What Is Chin Ptosis? – Solutions for a Double Chin

02 Aug What Is Chin Ptosis? – Solutions for a Double Chin

Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatment Options for Chin Ptosis

Chin Ptosis, also known as a “double chin,” is a common condition where excess skin and fat accumulate under the chin, leading to excess, loose skin. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, weight gain, and ageing.

Chin ptosis can affect people of all ages and body types. While some cases of chin ptosis may be mild and can be addressed with natural remedies and lifestyle changes, others may require medical intervention to achieve the desired cosmetic results.

Dr Guy Watts is a renowned Specialist Plastic Surgeon from Perth. He performs different face and body procedures for patients seeking aesthetic alterations.

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Causes of Chin Ptosis

There are various factors that can contribute to the development of chin ptosis, including:

Ageing

Ageing is one of the most common causes of chin ptosis. As we age, skin loses elasticity, which can cause a double chin or the appearance of chin ptosis. The skin under the chin and neck area can also thin, making it more prone to wrinkles. In addition, the underlying muscles in the chin and neck area can weaken, causing further lose skin and loss of definition in the jawline.

Genetics

Genetics can also play a role in the development of chin ptosis. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition of weaker muscles or looser skin in the chin and neck area, which can contribute to the appearance of a double chin. Inherited traits can also affect the distribution of fat under the skin, which can cause fat to accumulate in this area.

Weight gain

Weight gain is another common cause of chin ptosis. When an individual gains weight, the excess fat can accumulate under the chin and neck area, causing the skin to stretch. Sudden weight gain, in particular, can stretch the skin and cause it to lose elasticity, which can contribute to chin ptosis. The skin may not be able to adjust to the sudden increase in fat, resulting in loose skin and the appearance of a double chin.

In addition, weight fluctuations can exacerbate the effects of ageing and genetics on the chin and neck area. As the skin loses elasticity with age, gaining and losing weight can cause it to stretch further, making chin ptosis more pronounced.

Poor posture

When an individual slouches or has a forward head posture, it can put strain on the muscles in the neck and chin area. Over time, this strain can weaken the muscles and cause them to loosen, contributing to the appearance of a double chin.

Medical conditions

There are some medical conditions that can cause or worsen chin ptosis, including;

• Thyroid disorders: The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, imbalances in thyroid hormone levels can affect various functions of the body, including skin elasticity. An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can cause the skin to become dry, thin, and less elastic.
• Hormonal imbalances: Changes in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can also affect the skin’s elasticity.
• Connective tissue disorders: Connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome, can affect the strength and elasticity of the skin and muscles, leading to the development of chin ptosis.
• Cushing’s syndrome: Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal disorder that results from high levels of the hormone cortisol in the body. This can cause the face and neck to become rounder and fuller.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can cause weight gain and affect the skin’s elasticity.

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Chin Ptosis Treatment

Treatment options for a double chin can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual needs. Here are some treatment options:

1. Exercise and diet

Exercise: Specific exercises can help tone the muscles in the chin and neck area, leading to a more defined appearance. Some exercises that can help include:

• Chin lift: Tilt your head upwards towards the ceiling and pucker your lips as if you are trying to kiss the ceiling. Hold for 5-10 seconds and repeat several times.
• Neck stretch: Tilt your head to the left, and then to the right, and hold each side for 5-10 seconds. Repeat several times.
• Tongue press: Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, and then lower your chin towards your chest while keeping your tongue pressed against the roof of your mouth. Hold for 5-10 seconds and repeat several times.

Diet: Maintaining a healthy diet and losing weight can help reduce the amount of fat under the chin. Here are some diet tips:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
• Reducing intake of processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats
• Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Reducing overall calorie intake and portion sizes

While exercise and diet can be effective in reducing a double chin for some people, the results may take time and may not be as visible as surgical or non-surgical treatments.

2. Home remedies

Home remedies can be a non-invasive and affordable way to reduce the appearance of a double chin. Here are some examples of remedies that might help:

• Facial massage: Massaging the chin and neck area can help stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which can reduce the appearance of a double chin. Gently massage the area with upward strokes for several minutes daily.
• Chin straps: Wearing a chin strap can help lift the skin under the chin and promote a more defined jawline. Chin straps work by applying pressure to the chin and neck area and are typically worn at night.
• Skin-tightening creams: Certain skin-tightening creams might help by firming and tightening the skin. These creams work by increasing collagen production and reducing the appearance of loose skin.
• Good posture: Maintaining good posture can help reduce the appearance of a double chin by improving the alignment of the neck and spine. Keeping the head up and the shoulders back can also help promote a more defined jawline.

