A “double chin,” also referred to as submental fullness, is a common cosmetic concern for both women and men. What makes treating a double chin so tricky is that submental fat storage can have a genetic component, making double chins often resistant to diet and exercise efforts.
Still, there are proponents of performing specific face exercises to get rid of a double chin. But are those exercises really effective? Here, we explain the ins and outs of treating a double chin.
The Downsides to Facial Exercises to Treat a Double Chin
While the idea sounds good in theory, there is no solid clinical evidence that facial exercises can get rid of a double chin – and there are a few reasons why this might be. Firstly, there is no way to tell your body where it should burn fat, so you can’t specifically target a certain area like your neck and jawline for fat loss.
Secondly, some people may be genetically predisposed to storing extra fat in the submental, or double chin, area, making it very difficult or even impossible to burn off fat in that area through exercise alone.
Not only are facial exercises most likely not going to give you the dramatic fat-melting results you’re looking for, but they could actually cause more lines and wrinkles. This is because the repeated facial movements needed for those exercises result in dynamic wrinkles on the face, which, over time, can become static or permanent lines and wrinkles.
Does Chewing Gum Help with a Double Chin?
Another common myth is that chewing gum can help to reduce a double chin by exercising the jaw and facial muscles. However, studies have shown that chewing gum primarily works out the tongue and cheek muscles rather than targeting the submental area. Therefore, relying on chewing gum as a sole method to treat a double chin will most likely not yield the results you are looking for.
What to Do for a Double Chin Instead
While face exercises and chewing gum are not likely to get rid of your double chin, there are cosmetic treatments with proven results that can help. Two such double chin treatments are Profound® RF skin tightening and Renuvion® skin tightening.
CoolSculpting Elite freezes targeted fat in the submental area. This helps to reduce fat cells in the targeted area to create a slimmer and more toned neck and jawline.
Renuvion, also known as J-Plasma, combines radiofrequency with plasma energy, delivered through a small tube-like device that is inserted via small incisions. The plasma energy instantly heats and shrinks the targeted fat cells while working synergistically with the radiofrequency energy to tighten and tone the skin.
If you think double chin treatments could be right for you, give our Plymouth office a call at 612-213-1111 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our skin treatment specialists to discuss your goals and answer any specific questions you may have.
Author: Dr. Jennifer Harrington
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the medical director at SpaVie in Minneapolis. Dr. Harrington is recognized as one of the best female plastic surgeons, and is locally and nationally renowned for bringing the highest standards of medical excellence and aesthetic sensitivity to all procedures of the breast, body and face.
