At Central CosMedic, Dr Danielle Waxman offers non-surgical double chin reduction for patients across Havelock North, Hastings, Napier and the wider Hawke’s Bay. Treatment uses a series of injections to permanently destroy fat cells under the chin, for a more defined profile without surgery.
Fullness under the chin can affect people of any age or weight, and it often does not respond to diet and exercise. This page explains how double chin removal treatment works, how many sessions you may need and what to expect.
A double chin, sometimes called submental fullness, is caused by a build-up of fat under the chin. It can be linked to genetics, ageing or weight gain, and some people have it even when they are otherwise slim.
Because this fat can be resistant to diet and exercise, many people look for a non-surgical way to reduce it. Injectable treatment offers an alternative to liposuction for suitable patients.
The treatment contains synthetic deoxycholic acid, which is similar to a substance your body makes naturally to help break down fat. When injected into the fat under the chin, it breaks down the walls of the fat cells. Your body then clears the fat away naturally over the following weeks.
Once a fat cell has been destroyed, it can no longer store fat. Treatment is given as a series of small injections, and the number of sessions depends on the amount of fat and the result you would like.
This image shows the appearance before and immediately after Double Chin Reduction treatment. Individual results and recovery vary.
Treatment is only recommended after a consultation, and only if it is suitable for you.
Dr Waxman talks with you about your concerns, your medical history, any medicines you take and any previous treatments.
She examines the area under your chin to check whether the fullness is caused by fat rather than loose skin or other factors, and explains whether this treatment or another option, such as a PDO thread lift, would suit you better.
You will hear the potential benefits, risks and side effects in plain terms, along with the full cost of the course, before you decide anything.
If you go ahead, you agree a plan together, including the likely number of sessions and the time between them.
A local anaesthetic and cooling packs are used to numb the area. A grid is marked on the skin to guide the small injections. Each session takes around 45 minutes.
Most people see the result they want after two to four sessions, although some people need up to six. Sessions are spaced at least one month apart to allow swelling to settle and the body to clear the fat. Results build gradually, and they are long-lasting because treated fat cells cannot store fat again. Significant weight gain can still affect the area.
Swelling under the chin is expected and can be noticeable for several days. Other common side effects include bruising, pain, numbness, redness, tingling, warmth, itching and small firm areas under the skin. These usually settle within a few weeks.
Less commonly, treatment can affect a nerve in the jaw, causing an uneven smile, or cause difficulty swallowing. These effects are usually temporary. Treatment is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you have an infection in the treatment area. It should only be given by a trained medical professional, and Dr Waxman will talk through all the possible side effects so you can make an informed decision. If you have any concerns after treatment, contact the clinic.
BELKYRA® injection is a prescription medicine containing 10mg/mL deoxycholic acid. It is used for the improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe convexity or fullness associated with fat below the jaws in adults. Do not use in people allergic to this medicine, with infection at site of injection, pregnancy, and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, difficulty swallowing, nausea, skin tightness, hypertension, injection site bruising/pain/swelling/numbness/redness/tingling/hardness/itching/discolouration/formation of small areas of hardness/warmth and injection site nerve injury. BELKYRA® treatment is not funded on the New Zealand Pharmaceutical Schedule. You will need to pay for this medicine. Normal Doctors visit fees apply. BELKYRA® treatment should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Speak to your specialist about your own situation and about the benefits/risks of this procedure in appearance medicine. For further information, the Data Sheet and Consumer Medicines Information can be accessed at www.medsafe.govt.nz or ask your doctor. If you have any side effects or concerns speak to your doctor. Note: Results from BELKYRA® treatment usually last up to 4 years. Allergan New Zealand Limited, Auckland.
PDO threads are made from polydioxanone (PDO), a biocompatible polymer which undergoes complete hydrolytic degradation. The barbs, molded along the thread, anchor into the superficial dynamic fat pads under the skin, to reposition tissue for a non-surgical lift. This can aid in reducing the signs of ageing.
