Have you found yourself grimacing at photos that show you with a double chin? Men and women of all ages may find themselves doing so, as there are many factors that can produce this harmless, but potentially embarrassing condition. Mahalo's guide on how to get rid of a double chin will provide you with several things you can do to help rid yourself of your double chin.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

• Several factors, including heredity, body type, age and personal habits can lead to the development of a double chin. Some may think that the only way to get rid of their double chin is to visit a plastic surgeon and get a face lift, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Although plastic surgery is an option, there are also several free, non-invasive and easy things you can do on a regular basis that will help rid you of that extra chin.

(Creative Commons photo by inhisgrace)

• Although your double chin may be a result of genetics, it may also be a result of being overweight. Ask yourself or your doctor if you are overweight and your overall health may improve if you shed a few excess pounds. Some people who are only mildly overweight find that their double chin disappears once they begin to see results from a weight loss program that includes healthier eating and regular exercise.

• Like a flabby stomach, a double chin may result from poor posture. If you don't use the muscles in your lower jaw regularly, they will lose tone and start to sag. Hold your head up straight and ensure that it is centered on your neck and spine.

• As mentioned above, starting a full-body exercise program to tone the entire body can help reduce or eliminate that double chin. There are also several exercises you can do that target the chin and jaw.

1. Chew sugar-free gum and crunchy fruits or vegetables. The natural process of chewing will exercise your jaw and neck muscles
2. Slap yourself gently and repeatedly under the chin with the back of your hand for a few minutes several times a day
3. Massage: Some doctors believe that excess flab under the chin may be caused in part by poor lymphatic circulation. Using a gentle circular motion, massage under your chin with your fingers or thumbs
4. In private, work the jaw and facial muscles by smiling widely, clenching your jaw, or praciticing other exaggerated facial expressions. Stretch your neck muscles by lifting your head up high and turning it from side to side
5. "The shovel": This exercise works the platysma muscle, which controls frontal neck movement. Pull your bottom lip up over your bottom teeth as far as you can and open your mouth wide. Move the lower jaw up and down, as though you are using it to shovel or scoop something with your mouth. Do this exercise for a minute or two, several times per day

• Although you may be self-conscious about your double chin, keep in mind that many people have a little bit of extra weight or loose skin around their jawline. Like any other body part that is a bit flabby, exercising and toning the muscles in the area is the best and easiest way to eliminate excess fat.

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