If you have a double chin, it’s probably not something you can quickly come to grips with. Sometimes, a double chin is an indicator of weight gain or obesity, yet that’s not always the case. Many people are born with or develop excess fat under the chin, medically referred to as submental fullness, simply due to genetics.
The Cause of a Double Chin
A double chin occurs when an extra layer of fat forms beneath the chin. Various factors work together in assisting the development of a double chin. These factors include the following:
- Age: Skin loses its elasticity as you age, leading to extra, saggy skin that creates a double chin.
- Poor Diet and Weight: Weight gain may not be the root cause, but it does help prompt the appearance of submental fullness. An unhealthy diet, replete with excess calories and lots of processed foods, can undoubtedly cause a double chin to form.
- Genetics: If your family has a history of double chins, chances are you may develop one as well.
- Posture: Poor postures results in weakening of the neck and chin muscles, contributing to a double chin over time.
How to Get Rid of a Double Chin
To get rid of a double chin, you may have looked into getting neck liposuction or into other similar surgical procedures. Some noninvasive procedures like CoolSculpting also have specific applicators designed for the chin. Nonetheless, many people will instead prefer less invasive procedures that don’t require incisions or anesthesia.
One of these procedures is known as Kybella, a Food and Drug Administration approved nonsurgical injectable cosmetic processes. It consists of injections of deoxycholic acid, a chemical naturally found in the body that breaks down fat.
Kybella Treatment
Kybella is vastly different from surgical approaches to removing chin fat; here are a few reasons why:
- It requires multiple treatments. Providers usually suggest up to six on a monthly basis.
- Kybella uses topical anesthesia, as opposed to general anesthesia used during invasive procedures.
- Side effects are mild pain. These include redness, swelling, and temporary numbness.
- Kybella isn’t the best option for those who have elastic neck skin. It’s solely meant to reduce the amount of fat in the area, not tighten the skin.
- Results are permanent given that Kybella destroys, rather than empties fat cells.
Kybella Pricing
A single Kybella treatment will cost around $600 to $800. Multiple treatments will likely be needed, so you should know that most practitioners will allow you to bundle together sessions to lower the total cost.
Beyond the number of treatments, your location could also affect the overall price. For example, large cities tend to have higher rates than more rural areas. It’s also important to note that Kybella is considered a cosmetic procedure and is therefore not covered by medical insurance.