Perceptions and practices in submental fat treatment: a survey of physicians and patients

Localized facial fat deposits are common, and treatment to restore and reshape the lower aspect of the face is mainly limited to surgical procedures. There has been a rapid growth in nonsurgical aesthetic procedures, and physicians and patients are seeking less invasive, nonsurgical facial rejuvenation options. Few data are published, however, on physician and patient perceptions and treatment of submental fat. This contribution reviews data from surveys of 78 physicians (dermatologists and plastic surgeons) and 385 patients who received nonsurgical facial rejuvenation. On average, physicians discussed fat reduction options with 19% of their patients; 18% of these discussions involved fat under the chin. Most patients surveyed (80%) had submental fat, assessed by a clinician using a 5-point rating scale. Submental fat was of concern to patients surveyed; 77% reported noticing extra fat under their chin and 61% wanted it reduced. Most patients (63%) surveyed would use an effective and well-tolerated noninvasive pharmacologic treatment for submental fat reduction. Patients were more likely to wish to reduce the fat below their chin if they had higher chin grade scores based on clinician assessment. Interesting insights are provided into the perceptions and behavior of physicians and patients with regard to submental fat reduction.