A double chin, also known as submental fullness, is one of the most common cosmetic concerns for both men and women. For many people, the assumption is simple — if you lose weight, your double chin will disappear, too.
But is it really that easy? The answer is not always. While weight loss can help reduce overall body fat, the fat stored under the chin can be stubborn, and sometimes even significant weight loss doesn’t fully get rid of it.
In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of a double chin, why losing weight may not always help, and how modern treatments like Kybella at Elegance Aesthetics offer a highly effective non-surgical solution for targeting chin fat.
What Causes a Double Chin?
There are several factors that contribute to the development of a double chin. While weight gain is a common reason, it’s certainly not the only cause.
1. Genetics
Your genetic makeup plays a large role in where your body stores fat. Some people are naturally predisposed to storing extra fat beneath the chin, regardless of their overall body weight.
2. Weight Gain
Excess weight increases fat storage throughout the body, including the face and neck. If you’ve gained weight over time, fat can accumulate under the chin.
3. Age
As we age, the skin loses elasticity and muscle tone. This can cause the skin beneath the chin to sag, creating the appearance of a double chin even without significant fat buildup.
4. Posture
Poor posture can weaken the muscles in the neck and chin area. Over time, this can contribute to loose skin and the look of a double chin.
Can Weight Loss Help a Double Chin Go Away?
If your double chin is primarily caused by excess weight, losing weight through a healthy diet and exercise can absolutely help reduce its size. However, the body decides where it loses fat first — and unfortunately, the chin area is often one of the last places where fat disappears.
This is because submental fat (fat under the chin) tends to be more resistant to diet and exercise compared to fat in other parts of the body like the stomach or hips.
Why Under-Chin Fat Is Often Harder To Lose
Even with significant weight loss, many people find that their double chin lingers. This happens because:
- Fat cells under the chin are smaller in number but larger in size.
- Submental fat is often more resistant to fat-burning hormones.
- Skin laxity from weight loss or aging may make a double chin more visible, even after fat reduction.
In other words, while losing weight can certainly help improve your profile, it doesn’t always guarantee that your double chin will completely disappear.
Exercises That May Help Target a Double Chin
Although no exercise can “spot reduce” fat from a specific area, strengthening the muscles around the chin and neck can help improve definition and firmness. Here are some exercises people use to try and reduce the appearance of a double chin:
1. Jaw Jut Stretch
- Tilt your head back and look up.
- Push your lower jaw forward.
- Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.
- Repeat 10 times.
2. Pucker Up
- Tilt your head back and look at the ceiling.
- Pucker your lips like you’re kissing the ceiling.
- Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.
- Repeat 10 times.
3. Neck Stretch
- Tilt your head back and look at the ceiling.
- Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth.
- Hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then relax.
- Repeat 10 times.
4. Tongue Stretch
- Stick your tongue out as far as possible.
- Lift it upwards toward your nose.
- Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.
- Repeat 10 times.
While these exercises can strengthen neck muscles and improve skin firmness, they may not remove fat under the chin — especially if the double chin is caused by genetics or skin laxity rather than muscle weakness.
When Diet, Exercise, and Chin Workouts Aren’t Enough
If lifestyle changes and chin exercises haven’t given you the results you want, you might start exploring other treatment options.
Some people turn to surgical procedures like:
- Liposuction of the chin and neck
- Neck lift surgery
- Laser lipolysis (fat melting)
While these treatments can be highly effective, they also come with:
- Higher costs
- Downtime for recovery
- Potential scarring
- General anesthesia (in some cases)
Understandably, many people want to avoid surgery and are looking for less invasive options that still deliver noticeable results.
Kybella: The Non-Surgical Solution for Stubborn Chin Fat
At Elegance Aesthetics, one of our most popular treatments for reducing a double chin is Kybella — a non-surgical injectable treatment specifically designed to dissolve fat under the chin.
How Does Kybella Work?
Kybella uses deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps break down dietary fat. When Kybella is injected into the fat beneath the chin, it destroys fat cells in the area.
Once those fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat. The result is a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin and a more defined jawline.
Benefits of Kybella for Double Chin Reduction
- Non-surgical and minimally invasive
- No general anesthesia required
- Short treatment sessions (typically 15-20 minutes)
- Permanent fat cell destruction
- Natural-looking results over time
- Minimal downtime
What To Expect From Kybella Treatment at Elegance Aesthetics
Kybella Consultation
Every Kybella journey at Elegance Aesthetics begins with a personalized consultation. We’ll assess your chin area, discuss your goals, and determine if Kybella is the right option for you.
Kybella Treatment Process
During treatment, your injector will apply a numbing cream for comfort. A precise series of small injections are placed under the chin to target fat cells.
Most patients need between 2-6 treatment sessions spaced about 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results.
Kybella Aftercare & Recovery
Mild swelling, tenderness, and bruising are common after Kybella but typically resolve within a few days. Results develop gradually as the body metabolizes and clears the destroyed fat cells.
Are Kybella Results Permanent?
Yes. Once the fat cells are destroyed and removed from the body, they cannot return. As long as you maintain a stable weight, your Kybella results can last indefinitely.
Will Double Chin Go Away With Weight Loss?
The simple answer is: it depends.
If your double chin is primarily caused by weight gain, losing weight through healthy eating and regular exercise may help reduce it. However, many people find that submental fat is stubborn — especially when genetics, aging, or skin laxity play a role.
When diet and exercise aren’t enough, non-surgical treatments like Kybella offer an effective, long-lasting solution without the need for surgery or significant downtime.
Ready to Say Goodbye to Your Double Chin?
At Elegance Aesthetics, we specialize in non-surgical cosmetic treatments designed to help you look and feel your best. Our expert injectors offer personalized Kybella treatment plans to help you achieve a slimmer, more sculpted jawline.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how Kybella can help you get rid of stubborn under-chin fat — no surgery required.
