If you’re like most people, you might assume that your double chin (otherwise known as submental fat) is simply the result of excess fat. But the truth is, fat isn’t always the culprit.

According to experts, it’s not uncommon for a person of normal weight to develop a double chin because of sagging skin caused by either genetics or the effects of aging.

It’s also possible that your double chin is the result of poor posture. Repetitive slouching can cause the muscles in your neck to atrophy, which can ultimately contribute to a sagging submental (chin) region.

And let’s not forget about retained water which can cause your entire face to look puffy and contribute to creating a double chin.

So if you have a double chin and want to get rid of it, what can you do?

Dietary Solutions for a Double Chin

A healthy, whole food diet and consistent exercise is going to benefit you whatever your health and beauty goals are. And while a solid workout regime will result in a fitter and leaner body, it may not greatly influence or remove chin fat.

However, you can lessen the look of submental fat by getting rid of excess water retention.

While it may sound counterintuitive, the best way to ease water retention is to drink more water. According to many experts, you should aim to drink 12-16 cups of water every day. (Roughly 1 gallon 😲)

Additionally, reducing your sodium intake and avoiding starchy carbs – especially the processed carbs like crackers and chips – will go a long way toward easing water retention. It’s also recommended that you up your citrus intake, because they’re a natural diuretic that rids the body of excess water. 

Exercises That Target a Double Chin

First, an upfront disclaimer: You will not find scientific evidence that chin exercises work to get rid of your double chin. However, there’s lots of anecdotal evidence and zero negative side effects associated with the following suggested chin exercises. We suggest you put them into practice and see for yourself – What have you got to lose!

Here are six exercises that can strengthen and tone your submental muscles and skin. NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, repeat each exercise daily 10-15 times.

1. Straight jaw jut

• Tilt your head back and look toward the ceiling.
• Push your lower jaw forward to feel a stretch under the chin.
• Hold the jaw jut for a 10 count.
• Relax your jaw and return your head to a neutral position.

2. Ball exercise

• Place a 9- to10-inch ball under your chin.
• Press your chin down against the ball.
• Repeat 25 times daily.

3. Pucker up

• With your head tilted back, look at the ceiling.
• Pucker your lips as if you’re kissing the ceiling to stretch the area beneath your chin.
• Stop puckering and bring your head back to its normal position.

4. Tongue stretch

• Looking straight ahead, stick your tongue out as far as you can.
• Lift your tongue upwards towards your nose.
• Hold for 10 seconds and release.

5. Neck stretch

• Tilt your head back and look at the ceiling.
• Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
• Hold for 5 to 10 seconds and release.

6. Bottom jaw jut

• Tilt your head back and look at the ceiling.
• Turn your head to the right.
• Slide your bottom jaw forward.
• Hold for 5 to 10 seconds and release.
• Repeat the process with your head turned to the left.

Treatments for a Double Chin

If diet, working out and chin exercises are not effective in visibly reducing the appearance of your double chin, it might be time to consider a cosmetic intervention. Below is our favorite cosmetic service that targets submental fat:

Submental Fat Injections

In 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration approved deoxycholic acid (commonly known as Kybella®), a chemical that is injected via a needle under the chin. This submental fat-dissolving chemical occurs naturally in your body and will work on any stubborn fat deposits.

On average, it takes two to four treatments for the chemical to melt the accumulated fat. However, once the injections have been administered, you’ll be left with a sharper, firmer jawline and will require no additional treatments to maintain it.

Below are some of the top 4 benefits of submental fat injections:

1. Minimally-invasive

Gone are the days when dramatic results could only be achieved with surgery. There are a number of non-surgical treatments that can now offer results comparable to surgical procedures, and submental fat injections tops the list. The treatment provides a much less invasive approach to get rid of any double chin with few side effects and little to no downtime.

2. Fast and easy

Our expert technicians will work with you to customize a treatment plan that will help you achieve your aesthetic goals in the shortest amount of time. For the actual treatment, deoxycholic acid is inserted into the double chin via multiple tiny injection sites. This breaks down the fat cells which them get absorbed and eliminated from the body. The entire procedure can be performed in under an hour.

3. Little to no downtime

One of the best benefits of non-surgical treatment options is the minimal impact they have on your daily life. With virtually little to no downtime from the submental fat injections, you may return to and resume your everyday activities immediately. As with any injectable treatment, there may be some minor and temporary effects (bruising, swelling), but you can expect them to last only a short time.

4. Results are permanent

Yes, you read that right. Your double chin will be gone permanently. In fact, striking results begin to appear a few weeks after the first session of treatment. You shouldn’t require any further treatment after your series is completed. The excess fat cells will be gone for good, and you’ll enjoy a younger, more refreshed appearance.

At Veritas Backstage, our beauty specialists have over 30 years of combined experience in advanced skin care and injectables and a track record of 5-star customer service.

If you’d like to determine if submental fat reduction is right for you, contact us today at 800-954-7590 or request a consultation by booking online.