A double chin can show up even when your weight hasn’t changed. Many people first notice it in photos or on video calls, where the angle highlights fullness under the chin that doesn’t feel like it belongs there.
This is a very common concern and one that has more to do with anatomy and aging than lifestyle. For most patients, addressing a double chin is about improving definition and balance, not chasing perfection.
Submental fat
Not just a weight issue — can affect anyone
Improved contour and jawline definition
What Is a Double Chin?
A double chin, also known as submental fat, is a common condition where excess tissue develops beneath the chin and along the upper neck.
What causes the appearance: This fullness can be caused by a combination of:
An important point: Though some people associate a double chin with extra weight, it’s actually more than a weight issue. Everyone’s anatomy is different, which is why a double chin can appear even in people who are otherwise lean and fit. Simply losing weight won’t necessarily make a double chin go away.
Why a Double Chin Develops
The appearance of a double chin can be attributed to several factors, and often it’s a combination of causes rather than just one.
Genetics — Family history plays a significant role in where your body stores fat and how your skin ages. Some people are simply predisposed to submental fullness.
Natural aging — Over time, skin loses elasticity and begins to sag, causing the skin to droop and the chin to look heavier. This is a normal sign of aging.
Skin laxity — As collagen and elastin decrease, the skin under the chin loses its ability to stay firm and tight.
Weight gain — Increased body weight can lead to fat accumulation in the submental area, though this isn’t always the primary cause.
Medical conditions — In some cases, a double chin may be a side effect of certain medical conditions that affect weight distribution or skin quality.
As skin and underlying support structures change over time, fullness under the chin can become more noticeable — even without significant weight changes.
Can You Reduce a Double Chin Without Treatment?
Some lifestyle strategies may help reduce the appearance of a double chin, but they typically cannot eliminate it completely.
Strategies that may help:
The reality: While these approaches may provide modest improvement, they usually cannot completely remove submental fat or address skin laxity. To fully eliminate the double chin and achieve a defined contour, most patients require a non-invasive procedure.
This is especially true for people whose double chin is primarily caused by genetics or skin laxity rather than weight.
How a Double Chin Can Affect Appearance
A double chin can change how the face and neck look, particularly in profile or from certain angles.
Patients often say it:
These concerns are very common. Treating a double chin is usually about restoring contour and definition — not dramatically altering the face.
What to Expect During a Consultation
A consultation at Lazaderm is focused on thoughtful evaluation and education.
During your visit, your provider will:
You’ll have time to ask questions and decide what feels right for you.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Treatment for a double chin can provide significant improvement, though results vary based on anatomy and the primary cause of fullness.
What to understand:
The goal is a more defined, balanced lower face that still looks natural.
At Lazaderm, we offer Kybella and CoolSculpting to treat the look of a double chin. The most effective treatment depends on whether fullness, skin laxity, or both are contributing to the appearance. A consultation allows your provider to evaluate the area and recommend the best approach.
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable medication specifically designed to dissolve unwanted fat and define the contour of the neck.
How it works: Kybella contains deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that helps break down dietary fat. When injected into the submental area, it destroys fat cells, which are then naturally processed and eliminated by the body.
Key benefits:
Treatment details:
Safety: Kybella is a safe procedure when performed by a licensed, experienced provider. Our physicians at Lazaderm are highly trained to ensure patient safety and optimal results.
CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved, non-invasive procedure that uses controlled cooling to reduce fat in the submental area.
How it works: CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis technology to freeze and destroy fat cells without damaging surrounding tissue. The treated fat cells are naturally eliminated by the body over the following weeks and months.
Key benefits:
Treatment details:
Additional areas CoolSculpting treats: While we’re discussing double chin treatment here, CoolSculpting can also address stubborn fat in other areas including flanks (love handles), belly, underarms, inner and outer thighs, bra fat, back fat, and underneath the buttocks.
Both treatments permanently reduce submental fat, but they work differently and may be better suited to different patients.
Kybella may be preferred when:
CoolSculpting may be preferred when:
Combination approach: Some patients benefit from combining treatments or adding skin-tightening procedures if laxity is also a concern.
Your provider will help you understand which option is best for your anatomy, goals, and preferences.
If skin laxity is contributing to your double chin alongside fat, additional treatments may be recommended.
When skin tightening helps:
Options may include:
Concerns related to a double chin often overlap with jowls and changes along the jawline, which is why treatment plans are typically holistic rather than focused on a single area.
If a double chin is something you’ve been noticing or thinking about addressing, a consultation can help clarify your options. At Lazaderm, consultations focus on education, safety, and helping you feel confident in your care decisions.
