A double chin might be a sign of weight gain and/or obesity, but that’s not always the reason behind it. Essentially, an extra layer of fat develops beneath the chin for one reason or another. There are many factors that can lead to a double chin – from age to genetics to posture and everything in between. As we age, the skin starts to lose elasticity, which leads to extra sagging underneath the chin. Aside from aging, genes can play a huge role as anyone who has a family history of skin with minimal elasticity is at a greater risk.
And of course, diet plays a huge role as well. If you eat a diet high in calories or processed foods, you may end up gaining extra weight that contributes to a double chin. So what can be done to get rid of a double chin? Although there are many exercises that claim to target the neck and face muscles, this isn’t always efficient enough to fully minimize the appearance.
What is CoolSculpting and How Does It Work?
CoolSculpting is an innovative fat-reduction treatment. It was designed to help women and men who are looking to remove stubborn fat throughout various areas of the body. It’s a great non-surgical alternative to weight-loss procedures, which are often invasive and quite painful. CoolSculpting, on the other hand, offers minimal to no downtime after the treatment. In fact, you’re typically able to return to usual activities within the same day.
In 2010, the treatment started becoming more common than ever before as a great alternative to liposuction and other weight-loss procedures. Essentially, medical spas are able to freeze fat cells rather than suck out deposits of fat via surgery. When treated, the fat cells die and will be naturally eliminated from the body. When it first became popular, the procedure was commonly used to freeze fat off the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms.
As the years went on, CoolSculpting was eventually cleared by the FDA to tackle the double chin. You can also treat the following areas:
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Back
- Upper arms
- Underneath the buttocks
In addition, it’s FDA-cleared to help improve the appearance of lax tissue with submental area treatments.
The Science Behind CoolSculpting…
CoolSculpting is also known as Cryolipolysis – the scientific term for the treatment. It’s been developed over the course of many years – featuring a unique technology that freezes the fat to make trouble spots more attractive and slim. Essentially, fat cells will freeze at a certain temperature. Once that happens, they will die, and eventually, your body will eliminate those cells without damaging the surrounding tissues.
During the procedure, a roll of fat will be placed between two panels that are designed to cool the fat. This procedure is performed on what’s known as “stubborn fat” – a form of fat that can be difficult to reduce despite exercise and diet. The number of fat cells is set during adolescence and tends to vary quite little during adulthood. This is why it’s so difficult to get rid of stubborn fat.
What Should Be Expected When Treating a Double Chin?
Those who struggle with a double chin know it takes a toll on your confidence, and more often than not, can age you quite a bit. CoolSculpting is a safe, clinically proven way to get rid of a double chin – offering a much more youthful, radiant-looking silhouette. Typically, you’ll see results in as few as 1 or 2 treatments. Upon arriving for your appointment, your practitioner will discuss your challenges and/or goals.
Next, the applicator will be placed on the area to be treated. You should expect a slight sucking sensation as the applicator adheres to the area being treated. Next, you’ll feel the signature cooling effect. This means the procedure is working! Although some people feel a slight sense of tugging or pinching, the area will eventually become numb – allowing the uncomfortable feelings to subside. Once the procedure is done, various side effects may occur:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Firmness
- Tingling
- Itching
- Skin sensitivity
Naturally, these side effects will be temporary. Coolsculpting can vary in terms of time for the procedure. Depending on the area treated, you may expect as little as 35 minutes. If you opt to do multiple treatments in a single session, you may expect to spend more time in the medical spa.
How Many Treatments Should I Expect to Need?
Most patients will notice approximately 20-25% fat reduction in the treated area after a single treatment. You will want to work with your provider to determine how many treatments will be necessary to achieve your ideal outcome. Following treatment, you will notice changes roughly 1-3 months down the road. Your body will continue to process the changes for around 6 months or more – allowing you to notice the final results.
