Double Options for Double Chins

People often complain about the dreaded double chin. Until recently patients have had very few options for treatment of this condition. For many, fullness under the chin is simply the result of genetics or aging. And for those who have developed a double chin due to weight gain, they may find it frustrating that even with weight loss their double chin will persist.

Fortunately there are new treatments designed to reduce or eliminate submental fat (the fat below the chin). Targeting this area for treatment can help patients rediscover or redefine the shape of their chin and jaw. Currently there are two primary treatment options, both of which are available through my cosmetic practice at Carruthers & Humphrey.

Belkyra

Belkyra is a new non-invasive injectable treatment. Carruthers & Humphrey was one of the first Canadian clinics to offer Belkyra to patients. Our office was involved in the clinical trials and helped bring Belkyra to market. 

The Belkyra injection targets the cell membrane of the fat cells that cause the double chin. The fat cell are disrupted and the contents diffuse into the surrounding subcutaneous space. The body then naturally removes these free fatty acids safely. Belkyra is generally effective after two to four treatments with relatively easy recovery.

CoolMini

A new specialized applicator from the makers of CoolSculpting, the CoolMini is designed specifically for the treatment of small areas, including submental fat. CoolMini is an an effective and non-invasive way to target fullness under the chin. It can also be used on other areas such as the ‘bra bulge’ and localized fat around the knees. As with CoolSculpting for other areas, the procedure freezes and ultimately kills fat cells in the targeted area. Over the following weeks and months, your body disposes of the dead cells and the result is a visible reduction in fat in the treated area.

If you are interested in learning more about treatment options please speak to Dr. Beleznay or contact the office to book a consultation.

The Skinny on New Fat Loss Treatment

You may have heard people talking about the treatment that “freezes away fat” and wondered if it really works. The procedure is formally known as cryolipolysis, and it is a non-invasive way to reduce fat deposits that has been approved by the FDA to treat the areas of the love handles, abdomen and thighs. CoolSculpting is the brand name of the cryolipolysis device produced by Zeltiq Aesthetics.

As a doctor, whenever new medical products or treatments come to market I look closely at the science behind them. Scientists affiliated with Harvard University developed cryolipolysis based on the principle of “popsicle panniculitis,” a dermatologic condition observed in children who suck ice or popsicles, which has shown that exposure to cold temperatures can selectively damage subcutaneous fat. Cryolipolysis uses controlled cooling to target and crystallize fat cells. The crystallized fat cells gradually die off and are naturally eliminated from the body. 

And to answer the original question, the treatment has proven to be quite effective at reducing fat tissue without damaging skin or other surrounding tissue. Best results are seen in patients of a healthy weight with discrete fat bulges. Typically a reduction of 20-30% of fat volume in the treated area will occur. An added benefit can be tightening of the skin following treatment, estimated to occur in 25-30% of patients. The effect on skin laxity is something my colleagues have been looking in to.

CoolSculpting has been available since 2010 but has really gained popularity over the past two years. More than 1 million procedures have been performed to-date and CoolSculpting is now offered in many dermatologist offices. One of the reasons for its popularity is the fact that there is minimal downtime for the procedure. In general patients can resume normal activity immediately.

Results may be visible about a month after treatment with the most dramatic results after two months. As with all aesthetic procedures, results will vary and for best results consult a doctor who is experienced and trained in the procedure to develop a customized treatment plan.

In terms of side effects, during the procedure you may experience pulling, pinching, numbness and some discomfort in the area being treated. Typical side effects following treatment include temporary numbness, redness, swelling, bruising, and mild pain.

A good first hand account of the CoolSculpting procedure was recently shared in Elle magazine. If it is something you are interested in, ask your doctor if you are a good candidate.