What is submental fat?

Excess submental fat is commonly referred to as a ‘double chin’. It is an area of great concern for many of those affected and is often resistant to change despite weight loss. Naturally, genetics plays a significant role in fat deposition in this area. This is exemplified by those who have disproportionate amounts of submental fat despite healthy weight levels.

Fat in this area can contribute to an ill-defined jawline and a blunted angle between the jawline and the neck rather than a more favourable angle of 90 to 100 degrees.

The fat addressed by liposuction or fat-dissolving injections is the pre-platysmal fat. This is the fat that lies superficial to the platysma muscle. This is the large sheet muscle of the neck. The platysma muscle separates this fat from the major blood vessels in the neck and the airway.

How to get rid of a double chin?

The options include;

• Fat-dissolving injections – injecting fat-dissolving injections over several sessions can help to reduce fat in this area.
• Liposuction – a surgical procedure that inserts a cannula (under negative suction pressure) through the fat, entering via small incisions in the skin.
• Cryolipolysis – utilises an applicator to ‘freeze’ the fat and help destroy it through cold temperatures.

Phone

How do fat-dissolving injections work?

The injections contain deoxycholic acid and phosphatidylcholine that help to break down fat cells and allow the body to resorb the fat naturally. The fat cells are permanently destroyed through a process known as adipocytolysis, in which the membranes are disrupted, and the cells break down. 

Am I a suitable candidate for fat-dissolving injections for my double chin?

A double chin can be a significant concern to those affected by this problem. We often see this concern in those who are not overweight, and weight loss does not always improve the problem. Fat in this region tends to blunt the jawline and cause a lack of definition between the face and the neck. Removal of this fat has an anti-ageing effect by improving the framing of the face.

Traditionally, the treatment for a double chin is liposuction. However, many people do not wish to have surgery and prefer a less invasive method of fat removal. Fat-dissolving injections are a viable alternative for those who want to avoid surgery and its associated risks.

The suitability for the procedure is determined by the amount of skin laxity and the amount of fat;

• Generally, these double chin injections are best suited to small or moderate excess fat deposits. For larger deposits of fat, liposuction is a more effective solution.
• It is important to recognise that fat-dissolving injections do not improve loose skin. Skin laxity needs to be addressed with other methods (for example, a surgical neck lift) rather than fat removal alone.

The fat-dissolving injections are, therefore, best suited to those who want to remove smaller pockets of fat and have good-quality skin without significant laxity.

Who is not a suitable candidate for chin fat-dissolving injections?

We do not recommend fat-dissolving injections for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You will need to inform your doctor about any previous or planned surgeries or cosmetic treatments on your face, neck or chin.

You will also need to let your doctor know about any medical conditions or infections near the area and any medications you’re taking.

Your doctor will let you know if any of these factors render you unsuitable for the treatment or if precautions need to be taken.

Suitability for treatment will be determined during your consultation.

How do I prepare for double chin injections?

You do not need any specific preparation before getting double chin injections. You should limit alcohol and anti-inflammatory medication and try to book your appointment when you can leave yourself a few days for recovery. There will be some swelling after the treatment, so this is important to consider if you are in a client-facing job.

Before the procedure, you will have an initial consultation with one of our practitioners to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the treatment. During this consultation, the practitioner will discuss the possible side effects and the extent of the post-treatment swelling.

What can I expect after fat-dissolving injections treatment?

This will depend on the size of the treatment performed. In most cases, there is a significant degree of swelling that lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Swelling will be primarily determined by the amount of product injected. The swelling may also get worse in the days following the procedure. Tenderness of the area treated is also present for that time. In some cases, hard lumps form, which can take time to reduce size. Bruising is also a common side effect and can last up to 2 weeks.

You will be given instructions on how to care for the area after the treatment. You can apply ice for 5 minutes at a time, but it’s better to minimise the use of ice to allow the treatment to work.

FAQ

What is the price of chin fat-dissolving injections?

The price is per session, irrespective of the size of the submental fat deposit or the number of vials used. Most patients will require 2 to 3 sessions. 

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients will need 2-3 sessions, depending on the amount of fat that needs to be dissolved.

Do the results look natural?

The results are very natural looking because the treatment doesn’t alter facial expressions or affect a person’s natural facial features.

Is there any downtime required after double chin injections?

No downtime is required after double chin injections, but you will experience significant swelling. There may also be bruising in the area treated. You may wish to stay home until the swelling subsides, but you can return to normal daily activities.

When can I see the results from double chin injections?

The fat cells will start to dissolve within 15 minutes after getting the injections. However, the swelling will take at least 3-4 weeks to subside completely. Results will become more apparent in 4 to 6 weeks following your last treatment.

You may need two or more treatments to achieve your desired results.