Allergan Survey Reveals Impact of Double Chin

Results of a recent survey commissioned by Allergan to better understand the personal impact of submental fullness as well as how others perceive individuals with submental fullness were revealed at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Meeting in Orlando, FL. “We understand that submental fullness is a common concern,” says David Moatazedi, senior vice president of facial aesthetics at Allergan. “It was important for us to dig deeper to better understand the substantial impact that submental fullness may have on patients’ self-perception and behavior, as well as the perception others may have of individuals with submental fullness. Gaining a better understanding of how having a double chin plays a role in self-perception and alternatively, how those with submental fullness are viewed by others will help physicians in their daily interactions with these patients.” Allergan surveyed 1,996 men and women in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 65 to better understand how having a double chin plays a role in self-perception and alternatively, how those with submental fullness are viewed by others. “The results of this survey mimic what I hear from patients on a daily basis – they are bothered by submental fullness and are looking to address the problem,” says Shannon Humphrey, board-certified dermatologist and co-author of the survey. “In many cases, the submental fullness is genetic and resistant to diet or exercise. These findings will help physicians to better understand the impact a double chin has on our patients so we can address this issue and provide them with effective treatment options.” Key findings in the survey include:

  • 47 percent of respondents reported being bothered by the appearance of the area underneath their chin. 49 percent said the area under their chins negatively impacts their appearance.
  • Nearly half (45 percent) of respondents felt people noticed the area under their chin.
  • 55 percent of female respondents reported being bothered by the area under their chin, compared to 40 percent of male respondents.
  • 78 percent of respondents admitted they are more likely to notice a double chin on a woman than a man.
  • Survey respondents reported altering their behavior to hide their double chin. 35 percent shy away from photos, 35 percent avoid video chats and conference calls, and 29 percent of men have grown a beard to hide the area under their chin (younger men were more likely to do this than their older peers