Millions of Americans began working at home during the pandemic because they could stay in touch with the office with Zoom and other popular apps. But as more people saw themselves on camera for hours, they began to focus on their imperfections.

Some people saw bulges here and there and decided to have liposuction. Others might have seen sagging skin above the eyes and gotten an eyelid lift.

And then, some noted the fat under their chin and decided to have double chin plastic surgery.

It turns out that seeing one’s face for several hours per day on a low-quality camera makes us see ourselves more critically. This could be why there has been at least a 50% rise in plastic surgeries during the pandemic.

If you have been thinking about Houston double chin plastic surgery during the pandemic, below is more information to consider.

Americans Working From Home Soared in 2020

It is estimated that more than 60% of Americans began working at home when the pandemic began in 2020. And many wanted to continue it indefinitely, and some have.

In 2020, several Massachusetts scientists sent a surgery to 135 dermatologists, and the results found that many of their patients wanted more cosmetic consultations than before.

Further, 85% of the dermatologists surveyed said patients cited Zoom calls as a major reason to have procedures. About 80% of patients were concerned about their forehead, and 78% were unhappy with their eyes.

When they were asked what patients wanted the most since the pandemic started, more than 90% of the doctors said Botox, and 80% said dermal fillers.

It’s important to remember that the cameras on digital devices and laptops can distort the face. For example, most webcams have a shorter focal length that can make the face look rounder and the chin fatter.

The fact that the camera shoots from below the face also can make someone’s chin look fuller than it is.

Americans Also Noticed Neck And Chin Flaws During Zoom Calls

The survey above also noted that many Americans became focused on aging in the chin and neck areas as they took so many Zoom calls during the COVID-19 era. People began to ask their plastic surgeon about procedures on the chin and neck for these reasons:

Remove or minimize a double chin
Make them look younger and thinner
Remove loose skin
Reduce wrinkles

Fortunately, there are several ways patients can address the chin and neck with cosmetic procedures:

Kybella: This is a chin procedure that injects Kybella, which is derived from an acid that is in the gallbladder that dissolves fat. When Kybella is injected in the chin over several sessions, it can mostly or entirely eliminate a double chin.
Liposuction: This procedure can suction fat from under the chin and neck. Liposuction can be an effective option, but it requires a lot of skill by the plastic surgeon to ensure an even result.
Neck lift: If the patient has a double chin as well as loose neck skin, a neck lift may be needed. This procedure can be combined with double chin surgery or a facelift for maximum results.

Kybella Considerations

Kybella injections have become one of the most popular ways to remove a double chin because there is no surgery involved.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider with this procedure. First, surgeons note that Kybella injections can be painful, more so than dermal fillers or Botox.

You also may have a swollen neck for up to 10 days, and at least two or three procedures are usually needed.

On the plus side, Kybella offers long-lasting results for a double chin, as long as you maintain a healthy weight.

Note that Kybella injections aren’t the best option if you don’t have elastic neck skin or the neck muscles look loose. This procedure only will dissolve fat, so if you have problems with the skin and muscles, you may need a neck lift.

Many Americans became more critical of their appearance during the pandemic because they saw themselves as others see them on Zoom calls.

While it’s important not to be overly critical of oneself, there are effective procedures available to address a double chin. Talk to your plastic surgeon about the methods mentioned above, and they’ll tell you which may be the best choice for you.

Request a Houston Double Chin Plastic Surgery Consultation

Interested in double chin plastic surgery in Houston? Please set up a consultation with Dr. Ashley Steinberg today. She’ll talk to you about the benefits and risks of this cosmetic procedure.

References

Zoom Dysmorphia Prompting Cosmetic Surgery. (2021). Accessed at https://www.yahoo.com/now/zoom-dysmorphia-prompting-cosmetic-surgery-124935567.html

Double Chin Surgery. (n.d.). Accessed at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21534-double-chin-surgery

Double Chin Surgery Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/double-chin-surgery