the excess fat is removed.

Learn more about Dr. Rahban's approach here >>

Contact us today

To have Dr. Rahban personally evaluate your submental fullness and help you determine the best way to achieve your ideal chin and neck, please contact us today.