Chin Liposuction & Other Potential Ways to Lose Your Double Chin
Do you find yourself taking selfies from a high angle to hide your double chin? The dreaded double chin, also called submental fullness, is a common condition. You don’t have to be overweight to have a double chin, some people just have more fat tissue under the chin than others. Whether the layer of fat below your chin is due to genetics, some extra plumpness, or loose skin caused by ageing, there are several ways of losing your double chin.
Overall Weight Loss
If your double chin is due to extra kilos, it’s highly possible your double chin will decrease if you lose some weight. As daunting as this idea may seem, simple lifestyle changes can have a big effect on your weight. Simply avoiding soft drinks (even the diet variety) and processed food, and being more active can make a visible difference.
Stress is also known to cause weight gain, but exercise decreases stress so getting physical is a win-win.
As far as healthy eating goes, here are some guidelines:
- Eat four servings of vegetables daily.
- Eat three servings of fruits daily.
- Replace refined grains with whole grains.
- Avoid processed foods.
- Eat lean protein, such as poultry, fish, tofu and legumes.
- Eat healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts.
- Avoid fried foods.
- Avoid sugar.
- Practice portion control (eat small amounts and eat often)
Chin/Neck Exercises
While there is only anecdotal evidence that chin exercises work to combat a double chin, the theory is that strengthening and toning the muscles and skin in your neck/chin area may help to reduce fat in that area. If you’d like to give it a shot, here are some exercises that might help reduce your double chin.
| 1. The Straight Jaw Jut
Tilt your head back and look up at the ceiling. Push your lower jaw forward to feel a stretch under the chin. Hold and count to 10. Return to a natural position. Repeat 10-15 times daily |
2. Ball Exercise
Hold a 9 – 10cm ball under your chin. Repeat 25 times daily. |
| 3. The Neck Stretch
Tilt your head backwards and look at the ceiling. Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Hold this pose for 5 to 10 seconds and release. Repeat 10-15 times daily |
4. Bottom Jaw Stretch
Tilt your head backwards and look at the ceiling. Turn your head to the right. Push your bottom jaw forward. Hold this pose for 5 to 10 seconds and release. Repeat with your head turned to the left. Repeat daily 10-15 times |
Cosmetic Procedures
The truth is that fat can be stubborn and sometimes won’t move despite a healthy diet and exercise. If you’re looking for some extra help here are some options to get rid of those fat cells once and for all.
Vaser Liposuction
Vaser Liposuction (aka ultrasonic cavitation) is different from the traditional liposuction technique; a probe that emits ultrasound waves is used to soften the lump of fat, so it’s easier for your cosmetic practitioner to suck the fat out. Vaser only requires one treatment, the recovery time is short (only 3 days) and the treatment leaves only a very tiny scar. Plus, the heat of the ultrasound helps to tighten the skin, so no worries about loose skin after you lose the fat. ”
Check out this lovely patient’s results:
So when is Vaser liposuction a good option for getting rid of a double chin? Dr Joseph Ajaka of Cosmos Clinic says “Vaser is a better option for people who want dramatic results in one session and can take 3 days downtime.”
Learn more about Vaser Liposuction for Neck Lifts, and find out what else Vaser Liposuction can do.
Fat-Dissolving Injections
Fat-dissolving injections is a non-invasive treatment that dissolves the fat cell membrane, releasing the fat, which is then processed by your body resulting in improved contour of the neck and jawline. Most people need at least two treatments (about 6 weeks apart) to get a result, and it will take around three months for the full result to take shape. No downtime is necessary but Dr Ajaka advises “fat dissolving injections cause just as much swelling as vaser liposuction”.
For more info see our post on this new treatment designed to melt fat and learn more about Fat-Dissolving Injections here.
Coolsculpting
Another super popular non-invasive fat loss technique (aka Cryolipolysis) uses an applicator that is placed onto your neck which sucks up your fat and freezes the fat cells, making about 20-25% of the fat cells disappear (they’re processed by your body as waste). Coolsculpting also requires multiple treatments and can give you great results, with no needles or pain.
Learn more about Coolsculpting
Dr Ajaka advises, “The non invasive treatments require multiple sessions and the results are noticeable but not dramatic.These treatments are best for people who really don’t want an invasive procedure.”
iGuide Neck Lift
If your double chin is more due to excess or sagging skin around the neck area, then an iGuide neck lift might be the best option for you. For this procedure, a stitch is put under the skin in a shoelace-like pattern which is anchored onto the jawline and then tightened to pull everything up (like tightening a shoelace). It’s a minimally invasive procedure, and it doesn’t leave a scar.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWHM4iVlcYO/?hl=en&taken-by=cosmosclinic
Find out more about iGuide neck lifts
So which is the solution for you? The best advice is to have a conversation with your cosmetic practitioner. A consultation will allow your cosmetic practitioner to consider factors such as your face shape, skin condition, expectations, how much downtime you can take and your desired result to determine which is the most suitable treatment to banish your double chin.
