Because it’s right there on your face, a double chin is hard to hide. Thanks to factors out of your control, like heredity and aging, even when you do everything right – eat right, work out, get enough sleep – short of lipo, you still can’t get rid of it! Fortunately, this might be a problem of the past because the FDA just approved a new drug that can melt away that neck fat via injections. Developed by Kythera Biopharmceuticals, the drug, called Kybella, is a form of deoxycholic acid, a substance the body produces to help break down fat. When injected, it destroys the cell membrane, causing the fat cell to release the fatty contents to be metabolized by the body. "In clinical trials that involved over 1,000 participants, more than 80% saw a reduction in their chin fat." In clinical trials that involved over 1,000 participants, more than 80% saw a reduction in their chin fat. Patients received a series of 12-20 injections per visit, in some cases up to 50 for a single treatment, over two to six visits spaced one month apart. The procedure took about 15 -20 minutes, and side effects were mostly mild, usually involving temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, redness, and firmness in the injection area. And if you’re thinking about fat in other areas, no luck – the treatment is only approved for the chin area. Eager to minimize the look of a double chin but not sure you want to try Kybella when it becomes available this summer? Then try these 5 tips for hiding a double chin. Wear a Light Scarf Not only will you look more fashionable, you can hide your neck and double chin with a light wrap made of cotton or chiffon. Get the Right Haircut A haircut that ends right at the chin, like a bob, will only emphasize your chin area. Get a bob that falls below the ears but above the chin, or try a long, layered look that draws attention down away from the chin and neck area. Emphasize Your Neckline Wear a broad open neckline to draw attention away from the chin – think v-neck or something with details and embellishments. Contrary to what you might think, a turtleneck only emphasizes a double chin. Also, avoid chokers, which will make your neck look wider, and accessorize with long necklaces. Use Makeup to Minimize Use a slightly darker color of powder foundation or bronzer and brush it along the double-chin area to make the chin look recessed from the rest of the face. Make sure there’s no sparkle or shimmer, as those will only emphasize. Also, practice contouring – use a shade a few tones darker than your skin tone and angle upward to draw attention up. Make sure to blend well so the result is natural looking. And draw focus to your eyes and lips by experimenting with smoky eyes and shimmery lips or with a pop of color. Exercise Your Chin Do chin lifts – stand with your back and neck straight and raise your chin up toward the ceiling. Pucker your lips, hold for 10 seconds, and repeat 10 times. You can also do neck rolls – stand with your back straight and turn your head to the side so your chin is parallel to your shoulder. Slowly roll your head downward and then up to the other side, and repeat 10 times. And if these options don’t work… Non-surgical treatments like Thermage or Ultherapy can get rid of that double chin but the results are modest. Consult with a board certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to get an assessment. Ultherapy Worth It? Read Reviews on Real Self For more dramatic results, you may need a surgical procedure. Excess fat can be removed with liposuction but loose skin and underlying muscle must still be addressed. If you’re considering surgery, be sure to speak with a board certified plastic surgeon or board certified facial plastic surgeon. Remember, you’re not alone. Close to 68% of Americans say they’re bothered by fat around the chin area. The only difference is now you know what you can do about it!