Double Chin

Genetics, ageing and weight gain can lead to excess fat under the chin, a condition known in the medical field as submental fullness and commonly called a double chin. Many patients struggle to eliminate their double chin with diet and exercise and look for other options to address the issue. Cosmetic injections that dissolve fat can directly target submental fullness to create a slimmer, more contoured neck and jawline without surgery.

How Do Fat Dissolving Injections Work?

Fat dissolving injections are formulated with a synthetic version of an acid that occurs naturally in the body to aid the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat below the chin, the compound destroys fat cells without disrupting the surrounding muscle tissue or skin. The destruction of the cells triggers a local inflammatory response that brings collagen-producing cells (fibroblasts) to heal the area. The body absorbs the treated cells and processes them as waste matter. Once they are eliminated, the cells can no longer accumulate or store fat, resulting in long-lasting reduction in submental fullness and secondary tightening of the skin to improve your chin profile.

What Does Treatment With Fat Dissolving Injections Involve?

During a consultation, Dr Liu will assess your anatomy and skin quality in your submental area. Particular attention will be paid to confirming your submental fullness is due to localised subcutaneous fat rather than other structures (such as an enlarged lymph gland, salivary gland or thyroid gland, or bulky submental muscles). Dr Liu will discuss the procedure, your expectations and the number of injections and sessions required to achieve your desired outcome.

During treatment, Dr Liu will mark your submental area with a grid pattern and note the position of important structures to minimise the chance of side effects. Dr Liu will also measure the thickness of your subcutaneous fat to determine an appropriate injection depth and the amount of product to use, and inject a local anaesthetic to ensure you are pain-free during the procedure. Once the treatment area is numbed, Dr Liu will inject small amounts of the fat dissolving product into the fatty tissue through multiple injection points. Treatment typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Fat Dissolving Injections?

Some side effects are expected after treatment with fat dissolving injections. You will experience significant swelling, usually doubling the size of treated area, in the first 48 hours after treatment. Be prepared to wear a scarf for camouflage as the swelling subsides over the subsequent weeks. Other side effects you may experience include bruising, tenderness and numbness in the treated area. Serious side effects are rare and can be minimised by the knowledgeable assessment of your anatomy and refined injection techniques of your specialist dermatologist.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

The total amount of product and number of sessions needed varies from patient to patient, depending on the individual’s anatomy and goals and the amount of excess fat to be addressed. Most patients require between two and four treatments spaced six to eight weeks apart. Results begin to emerge four to six weeks after the second treatment and continue to improve as additional treatments are administered.

How Much Do Fat Dissolving Injections Cost?

A minimum of two treatment sessions are required initially. Assuming two vials of product are used each session, the starting cost for treatment is $2600 (including GST). Each additional vial of product is $600 (including GST).

What Results Can I Expect?

Because the treated fat cells are permanently disabled, improvements from fat dissolving injections are long-lasting. You can enjoy a slimmer profile and a more defined chin and jawline for years to come. A healthy diet, daily hydration, regular exercise, sun protection and a skincare routine are recommended to maximise your results.

Any Other Options For Double Chin Treatment?

We also offer trusculpt iD, a painless RF based device for permanent elimination of fat cells under the chin. Ultraformer III can be used for lower facial contouring and double chin reduction also.

To learn more about fat dissolving injections or other fat reduction devices available at Northside Dermatology, call us on 03 8582 8688 to book an appointment.