6 Reasons Why More People are Choosing CoolSculpting
Coolsculpting is an innovative and relatively new technology that was developed based on the observation that kids who sucked a lot of popsicles experienced fat loss in the cheeks. It was found that cold temperatures can cause fat cell death. The body then naturally processes the dead fat cells as waste.
Coolsculpting machines apply precisely controlled cooling via an applicator placed on the problem area. Coolsculpting became available in Australia eight years ago in 2010 and has become a highly popular method of body sculpting. Dr Ajaka of Cosmos Clinic confirms that there has been a significant increase in patients interested in Coolsculpting, “people are realising that it works so they are telling their friends”.
Here are 6 reasons why more people are choosing to have Coolsculpting treatments:
1. Effective Method of Fat Reduction
Many people are predisposed to having more fat cells in certain areas, so this stubborn fat is next to impossible to remove through regular exercise and a healthy diet alone. Fat-freezing treatments are an effective method of removing unwanted fat to achieve a slimmer-looking physique. Dr Ajaka explains that Coolsculpting “is not a weight reduction program, it’s a change in your body shape in the area you have treated”.
Coolsculpting can work wonders on typical problem areas like the tummy, the hips, the waist, the legs, the back, the arms, muffin tops, banana roll and double chins.
Each treatment results in a 20-25% fat reduction per area, and it takes 2-3 treatments to see substantial improvements, but a noticeable difference can often be seen with just one treatment. The results begin to show after 3 weeks, but the full results take shape 3 months post-treatment.
2. Non-Invasive
Coolsculpting is a non-invasive treatment, which is a big plus, a lot of people like the idea of non-surgical fat reduction treatments and Coolsculpting doesn’t even require a single needle.
3. No Downtime
Because the fat-freezing procedure is non-invasive and gentle on the body, you don’t need any recovery time. You can literally work out of your Coolsculpting treatment and continue your day as normal. You can go straight back to work and continue your normal activities and your regular exercise routine. This makes Coolsculpting a super easy.
4. No Pain
Patients usually feel a very mild, cold discomfort for around 5 mins at the beginning of the fat-freezing treatment, for a few hours after the treatment there is some mild redness and slight discomfort in the treatment area. Some tenderness, bruising or swelling can occur in the treatment area which resolves itself in between 1 – 4 weeks.
5. Quick
During Coolsculpting treatments, the machine sucks the fat inside the applicator to apply the precisely controlled cooling to the area for up to 60 minutes. So, it’s easy to fit a treatment into your schedule as there’s no need to take a day off.
6. Permanent Fat Loss
The number of fat cells in the body remains stable from the age of 18, your body doesn’t make new fat cells to replace the cells removed through fat-freezing treatments. This means that once they’re gone from the treated area, they can’t come back.
Find out more about Coolsculpting at Cosmos Clinic and check out this video for a peek into the Coolsculpting journey:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfcPEuflgOY/?hl=en&taken-by=cosmosclinic
The Skinny on Fat Freezing: Does Coolsculpting Work? And How to Decide if it’s Right for You
Coolsculpting is a non-surgical, non-invasive body sculpting treatment that removes fat cells beneath the skin through the fat freezing technique known as cryolipolysis. An applicator placed on the skin in the problem area sucks up the fat and freezes it which causes fat cell death without harming the surrounding body tissue. The destroyed fat cells are then naturally processed by the body as waste over the weeks following the treatment.
Does Coolsculpting Work?
In a study carried out in 2009 researchers found that cryolipolysis reduced fat tissue in the treatment area by between 20-25% per treatment.
The full results of a fat freezing treatment take from 3 to 6 months to take shape, and many patients report a noticeable difference just 3 weeks after treatment. Visible improvements can be seen from just one treatment however 2-3 treatments are required to get really substantial results.
The results are permanent. The body doesn’t create new fat cells after about the age of 18, so once the fat cells have been removed, they cannot come back. When we put on weight, our fat cells don’t multiply they expand. So, although you can put in weight in other areas, it will be more difficult to put one weight in areas treated by Coolsculpting due to the decreased number of fat cells in the area.
