There are many ways to get rid of the stubborn fat from your chin. Submental Liposuction is the traditional way to get rid of excess fat under the chin. For example, a new procedure called Coolsculpting can eliminate fat from under the chin. It has gained popularity recently. But does it work? That’s a question often asked by those wanting to get rid of fat and heaviness in their neck, also known as a double chin.

Whether Coolsculpting or some other non-surgical trend, it’s easy to fall into thinking that the newest option is the most innovative way to get rid of a double chin. Especially when the treatment sounds so simple.

While Coolsculpting may meet the expectations of some patients, it may disappoint others. As with any facial cosmetic issue, there’s no single solution that’s ideal for everyone. Instead of jumping at “what’s new,” do your research to find out “what works” specifically for what bothers you, considering your age, lifestyle, and budget. You want excellent results, so let results, not the process, be your determining factor.

What causes a double chin?

Gaining even a few extra pounds can cause a double chin, but you don’t have to be overweight to have excess fat, i.e., submental fat under your chin. Some people genetically have a heavier, thicker chin and neck, which can, in turn, make you look older than your age. Fat in the chin or neck also makes it unattractive for women to wear certain necklines and uncomfortable for men to wear a shirt and tie.

How do you get rid of a double chin?

There are 2 options to get rid of double chin: The time-tested, minimally invasive surgical method for fat reduction, called Submental Liposuction, versus the latest non-surgical treatment, CoolSculpting.

Let’s have a look at both methods and see which one suits you the best:

What is Submental Liposuction

The traditional method for removing excess fat from the neck is a minor surgical procedure called submental liposuction.

How Does Submental Liposuction Work?

This procedure takes about 30 minutes:

1. The cosmetic surgeon will mark out the area to be treat and then locally anesthetize that area.
2. A small incision, about an inch or so in length, is made under the chin in a natural crease to be virtually hidden.
3. Using a tiny cannula, the surgeon removes the excess fat via liposuction.
4. The surgeon directly visualizes the area that needs fat removal. This provides optimal control of the amount of fat being removed. 
5. Next, the incision is closed with sutures under the skin that dissolve independently, eliminating any suture removal. 
6. The surgeon then applies small steri-strips on the skin surface over the incision area. Healing typically takes 7-8 days After which time the steri-strips are removed. 

Submental liposuction can be performed alone or included as part of the minimally invasive lower facelift. This procedure addresses both the lower face, jawline, and the fat in the neck area. It also provides the time to create a defined jawline and smoother neck as patients want. Results are immediate and last six to ten years for most patients. It depends on their regular use of sunscreen, avoiding smoking, taking a healthy diet, and avoiding significant fluctuations in weight.

Is Submental Liposuction Right For You?

By the age of 50, most people have enough laxity in their chin or neck skin that makes submental liposuction, alone or as part of a lower facelift, their best solution for eliminating a double chin. 

On the other hand, Coolsculpting promises to reduce fat under the chin by freezing the fat cells, unlike submental liposuction, which removes the fat. In addition, having a lower facelift together with cool sculpting removes the extra, sagging skin that can remain.

What Are The Risks?

Since all facial cosmetic procedures need strict local anesthesia, this leads to a shorter recovery time and eliminates risks associated with general anesthesia. 

Patients can take light sedation before their procedure to reduce anxiety. As a result, most patients feel so relaxed and at ease, they fall asleep during their facial cosmetic procedure.

CoolSculpting

This FDA Approved fat-freezing treatment is primarily performed as an alternative to liposuction for removing excess fat in the belly area, back fat, rear end, and thighs. More recently, CoolSculpting has been used to reduce fat under the chin.

How Does Cool Sculpting Work?

CoolSculpting technology uses a machine to suction the skin like a vacuum to crystallize and freeze the targeted fat cells. These cells will then dissolve over time.

Is Cool Sculpting Right For You?

CoolSculpting can work well for someone looking for mild improvements. Younger patients with neck skin that is still firm and whose skin will rebound after the fat freezing are likely to have the best experience. Results require several treatments and gradually appear over several weeks, so don’t plan on your double chin disappearing immediately. 

Also, CoolSculpting will not remove loose, sagging skin in the lower face and neck area that can remain after the fat-freezing treatment. And if you gain a lot of weight after your CoolSculpting treatment, you’ll likely see your double chin return. But, again, this is because fat cells are not picky; they go everywhere in your body.

What Are The Risks?

Because this is a non-invasive procedure, the risks are typically low depending on the professional’s experience using the CoolSculpting machine. For example, is an experienced facial cosmetic surgeon performing the treatment? 

If a licensed esthetician or assistant, what is their training and experience in administering the procedure? The bottom line, know who will be doing the work and discuss all risks in advance.

What is The Cost?

Costs vary, so do your homework and have a consultation with more than one provider. Remember, most patients need several CoolSculpting treatments to get desired results. So keep this in mind when looking at the total cost. Also, CoolSculpting therapies may need to be repeated after a couple of years to maintain the effect.

BOTTOM LINE

There is no substitute for being an informed consumer. Visit more than one facial cosmetic surgeon or specialist. Ask to see before and after photos of their actual patients. Also, compare costs and look at your total cost to get the results you want. Finally, check the surgeon’s experience level. Experience matters! Especially when it’s your face.