Why Do I Have Double Chin Despite Being Skinny?

While double chin is mostly associated with excess weight or weight gain, even those who are skinny can still have it. So, if you’re on the thinner side and have extra fat under your chin, you may be wondering what’s causing it or what you can do to get rid of it.

The thing with being skinny and having some fat under the chin is that it can give your face a much rounder profile. There is also the issue of making it seem like you have two chins, especially if you look down. Continue reading as we explore the causes of double chin despite being thin and the treatments that can improve its appearance. 

What causes a double chin aside from excess weight?

A number of factors or a combination of them can lead or contribute to the formation of a double chin. These include: 

Genes: The appearance of a double chin can be due to genetics. If you have a family history of double chins or little skin elasticity, you are likely to develop one yourself regardless of age or weight. You may accumulate extra fat under your chin if some or all of your family members have excess fat in the area too. 

Poor Posture: Frequently slouching or looking down at your phone and other devices can cause the muscles in your chin and neck to sag and weaken. And as the surrounding skin loses elasticity when the muscles are not used, you may notice a double chin or sagging skin over time.

Aging: The emergence of a double chin could also be due to aging, as the skin’s production of collagen and elastin declines as we age. Less supply of these essential proteins can cause your skin, including the one under your chin or jaw, to sag, resulting in the appearance of a rounder or double chin. 

Non-invasive treatments for double chin

If your double chin is making you self-conscious, non-invasive fat reduction treatments can help. At Cutis, we have two fat freezing devices that can target stubborn fat bulges in different areas, including the stomach, arms, thighs, and under the chin. They can kill fat cells permanently for a slimmer or more sculpted treatment area.

CoolSculpting

Using Cryolipolysis or controlled cooling technology, CoolSculpting targets and freezes fat cells to the point of natural elimination. It has applicators of various sizes for treating different areas of the body. The CoolMini handpiece is specifically designed for targeting smaller areas such as the chin, underarms (bra fat), and knees.  

The number of CoolSculpting sessions needed will depend on every patient or the area being treated. While some may only require at least two treatments, others may need more depending on the amount of fat under the chin. A session of CoolSculpting can take about an hour, with treatments scheduled a month apart.

You may be glad to know that the treated fat cells are completely gone and will not come back or migrate to other areas. They are cleared through the lymphatic system and processed as waste in the liver. Just keep in mind that poor habits after your CoolSculpting procedure may cause you to develop fat in the chin and other areas.

ZLipo

This non-invasive fat reduction procedure uses controlled cooling temperatures to kill fat cells. It also has applicators of different sizes, with ZLipo Mini specifically made to treat smaller pockets of fat on the chin, underarms, and knees. ZLipo is effective for removing stubborn fats that don’t respond well to diet and exercise.  

The handpiece suctions in the bulges before exposing them to cooling temperatures. The body then metabolizes the treated fat cells over time, which are processed as waste in the liver and cleared through the lymphatic system over a period of 10 to 12 weeks. You’ll then notice a slimmer area or reduced fat layer thickness.

Just like CoolSculpting, the number of ZLipo sessions needed will depend on the size of the area or the amount of fat it has. It is also worth noting that ZLipo has 360° applicators that offer a full 360° cooling, treating the entire skin surface. It also has a gentler vacuum function for a more comfortable fat freezing experience.  

The treated fat cells are also gone for good and will never come back. This, however, does not necessarily mean that you won’t gain weight after the procedure. If you, for instance, eat more than you burn or engage in bad lifestyle habits, the remaining fat cells in your body can grow and expand, leading to fat bulges. 

Take note: Both CoolSculpting and ZLipo are not weight-loss treatments or substitutes for regular diet and exercise. Ideal candidates are those who are near or within their normal weight but have fat bulges in certain areas. This makes them a good option for those who are skinny but have a double chin or excess fat in other trouble zones.

Further reading: What Are Your Concerns About Fat Freezing?

Want to learn more about fat freezing and body contouring treatments? Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation and body assessment with one of our aesthetic doctors.