Double chin is medically called submental fat pad or jowls. There is excess fat accumulation in the chin and jowl area causing visible loss of contour to the mandible. Generally related to obesity, it may also be present in individuals who are not fat. The cervicofacial angle of the youthful neck is around 118 degrees and with the collection of submental fat there is obvious decrease in cervicofacial concavity. An undefined mandibular border is also indicative of aging.
It would not be a surprise to note that 25% of the liposuction is conducted in the submental area usually in association with facelift procedures.
Candidates for removal of double chin present with generalized severe or even mild obesity, excess and isolated submental fat and periocular wrinkling.
What are the causes of double chin?
Sagging jowls or double chin not only makes you look older but also completely alters the way you look. Some of the contributing factors to sagging submental fat are genetic, environmental, natural aging process and repetitive facial expressions. As you age vital components of the skin such as collagen and elastin are lost and gravitational forces take a toll on your skin. This pull causes sagging of the skin and there is no protein in the skin to keep it firm.