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.
There are various factors that can contribute to the development of chin ptosis, including:
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 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 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.
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.
There are some medical conditions that can cause or worsen chin ptosis, including;
Treatment options for a double chin can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual needs. Here are some treatment options:
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:
Diet: Maintaining a healthy diet and losing weight can help reduce the amount of fat under the chin. Here are some diet tips:
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.
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:
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.
Non-surgical cosmetic procedures can be an effective way to reduce a double chin. Here are some examples of non-surgical cosmetic procedures:
Surgical procedures can provide a more permanent solution for individuals with severe or persistent chin ptosis. Here are some examples of surgical procedures:
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 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.