Close to 50 percent of individuals are bothered by the appearance of the area under their chin, and many alter their behavior as a result, according to a new survey commissioned by Allergan plc.

The findings were presented at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Meeting in Orlando, FL.

The new survey included 1,996 men and women in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 65. Fully 47 percent reported being bothered by the appearance of the area underneath their chin, and 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, the survey showed. Fifty five percent of female respondents (n=1,025) reported being bothered by the area under their chin, compared to 40 percent (n=971) of male respondents.

Survey respondents reported altering their behavior to address their double chin. For example:

• 35 percent shy away from photos
• 35 percent avoid video chats and conference calls (n=488)
• 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) (n=971)

• Upon evaluation of photographs of individuals with varying levels of submental fullness...
  • 78 percent of respondents admitted they are more likely to notice a double chin on a woman than a man.

"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. In many cases, the submental fullness is genetic and resistant to diet or exercise," says study author Shannon Humphrey, a dermatologist at Carruthers & Humphrey Cosmetic Clinic Vancouver, BC, in a news release. "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."