Coolsculpting technology allows for the treatment of a range of areas, and there are even small applicators for areas like under the chin. Areas that can be treated by Coolsculpting include:
- Tummy
- Hips
- Waist
- Legs
- Back
- Flanks
- Arms (lower and upper arm)
- Muffin Tops
- Banana rolls
- Double chins
How to Decide If Coolsculpting is Right for you?
To be a candidate for fat-freezing treatment you need to be within 13.6kgs of your ideal weight. It’s important to note that Coolsculpting is not for dramatic fat loss, it’s a procedure for reducing stubborn fat that is not responsive to a healthy diet and regular exercise. Dr Ajaka of Cosmos Clinic advises that Coolsculpting is suitable for people who “have one or two areas that won’t shift with exercise, have realistic expectations and don’t want to have surgery”.
That said, you do need to have enough squeezable fat. Dr Ajaka explains that “patients must have an area with fat that can be “grabbed” by the suction applicator of the coolsculpting machine”. So, if your fat is hard in the problem area, then Coolsculpting is not the solution for you.
Although the treatment is completely non-invasive you’ll need to be prepared for a little swelling, bruising, sensitivity, numbness in the treatment area.
It’s not just the fat that’s exposed to the cold temperature, it’s the skin as well, so the cool temperature does affect your skin. You may experience some redness and numbness of the skin for a few weeks after the treatment.
If you don’t like needles or don’t like the idea of having to take some recovery time, then Coolsculpting may be the fat-reduction treatment for you. Since the treatment is completely non-invasive, it’s gentle enough on your body that you don’t need any downtime post-treatment.
When is Coolsculpting Not Suitable?
Coolsculpting is super safe and effective for most people however it is not a suitable treatment for obesity, and people with the following medical conditions should not receive fat-freezing procedures:
- cryoglobulinemia
- cold agglutinin disease
- paroxysmal cold hemoglobulinuria
If you have any of these conditions, Coolsculpting is not an option for you as it could result in serious complications.
Also, see our blog post on Coolsculpting vs Liposuction
Whether you have any of the above conditions or not it’s important to talk with your doctor before seeking fat-freezing treatments.
Also, be sure to choose an experienced Coolsculpting provider to perform the treatment and have at least one consultation before deciding if Coolsculpting is right for you.
For more food for thought, check out this news report on Coolsculpting:
Does Coolsculpting Work? See Our Best Before & After Pictures
Coolsculpting or cryolipolysis is a non-invasive fat-reduction treatment that has become a very popular body sculpting procedure. Developed by Harvard scientists, Coolsculpting technology works by freezing fat cells which are then naturally eliminated by the body. Celebrities like Kris Jenner, Molly Sims, Debra Messing and Khloe Kardashian have been very open about using Coolsculpting to help them slim down.
So, does Coolsculpting actually work?
Coolsculpting technology was developed around the discovery that when fat cells freeze they die and the body gets rid of them through the liver. In 2009 a study carried out to test the effectiveness of fat-freezing as a fat reduction treatment found a 20-25% fat loss in the treatment area after just one treatment.
The full result shows three months after a treatment, but even at three weeks, a noticeable difference can be seen. Dr Joseph Ajaka explains that “generally you get a noticeable difference with 1-2 treatments in the same area, significant improvement with 3-4 treatments in the same area, and a dramatic effect with 5-6 treatments in the same area”
Dr Ajaka explains that at Cosmos Clinic they “assess the patient’s expectations and take the cost into account before they can determine how many treatments a patient will receive”.
Coolsculpting technology is capable of achieving results on a range of problem areas including the tummy, hips, waist, legs, back, flanks, lower and upper arms, muffin tops, banana rolls and double chins. Smaller applicators have been created to treat smaller areas like under the chin.
Ready to see some results? Let’s look at some before and after pictures.
The following picture shows one of our lovely patient’s result after 3 Coolsculpting treatments:
This picture shows another patient’s result after 4 Coolsculpting sessions on her arms. She now wears sleeveless outfits without feeling self-conscious:
This is another amazing result after 3 treatments of Coolsculpting, the picture was taken 12 weeks after her initial treatment:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGB2ZZjAyWs/?hl=en&taken-by=cosmosclinic
See more examples of what’s possible thanks to Coolsculpting technology here
Feature image of via @steph_pacca getting set up for a Coolsculpting treatment.
MEN Now Getting Brazilian Butt Lifts – See What’s Involved in a Brozilian Butt Lift
The Brazilian Butt Lift, invented in Brazil and now becoming more and more popular in Australia. Cosmos Clinic Sydney reports a huge increase enquires about this particular body contouring surgery in the last two years. The trend is attributed to the presence of public figures like the Kardashian sisters and Beyonce in the media and to the rise of social media, especially Instagram.