The same as exercise and diet, these at-home remedies may not provide significant results and may take time to see a noticeable difference. For some people, they might not work at all.

3. Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures can be an effective way to reduce a double chin. Here are some examples of non-surgical cosmetic procedures:

• Deoxycholic acid injections: This is an injectable treatment that uses deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, to break down and eliminate fat cells under the chin.
• Ultherapy: Ultherapy is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin under the chin and neck area. Ultherapy works by delivering focused ultrasound energy to the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and causing the skin to tighten and lift over time.
• CoolSculpting: CoolSculpting is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses controlled cooling technology to freeze and destroy fat cells under the chin and neck area. The destroyed fat cells are then naturally eliminated from the body, resulting in a reduction of the double chin.

4. Surgical procedures

Surgical procedures can provide a more permanent solution for individuals with severe or persistent chin ptosis. Here are some examples of surgical procedures:

Neck Lift

A Neck Lift is a surgical procedure that can help alter the appearance of a double chin by removing excess skin and fat from the neck area.

Before the Neck Lift procedure, your plastic surgeon will conduct a consultation to your chin and neck area, discuss the treatment options, and develop a personalised treatment plan. The Neck Lift procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort during the procedure. The incisions are often made behind the ears and/or under the chin, depending on the complexity of the procedure. The incisions allow the specialist plastic surgeon to access the underlying tissues and remove excess fat and skin.

After making the incisions, the plastic surgeon will remove excess fat and skin from the neck area, creating a more defined jawline and reducing the appearance of a double chin. Once the excess tissue has been removed, the surgeon will close the incisions using sutures or surgical glue. The incisions will be covered with bandages to protect the area and promote healing.

The recovery process after a Neck Lift procedure can take several weeks to months. Some common side effects include bruising, swelling, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and proper care.

Liposuction

Liposuction is also a surgical procedure that can be used to correct a double chin. Before the liposuction procedure, you will have a consultation with the plastic surgeon. During this consult you will discuss your particular case, needs and expectations from the surgery. Liposuction is often performed either under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation. This will also discussed with the plastic surgeon during the initial consultation.

The incisions for a liposuction procedure are small. They are made in areas where they are difficult to notice due to the skin folds. Your plastic surgeon will use a small tube called a cannula to remove excess fat from the targeted areas. After making the incisions, your surgeon will insert the cannula and suction out excess fat from the chin area. Once the excess fat has been removed, the incisions will be closed.

FAQs about Chin Ptosis

What causes Chin Ptosis?

• Chin Ptosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including; ageing, genetics, weight gain, poor posture, as well as medical conditions such as thyroid disorders and hormonal imbalances.

Can a double chin be treated without surgery?

• Yes, there are several non-surgical treatments available to reduce the appearance of a double chin, including injectable treatments, ultrasound therapy, and CoolSculpting. However, it is important to keep in mind that in some cases non-surgical solutions won’t provide visible results. If this happens, surgical solutions might be the right treatment plan.

Can a double chin come back after treatment?

• If the underlying causes of Chin Ptosis, such as weight gain or poor posture, are not addressed, a double chin may come back after treatment. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of Chin Ptosis and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Is a double chin only caused by excess fat?

• No, a double chin can be caused by several factors, including;
  • Excess fat
  • Loose skin
  • Weak muscles
  • Or a combination of these factors.
• Depending on the cause, treatment options may include lifestyle changes, non-surgical procedures, or surgical procedures.

How can I prevent Chin Ptosis?

• Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, protecting your skin from sun damage, and following a healthy diet and exercise routine can all help prevent the development of Chin Ptosis. However, genetics and ageing are also factors that can contribute to Chin Ptosis, so in some cases it can’t be prevented.

Further Reading about Face Surgery with Dr. Guy Watts

• Neck Lift Surgery Page
•  Chin Augmentation Surgery Page
• Jaw Surgery Page
• 10 Questions Patients Have about Recovery after Chin Surgery (Genioplasty)

Medical References about Chin Ptosis

• Double chin: Causes and treatment – Medical News Today
• Double Chin: Causes and Treatment Options – WebMD
• How to Get Rid of a Double Chin – Cleveland Clinic
• Chin Ptosis: Classification, Anatomy, and Correction – NCBI