The chin and neck are usually the first areas of the face to sag. The resulting double chin can be caused by a lack of circulation to the jawline, lack of protein in the diet, and/or a lack of sufficient vitamin E. Depletion of vitamin E usually occurs in women who are nearing menopause.
To get rid of a double chin using vitamin E therapy, the daily intake should be increased as much as possible through food. Foods that are rich in vitamin E include green leafy vegetables, wheat germ oil, milk, butter, eggs, liver, brown rice, barley, rye, nuts, legumes, apples, sweet corn and beans. Vitamin E levels can also be increased by taking a daily supplement, according to manufacturer directions.
An increase in protein is also an effective way to get rid of a double chin, if it is lacking in the diet. Lean meats such as coldwater fish, chicken and turkey, or sources of vegetarian protein such as soy and tofu, should be added to daily meals. Stay clear of fatty meats that can add volume to a double chin instead of reducing its appearance. Meat is considered lean if it contains less than 10 grams (0.35 ounces) of total fat per 3.5 ounces (100 grams).
In addition to diet modifications, specific exercises can be performed to help get rid of a double chin. Move the neck in a clockwise and counter clockwise circular motion, three times each, making the motion as fluid as possible. Inhale deeply and hold the breath during each repetition, until returning to the starting position.
There are several other effective double chin exercises that can be performed on a daily basis. Move the neck forward and back in a “yes” motion, while inhaling with the head upright. Move the neck forward and hold, exhaling. Lift the head up, inhale and repeat the exercise three more times. Next, move the neck from side to side in a “no” motion, inhaling deeply while the head is upright. Exhale with each slow side motion and repeat three times.
Neck massages are another way to get rid of a double chin. There are several rich oils, such as cocoa butter and wheat germ oil, which can nourish the chin area and help tighten the skin. A nightly rub of wheat germ oil, massaged upwards from the bottom of the neck to the chin, will restore elasticity and minimize the appearance of double chins.
Chewing gum can also keep double chins away. Keeping the jaw and facial muscles moving prevents the build up of fat and loose skin around the chin and neck. The facial muscles responsible for keeping the jaw line tight are the same muscles used for chewing.
Some extreme solutions to get rid of a double chin is plastic surgery and liposuction. The surgical procedure known as mentoplasty is performed to reshape the chin by enhancing with an implant, or restructure the bone for a more attractive chin profile. The risks of this surgery are minimal and include infection at the implant site, and numbness in the jaw, lips and cheeks.