But it’s not just women who are looking to enhance the shape of their derriere, this cosmetic procedure is becoming increasingly popular among men. Dr Ajaka of Cosmos Clinic reveals that about 10-15% of patients receiving Brazilian butt lift procedures at Cosmos Clinic are men. When asked why he thinks the BBL has become more popular amongst men Dr Ajaka explains that, “Instagram is a big factor, this social media platform is very visual. And it’s a follow-on effect from the rise of the BBL in females”.
What’s Involved in A Brazilian Butt Lift?
Brazilian Butt Lift surgery does not involve butt implants. Instead, the surgical procedure is done by fat transfer. Unwanted fat from other parts of the body (typically the tummy, thighs or love handles) is removed via VASER liposuction, washed with antibiotics and reinjected back into the buttocks.
VASER Liposuction uses ultrasound technology which helps to break up the fat tissue which makes the procedure a lot gentler than with traditional liposuction.
You get the added bonus of slimming down areas that carry some excess fat; you can sculpt a flatter tummy at the same time. The removal of fat in neighbouring areas such as the love handles, and thighs also helps to make the bum look bigger.
Men usually ask for a bubble shape, and women usually request a more “S” shaped bum. So what are realistic expectations of a Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure and how does one explain to a plastic surgeon the size they envisage for their behind? There are three sizes, based on how patients tend to describe how they want their bum to look:
- The Sports Illustrated
- The Beyoncé
- The Kardashian
The final result can be seen around 6 weeks after surgery, and Brazilian Butt Lift results are permanent. Due to the fat grafting, if you put on weight it will show in the areas that have more fat cells, as the body doesn’t make new fat cells when you put on weight, the existing fat cells simply expand.
Aftercare/Downtime of BBL
A Brazilian Butt Lift requires patients to take a week off work. The areas where the fat came from can be sore for a week or so after the treatment. It’s also very important not to sit on the buttocks for two weeks, because of the pressure can kill the newly placed fat cells and alter the shape, pressure also increases the risk of infection.
Patients can sit down on their thighs, leaning forward, and special pillows are available to help patients sit without putting weight on their bum. Cosmos Clinic includes regular follow up as part of aftercare, checking patients every day for the first week to make sure there are no signs of infection.
Here is a before photo and a photo taken immediately after Brazilian Butt lift procedure performed by Dr Erfan from Cosmos Clinic Adelaide
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQKkSAXjnXu/?hl=en&taken-by=cosmosclinic
Risks/Side Effects of BBL
There is some swelling for the first two weeks and sometimes bruising in the treatment area although when the procedure is done using VASER Liposuction, it is relatively gentle.
The risk of infection is avoided by washing the fat after it is extracted from the body and before it is injected into the buttocks. Patients are also given antibiotics to take post-treatment and are closely monitored.
You’ll find more info on Brazilian Butt Lifts on our Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure page (includes more before and after photos) and be sure to watch this video clip for the scoop on the Brazilian Butt Lift trend:
Top 10 Things About Breast Augmentation You Should Know
Thinking about undergoing a breast enlargement, revision or lift?
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments, accounting for 15.8% of the world’s cosmetic surgical procedures. Chances are you know someone who has had implants or a lift. You’ve probably read plenty of information and advice on the internet, and you may have already consulted with a cosmetic practitioner.
But there are several facts about your breast augmentation surgery that you’re likely not to know. This information isn’t often shared on websites and online forums, nor is it commonly disclosed by cosmetic practitioners or plastic surgeons.
To ensure you have all the information about undergoing breast augmentation surgery, we want to share the top 10 things you may not know about the procedure.
- You’ll need more than one operation
Unfortunately, breast implants aren’t designed to last even if that’s what your surgeon implies. A large percentage of implants leak after ten years, so for your health and well-being, they’ll need to be replaced periodically.
- There’s a high chance scar tissue will grow
In up to 80 percent of cases, patients will grow scar tissue around the implants. For some, this scar tissue won’t be obvious, but for others it can cause the breasts to become firm and even painful to touch. This is known as capsular contracture and treated through a capsulotomy procedure to remove the scar tissue. However, even after the scar tissue has been removed there is no guarantee it won’t grow back.
- Multiple breast surgeries can increase internal scarring
Revision breast surgery needs to be performed carefully as multiple surgeries increases your risk of internal scarring. Why is internal scarring serious? Internal scarring can impair the blood supply which can have a huge impact on how well you heal from the surgery. It’s vital an experienced surgeon is performing the breast augmentation to help reduce your risk.
