Although a double chin is the bane of many overweight people, otherwise slim people can also develop a double chin. A surgeon can reduce the excess fat by liposuction; on average around 2.4 oz. of fat is removed during the procedure, according to Mail Online. However, if you do not want to undergo a surgical procedure, you can use exercise to help improve the appearance of a double chin.
Tongue Exercise
Extend your tongue out and down as far as possible as though you are trying to lick the tip of your chin. Maintain the position until you feel the muscle at the back of your tongue burning. Relax and repeat three times. To further tone the musculus mylohyoideus, which is the muscle situated at the join of the neck and chin, Reinhold Benz, author of "Five Minute Face Lift," advises opening your mouth a little and pressing your tongue as hard as you can against the top of your mouth. Hold for half a minute; as the muscle becomes firmer the overlying skin and tissue will also tighten.
Reverse Chew
Deborah Crowley, author of "Flex Effect Facial Resistance Training," recommends the "reverse chew" to tighten the area underneath the chin. Place the pads of your thumbs side-by-side on the tip of your chin. Separate your teeth as far as you can without opening your mouth, and push against your chin with your thumbs to create resistance. Continue for as long as the exercise feels comfortable.
Resistance Training
With the palm of one hand pushing hard against your forehead, try to lower your chin to your chest. When your chin touches your chest, move your hand to the back of your head, and push down, while trying to return your head to a normal position. Do six repetitions in each direction to build muscles in the neck and chin, and to improve the appearance of saggy skin.
Considerations
Being overweight can contribute to the severity of a double chin. By adopting a low-calorie diet and regularly performing an aerobic exercise, such as cycling or brisk walking, you will see an improvement in your body weight, as well as a reduction of fat cells under your chin. Set a goal to lose 1 to 2 lb. each week by choosing fat-free or low-fat versions of foods, drinking water in place of soda and adding a healthy low-calorie soup or salad to your meals. Aim to perform a physical activity for 30 minutes, five times a week.
References
- Mail Online; Goodbye Double Chin...; Oona Mashta; Oct. 31, 2010
- Healthfinder; Watch Your Weight; Feb. 7, 2011
- "Five Minute Face Lift"; Reinhold Benz; 1991
- "Flex Effect Facial Resistance Training"; Deborah Crowley; 2002
- "Joseph Corvo's Zone Therapy"; Joseph Corvo; 1988
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