Aging brings with it numerous experiences, from thinning hair to the noticeable growth of the nose and ears. If you're looking for another curiosity to ponder, one facial change you may notice is the development of a double chin. Dermatologist Dr. Randa Khoury describes this as “a common and often frustrating cosmetic concern.”
The Varied Appearances of a Double Chin
Clinically referred to as submental fullness or fat, a double chin can manifest in different ways. Dr. Corey Maas, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and former president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, explains, “A double chin can appear in various forms, influenced by factors such as the extent of fat accumulation, skin elasticity, and muscle tone.”
For some individuals, a double chin becomes noticeable only when the neck is positioned at a certain angle, Maas noted. Others, who experience more significant fat deposits and looser skin, may have a double chin that is constantly visible and worsens over time.
The shape of a double chin can differ as well. Maas described one type as a “hanging double chin,” where there’s an unwanted downward extension of the chin. Another type is the “true double chin,” characterized by skin and fat hanging beneath the chin that forms additional lobes of excess tissue.
Six Causes of a Double Chin
Genetics
According to Khoury, genetics can predispose individuals to store fat in the chin area. This remains true “regardless of body composition,” even in those who are otherwise lean.
Dr. Eric Carniol, a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon at Carniol Plastic Surgery, added, “If your parent or grandparent had a double chin, even if they were fit, you are likely to develop one as well.”
Rapid Weight Gain
Khoury explained that weight gain, especially if rapid, can contribute to a double chin. Carniol further noted that fat deposits beneath the chin tend to be more pronounced in individuals who are overweight or have been in the past.
However, losing weight doesn’t always resolve the issue. “After weight loss, the tissues that were stretched by fat might not contract fully,” Carniol said.
Sun Exposure and Smoking
External factors like sun exposure and smoking can also lead to a double chin. “Over time, sun exposure degrades collagen, making the skin more lax and loose,” Khoury explained. Protecting your skin with good sun care practices can help maintain skin texture and reduce the risk of sagging.
Smoking, Maas added, can exacerbate the problem by depriving the skin of oxygen, which is essential for maintaining elasticity. As a result, the skin may form a straight line from the chin to the chest or develop a sagging, curvilinear contour.
Facial Structure
The physical structure of the face plays a significant role in the appearance of the chin over time. “The shape of the jaw, chin, and neck contributes to the likelihood of developing a double chin,” Maas explained. Individuals with a weaker or recessed chin are more prone to this issue due to their skeletal anatomy, even if they don’t have excess fat.
Muscular Structure
The platysma muscle, a flat, broad muscle extending from the collarbones to the jawline, is another factor. Carniol stated that this muscle provides support to the neck in youth but sags over time as it detaches from deeper tissues, contributing to the appearance of a double chin.
Loss of Collagen and Elastin
As people age, the breakdown of collagen and elastin causes the skin to lose firmness, resulting in sagging under the chin. “Gravity’s effect on weakening soft tissues over the years leads to this sagging,” Carniol added.
Can a Double Chin Be Prevented?
According to Khoury, whether or not you develop a double chin is primarily determined by genetics. “What Mother Nature has planned for us plays the biggest role,” she said.
However, lifestyle factors may influence the outcome for some individuals. “Prevention is the best strategy,” Khoury advised. Protecting your skin from sun exposure, staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a balanced diet with regular exercise can help delay or reduce the likelihood of a double chin.
Do Over-The-Counter Treatments Work?
Despite the abundance of over-the-counter remedies claiming to target double chins, Carniol emphasized that most are ineffective. “The issue involves more than just the skin’s surface, so many products on the market fail to deliver results,” he said, cautioning against “gimmicks and time-wasting solutions.”
Some people advocate for facial and neck exercises to prevent a double chin, claiming they strengthen muscles and reduce sagging. While Khoury acknowledged this approach, she pointed out that it’s controversial. “There are no published studies validating the effectiveness of such exercises,” she said. Similarly, no research supports the claims of over-the-counter devices designed to tighten chin muscles.
Effective Treatments for a Double Chin
For those looking to address this concern, Maas offered reassurance: “Fortunately, there are safe and effective treatments available that have minimal risks and require little recovery time.”
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