What Causes a Double Chin and Unwanted Fat?

Just hearing the words “double chin” can make any man or woman cringe. And for good reason! A double chin can leave you looking years older and pounds heavier than you actually are. Dr. Jaffer has years of experience helping Burnaby residents eliminate that frustrating profile issue with Belkyra, a non-surgical procedure that dissolves chin fat.

But exactly what causes this in the first place?

A double chin is very common among men and women as they age, but many people don’t necessarily know why they have it. This cosmetic annoyance is caused when an extra layer of fat forms beneath the chin, in the submental region. Typically, it is the result of more than one of these factors occurring.

Age

As we age, our skin begins to lose its natural elasticity. And when gravity gets ahold of skin that has lost its firmness, the results can be devastating to one’s profile.

Weight Fluctuations

Thought weight gain is not always the cause, it certainly doesn’t help it. When you do not have a controlled diet and consistently eat unhealthy foods, the weight gain that results often sets up shop in and around the face.

Genetics

Unfortunately, genetics often plays a role.

Posture

Some people are surprised to learn that poor posture is a contributing factor. When you do not practice good posture, the muscles in your neck and chin weaken over time, and when muscles are not regularly used, the skin around them loses elasticity. When this happens in your neck area, the result is a double chin.

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Our Team of Skin Care Experts in Metro Vancouver

Under the rigorous medical supervision of Dr. Perhez Jaffer and Dr. Femida Kherani, Heights Laser Centre features a dedicated team, each member bringing years of specialized expertise in cosmetic and laser treatments. United by a passion for client care, our staff excels in personalized service, ensuring a warm, professional, and supportive experience for every patient.

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About CoolSculpting

Heights Laser Centre is a CoolSculpting University-certified practice. This means that our team members have completed specialized training to ensure that patients receive the most effective and gentle care possible.

As part of your double chin fat reduction treatment, a certified technician will place CoolSculpting’s application panels around the area you are targeting for treatment. These panels will freeze and destroy unwanted fat cells beneath the surface of your skin. The process typically takes about an hour per area, during which you can watch TV, talk on the phone, or read a book. In general:

  • Heights Laser Centre recommends CoolSculpting as a double chin treatment for patients who have wider areas of fat.
  • Treatment is very tolerable. The advanced technology we use significantly decreases sensitivity.
  • You may experience redness, swelling, and minor aching or tenderness in the treatment area after CoolSculpting.
  • Otherwise, you should be able to return to normal activities immediately.

Our Vancouver patients typically see the final treatment results from CoolSculpting between 3 weeks and 4 months after a treatment.

About Belkyra

Dr. Perhez Jaffer, the Medical Director for Heights Laser Centre, performs all injectable procedures for our med spa patients, including Belkyra. With over 20 years experience as an anti-aging physician and over 30 years as a family practitioner, he offers those in his care, expert, supportive, and gentle treatment.

Approved by Health Canada, Belkyra is a formulation that features deoxycholic acid. This injection session will dissolve unwanted submental fat below your chin, which your body will then filter out of your system. The procedure is relatively straightforward. Heights Laser Centre staff will apply ice to desensitize the treatment area, and then Dr. Jaffer will inject Belkyra into the site. Typically:

  • A single treatment of Belkyra works well for a small amount of localized fat beneath the chin.
  • There is no downtime after the procedure. However, you should ice the area and should expect some swelling below your chin as Belkyra dissolves the fat cells.

Results from double chin treatment with Belkyra are not immediate. Our Vancouver patients usually get a great outcome with 2-3 treatment sessions spaced 6-8 weeks apart.

Your Double Chin Treatment

You can expect personal attention and high-quality care at every step in your relationship with Heights Laser Centre. This experience will begin with your consultation appointment with Dr. Jaffer, who will help you determine the right double chin treatment for your needs.

During your consultation, Dr. Jaffer will talk to you about your goals and discuss possible solutions for your chin fat, including CoolSculpting, Belkyra, or a combination of both. Potential risks will be discussed. His recommendation for a treatment plan will depend mostly on the amount and location of the fat you would like to treat, which he will evaluate with a comprehensive examination:

  1. If CoolSculpting is the right option for you, Jaffer will introduce you to your certified technician so that you can get additional details about treatment.
  2. If you are a better candidate for Belkyra, Dr. Jaffer will discuss the injection process and answer any questions you have.

Non-surgical treatment for chin fat works very well for many people. In a few cases, however, Vancouver patients have fat deposits that neither CoolSculpting nor Belkyra can address effectively. Dr. Jaffer may advise these individuals to consider liposuction as an alternative solution.

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After Belkyra to Eliminate Fat Cells: Recuperation & Results

Dr. Jaffer will follow up with you by phone two days after treatment and in person after about one week. He will also meet with you again after one month and two months; at each visit, a Heights Laser Centre team member will take a new set of photos so you can see the gradual reduction in fat beneath your chin.

Post-care guidelines for treatment with Belkyra are minimal. You can resume regular activities almost immediately. However, Dr. Jaffer recommends waiting three days before performing rigorous exercise, such as running or lifting heavy weights. The same recovery timeline applies to your second treatment session and, if necessary, your third visit.

Belkyra treatments do not provide immediate results. You’ll be able to see the best results after 2-3 treatments over the course of 6-8 weeks.

The elimination of fat cells you get from each stage of treatment is permanent, and by the conclusion of your care, you should be able to enjoy an attractive, fitter-looking neckline and chin area.

Double Chin Treatment FAQ

How many treatments do I need?

Double chin treatment requires more than one appointment with Heights Laser Centre to provide you with optimal results. Most of our Vancouver patients have two treatment sessions regardless of whether they have CoolSculpting or Belkyra.


Will my results last?

Double chin treatment permanently removes targeted fat cells from your body. You can expect to reduce unwanted fat with CoolSculpting by 20% per treatment. Belkyra will also permanently eliminate submental fat beneath your chin.


When can I return to my normal routine?

Vancouver patients can return to their normal routine right after their procedure. Whether you want to get back to the office, or take part in other regular activities, you can enjoy the benefits of treatment with no downtime.


Are treatments painful?

Dr. Jaffer and the team at Heights Laser Centre prioritize the patient experience. Most patients feel little to no discomfort.


What kind of improvement can I expect?

The before-and-after photos that our patients take demonstrate a significant reduction in excess fat under the chin. You can anticipate a fitter, firmer profile and an appearance more in line with your aesthetic ideal. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to achieve permanent results with Belkyra and CoolSculpting.

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Centre Difference

From the moment you step through the door at Heights Laser Centre, you are not just a client—you are family. Safety isn’t just a protocol here; it’s a promise. In our relaxing, physician-led medical spa, where state-of-the-art technology meets decades of expertise, each treatment is an intersection of science and artistry, tailored just for you.

Request a free consultation using the online form, or call our centre at (604) 298-4481 to schedule your appointment.

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