In partnership with SA’s top medical aesthetic companies
Young and old, male or female, no one really loves a double chin, not to mention its partner in crime, flabby jowls. But did you know there are different causes?
These usually arise due to excess fat and slackening skin – thanks, gravity!
In younger people it’s usually because they’re carrying a bit of extra weight, but as we get older, we probably have to accept that it’s a combination of both.
Of course, losing a bit of weight healthily can make your chin more sleek, but maybe your chin is a bit stubborn (especially if it wasn’t very defined to begin with) and need a bit of extra help.
For those of us who have the double whammy of loose skin and excess fat, the good news is that there are professional treatments available that tackle both these bugbears.
Lift that loose skin
Lifting and tightening the face, once only achievable with a traditional surgical facelift, now has another option that’s much less invasive and costly – thread lifting! Droopy jowls and double chins are literally lifted by a skillful, qualified aesthetic doctor who will use safe, surgical-grade PDO (Polydioxanone) threads, such as Princess® LFL Lift.
The doctor will make a small incision in the target area and attach the threads to deeper connective tissues. There they work in two ways: they create tension in the desired direction (lifting), and they boost collagen and elastin production in the area (firming), after which they dissolve naturally in the body.
Thread lifting is safe, quick (less than 45 minutes) and immediately visible, with little risk of pain, no scarring or downtime.
Double-duty beauties
For those in need of both skin lifting and fat ‘melting’, you have several options that use a combination of different technologies:
- The new, award-winning VelaShape III follows in the success footsteps of its older sisters – offering faster treatment and even better results. It combines IR (infrared), bi-polar RF (radiofrequency) and vacuum technology. This combination causes deep heating of the fat cells, their surrounding connective fibrous tissue and the underlying dermal collagen fibres. This stimulates circulation, lymphatic drainage, and collagen depositing, tightening skin and eliminating unwanted fat.
- BTL’s renowned Exilis® Elite Radio frequency (RF) works by using RF to heat deeper skin layers and stimulate collagen. The heat also shrinks loose skin tissue, causing it to tighten and lift up. Your body eliminates the ‘melted’ fat cells naturally.
- Titania uses different types of radio frequency to target different depths and types of tissue. It heats the area, stimulating collagen and elastin, and the elimiation of fat, as well as improving lymph drainage, blood circulation and tissue oxygenation. Good to know that it’s pain-free and suitable for all skin types.
These radio frequency treatments are a course of treatments.
The extra boost
Carboxytherapy is a complementary treatment to all the above. It involves injecting tiny amounts of Carbon dioxide (CO2) under the skin to break down fatty deposits and stimulate collagen production.
It works to help improve the appearance of saggy jowl and double chins by improving collagen production and firming, as well as helping to reduce fat in the area.
Need to know
You will need an assessment with a medical doctor for a general health assessment as well as an appropriate combination treatment for your specific skin and budget needs, which includes a home maintenance programme.
(English subtitles availlable)
Next week we focus on how to deal with dark circles around your eyes, why do they develop and how to treat them.
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