What Causes a Double Chin?

A double chin – you can’t exercise it away and even if it’s purely weight-related, it’s often diet resistant.

The simplest way to alter a true double chin is through facial contouring treatments. While being overweight can be a factor, it is not the only cause of significant amounts of submental fat or sagging skin.

Generally, a double chin (or the appearance of one) can be caused by the following:

• Weight. Excess weight can show up more prominently anywhere. For some, even minor weight gain will be seen in the area beneath the chin.

• Genetics. If a parent has a double chin, you are more likely to develop a high amount of submental fat yourself, even if you aren’t overweight.

• Age. Skin loses elasticity and no longer supports underlying fat as firmly. This can allow a sort of bulging of the submental fat. Or the lax skin can be perceived as a double chin.

• Posture. Existing chin fat can appear more prominent when the shoulders slump and the head is not “held high.” You can easily see the effect by snapping your profile in a mirror.

Whether your double chin is caused by weight, age, genetics, or posture, there are specific treatment options available to reduce the appearance and amount of chin fat or sagging skin.

Depending on your unique needs, Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald can use Kybella® injections, CoolSculpting Mini, or Ultherapy. In some cases, if it’s lax skin and not fat that’s the culprit, a procedure such as Genius RF Microneedling could be a better choice.

Kybella® is an FDA-approved injection that helps eliminate submental fat by destroying the fat cells with deoxycholic acid. However, if you have structural laxity under the chin and in the neck area, the recommendation may be Ultherapy, a non-surgical treatment that can help lift and tighten deep-level structures.

Want to Get Rid of Your Double Chin?

If you have a double chin due to excess fat or drooping skin and want to rejuvenate your facial appearance, call Dr. Fitzgerald’s practice today at 323-464-8046 to schedule a consultation. We are happy to serve patients living in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Larchmont, and surrounding Southern California communities.