Fat & double chin
CONCERNS
A double chin, or fullness under the jaw, isn't always about weight - genetics, skin firmness and facial structure all play a role, which is why it can be so stubborn even with diet and exercise. If fullness under the chin is bothering you, the first step is understanding what's actually causing it, because that determines what may help.
DUBBO • MUDGEE • GUNNEDAH • WALGETT • COBAR • FORBES • DUBBO • MUDGEE • GUNNEDAH • WALGETT • COBAR • FORBES •
What causes a double chin?
Fullness under the chin usually develops from a combination of factors:
Genetics:
Some people naturally store fat beneath the chin.
Weight change:
Gaining weight often shows under the jaw first.
Skin laxity:
Loosening skin gathers beneath the chin with age.
Chin structure:
A smaller or recessed chin makes fullness more visible.
Ageing:
Fat shifts downward and the jawline softens over time.
Posture:
Looking down at screens can weaken the neck and jaw contour.
Understanding submental fullness
"Double chin" is the everyday term, but the fullness under the jaw - clinically, submental fullness can come from four quite different things, and often more than one at once.
Fat is the most common cause - a pocket of fat beneath the chin that's often genetic and resistant to diet and exercise. Loose skin is common with age or after weight loss, where the skin no longer sits firmly against the jaw. Muscle - the platysma, a thin sheet running down the neck can lose tone and contribute to a softer contour. And chin structure matters: a smaller or set-back chin makes even modest fullness far more noticeable, because there's less projection to define the jawline.
This is why a proper assessment matters. Fullness that's mostly fat is approached very differently from fullness that's mostly loose skin or a structural chin and treating the wrong one won't help.
Areas we can help with
fullness under the chin
A pocket of fullness beneath the jaw.
Submental fullness is most often a pocket of fat beneath the chin that's largely genetic, many people have it regardless of their weight, and it tends to persist even when they're otherwise lean. It can also increase with weight gain and become more noticeable as the jawline softens with age.
loose skin under the chin
Skin that gathers or hangs beneath the jaw.
After weight loss or with age, the skin under the chin can loosen and no longer sit against the jaw, creating fullness that isn't fat at all. This is approached quite differently from a fat pocket, which is why identifying the cause comes first.
a less defined jawline
A softer, less distinct line between face and neck.
Jawline definition depends on the skin and tissue sitting firmly against the bone. Fullness under the chin, loosening skin and a naturally smaller chin all blur that line. Because several factors usually combine, the jawline is assessed as a whole rather than one element in isolation.
chin & jaw contour
Concerns about the overall shape and balance of the lower face.
Sometimes the concern is less about fullness and more about proportion - a chin that sits back, or a jaw that lacks definition, can make the lower face look heavier than it is. Whether the cause is fat, skin, muscle or structure is assessed at consultation, as each is approached differently.
What to expect at your consultation
A double chin consultation begins with working out what's actually causing the fullness - fat, loose skin, muscle tone, chin structure, or a combination. Your nurse will take a full medical history, including any weight changes and medical conditions, and assess the area at rest and in different positions.
We'll talk through what's contributing in your case, what's realistically achievable, and what a plan might involve. From there, we'll create a personalised plan tailored to you.
Under Australian advertising guidelines (TGA), we're unable to discuss specific treatments on our website, so options and costs are always discussed in person.
Treatments we offer for fat & double chin
At W.D.I Clinic, professional treatment options for submental fullness may be considered as part of a comprehensive approach. Suitability is always determined during a required consultation, and treatment options are discussed in person. All cosmetic procedures carry risks, and results vary between individuals.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my double chin go away with diet and exercise?
+
For many people it's down to genetics and facial structure rather than weight, which is why it can persist even when you're otherwise fit and healthy.
Is it fat or loose skin?
+
It can be either, or both. Fat is a pocket of fullness that's often genetic; loose skin is more common with age or after weight loss. They're approached very differently, so identifying which you have is the first step at your consultation.
Can a double chin be treated without surgery?
+
Yes, we offer non-surgical options. What's suitable depends on the cause of the fullness, which is assessed at your consultation.
Is treatment permanent?
+
This varies depending on the cause and the approach, and is discussed at your consultation.
How many treatments will I need?
+
It depends on the individual. Your nurse will outline a plan tailored to you.
Is there downtime?
+
This varies. Your nurse will explain what to expect for any option discussed so you can plan around it.
Does W·D·I Clinic offer fine lines and wrinkles consultations near me?
+
W·D·I Clinic is based in Dubbo and regularly travels to locations across Western NSW. Visit our Locations page to see upcoming clinic dates and find the nearest location to you.
What causes a double chin?
Fullness under the chin usually develops from a combination of factors:
-
Genetics: Some people naturally store fat beneath the chin.
-
Weight change: Gaining weight often shows under the jaw first.
-
Skin laxity: Loosening skin gathers beneath the chin with age.
-
Chin structure: A smaller or recessed chin makes fullness more visible.
-
Ageing: Fat shifts downward and the jawline softens over time.
-
Posture: Looking down at screens can weaken the neck and jaw contour.