Heard of double chin injections? They’re one of the latest cosmetic treatments getting around, with celebrities such as Khloe Kardashian vouching for their effectiveness in sculpting the area under the chin.

And they’re gaining popularity for good reason. Until now there’s been only a handful of options for people who are looking to get rid of a double chin – exercises to help strengthen muscles, surgery (such as liposuction on the neck) to have the excess fat removed, or you can simply deal with it.

In a 2017 study by Allergan, which surveyed more than 3500 Australians aged 20 to 60 years old, it was found that having a double chin causes more concern than any other problem area for Australians of both sexes. What’s more, it was revealed that 57 per cent of those with a double chin have been thinking about treatment options.

This is where chin injections come in – they’re a non-surgical and non-invasive solution to treat this surprisingly common issue, with minimal downtime and permanent results.

Submental (under the chin) fat reduction, also referred to as a non-surgical chin lift or fat-dissolving injections, work to break down fat cells to improve the appearance of a double chin and sagging, creating a more defined jaw line.

“Fat dissolving injections have been really popular in my clinic,” says cosmetic nurse Kelly George from Kelly George Aesthetics. “What I’ve found is that I’m seeing women who have hated their ‘double chin’ or side profile for 20-plus years. After the first treatment, they can see and feel a difference, and they become really excited to see the treatment sessions through. The treatment increases their self-confidence significantly and I love seeing how their demeanour changes over the treatment period.”

What are fat reduction injections?

“Fat dissolving injections are a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid – a naturally occurring molecule that aids in the breakdown of fats in the body,” says George. “When injected into the pocket of fat under the chin, the fat cells are destroyed and metabolised by the body as waste products.” Once injected, these fat cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, meaning these fat removal results are permanent.

Is it painful?

Each treatment involves a series of small injections under the chin, which feel slightly uncomfortable (almost like a burning sensation). “The pain is very short-lived (peaks quickly and subsides within a few minutes),” says George. “Many patients liken the pain to green ant bites. We use a combination of pain relieving therapies to help patients through the treatment.”

Is there any downtime?

Downtime is minimal and you can usually expect some bruising and swelling around the treated area, however this should subside with a few days. “Swelling is significant for around two to four days, and bruising can last up to seven days. As a result, many patients prefer to stay at home for a few days,” says George.

Are there any risks?

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved with fat melting injections. “These risks should be discussed with you during your medical consultation to determine your suitability for this treatment,” explains George.

“Expected side effects include: bruising, swelling, pain and numbness of the area. Less common, but potential, more serious risks include nerve damage, which may cause a temporarily uneven smile and difficulty swallowing.”

How many treatments are required for optimal results?

While this varies from patient to patient, changes in the appearance of neck fat will generally become more significant with further treatments. George says best results are achieved with three to four sessions for women, and up to six sessions for men.

Who is a good candidate for this treatment?

“Anyone with a pocket of fat under their chin with reasonable skin quality will benefit from this treatment,” says George. “If there is too much skin laxity (sagging) in the area, dissolving the fat could exacerbate the condition.”

Where can you get neck fat injections?

As it is a prescription-only treatment, double chin injections should only be administered by a registered healthcare professional. “Medical cosmetic clinics offer this treatment. You should always have a consultation with a medical professional to determine your suitability and to discuss associated risks,” says George.

Via beautycrew.com.au