- You may not get the desired results with a belly button to breast augmentation
In the 90’s Trans-Umbilical Breast Augmentation was very popular as a quick way to enlarge breasts through a small incision in the belly button. However, that’s not the case anymore. With the shift to silicone implants it was difficult to fit them into such a small incision without more pressure than the manufacture’s advised. Additionally, the blunt technique that was used and with the surgeon working a distance from the breast, it didn’t produce as good a result as traditional breast augmentation surgery.
- Teardrop implants often move out of place
Teardrop breast implants mimic the natural breast shape with the implant having more fullness in the lower half. This shape of implant is often advised for those with lower body fat, lower positioned nipples or patients who are seeking a natural look.
While they may produce a natural appearance which is preferable, they are more difficult to position than round implants and are prone to moving. If they are displaced, you’ll require revision surgery to correct the position. If round implants move on the other hand, the shape of your breasts won’t be affected.
- Breast augmentation with fat has less complications and is more natural
Breast augmentation using the patient’s own fat is increasing in popularity due to the natural results and the reduced risk of complications. As a bonus, patients are also able to remove some of the fat from a region of their own body such as thighs or buttocks to increase their breast size.
Although breast augmentation using fat instead of implants is a popular technique, there are some facts that you should keep in mind. Firstly, there’s no guarantee the fat placed in your breasts will survive the transfer. If the fat doesn’t survive you may need revision surgery and the dead fat cells can cause calcifications which may be difficult to access and can be confused with cancerous cells.
Secondly, you are limited with the amount of fat that can be injected into the breast so you may only be able to increase your breasts by one or two cup sizes. This is because the more fat you transfer, the greater the incidence of fat necrosis.
Thirdly, the overall appearance of breast augmentation with fat is subtler than using implants. If you’re looking for perkier, fuller and more youthful breasts, implants may be more suitable.
- Breast implants require monitoring
As there is a risk of silent rupturing of the implant, it is recommended you continually monitor your breasts after the surgery. The only way to detect a leak is through a MRI screening. Depending on your individual circumstance, this may or may not be covered by health insurance.
- Breast implants can potentially mask breast cancer
Even with the latest and most sophisticated imaging technology, there is a potential breast cancer can be masked by the breast implants. This is because the position of the implants can cover some of the breast tissue. Where the implant is positioned under the pectoralis muscles, up to 15 percent of the tissue is covered. This is higher when the implant is position over the muscle, thus the chance of the cancer being missed is greater.
While the statistics reveal women with breast implants experience a lower incidence of breast cancer, this is simply due to the fact they are typically monitored more regularly.
- You may not be able to breastfeed
Breast augmentation surgery with implants may slightly reduce your ability to breastfeed. However, many women with implants have gone on to successfully breastfed their infants without any complication.
- Larger implants come with greater complications
Bigger is not always better in the world of breast implants. Surgeons who agree to insert breast implants larger than what is suitable for the individual are often met with greater complications such as rippling and skin stretching. This will eventually result in breasts looking deformed and will require revision surgery.
As a general rule, the bigger the breast implants, the sooner you’ll require a breast lift. Breast lift surgery is a more involved surgery than an augmentation and will result in more visible scarring. Ensuring the size of the implants are suitable for your body type is important to avoid or postpone this surgery.
Related Procedures:
Breast Fat Transfer (Gold Coast)
Exercising Can Keep You Looking & Feeling Younger
Exercise, we all know it’s good for us.
Exercising help us maintain a healthy weight and lose those unwanted kilos. It reduces our risk of developing cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Regular exercise strengthens our bones and muscles reducing the risk of fractures and improving the symptoms of arthritis. Your mental health, mood and cognition is kept sharp with physical activity.
Is Coolsculpting better than liposuction?
Body contouring procedures to get rid of unwanted fat are some of the most popular treatments offered at Cosmos Clinic. Coolsculpting and liposuction are two popular methods helping men and women refine their physique.
A brief guide to all types of body fats
No matter how slim you are, we all have body fat distributed throughout the body. Adipose tissue is an organ of our body and plays a vital role in determining our health. Like the fat in our food, some types of body fat are better than others, and too much adipose tissue can have a detrimental effect on our health.
Understanding your rights as a patient undergoing invasive procedures
As a patient, you have a certain number of rights that should be respected prior to undergoing any invasive procedures. Patients who are well-informed tend to be more satisfied with the outcome of their treatment as a result.
Here’s a few things you should know before you commit to undergoing any invasive procedure.