There are three major reasons for the unflattering fatty deposits under the jawline that cause a double chin: excess weight, decreased muscle tone because of aging, and genetics. Some people simply are predisposed to accumulate fat in certain areas, such as thighs, hips, midsection, arms or the neck. If excess weight is the cause of a double chin, proper diet and exercise is the best way to reduce overall fat deposits, including under the chin. However, neck and facial exercises can tone the neck muscles and improve the appearance of a double chin.
Shovel Exercise
This exercise works the platysma muscle, which goes from the chin to the chest and is responsible for facial expressions. Toning this muscle will help trim under the chin. Sit upright, tilt your head up, open your mouth wide, and pull your bottom lip in over your bottom teeth. Work your lower jaw up and down for 10 counts, as if you were trying to scoop something up; relax and repeat for five or 10 repetitions. Continue with the routine every day, as it could take up to a couple of months to see results.
Alternate Platysma Exercises
Sit upright, and tilt your head up. With closed and relaxed lips, start a large, exaggerated chewing motion to work the throat and neck muscles. Do not strain your neck. Continue for 10 counts, then relax. Do five or 10 repetitions.
Tilt your head up, pucker your lips, and stretch them out. Keep your lips puckered for 10 counts, then relax. Do five or 10 repetitions.
These exercises are variations to the shovel exercise and will help tone and strengthen the platysma muscle.
Resistance exercises
Lie on a bed with your head hanging over the edge. Lift your head slowly toward your chest, leading with your chin, until your head is in line with your chest, then bring your head back down. Do 10 repetitions. In this exercise, gravity creates resistance, making your neck muscles work harder.
Sit upright, and place a tennis ball under your chin. Open and close your mouth to tone the neck muscles by using the ball as resistance. Do five or 10 repetitions, and increase the repetitions as the muscles gain strength. Alternatively, place the back of your hand under your chin, and provide resistance as your try to open your mouth.
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