Noticing extra fullness under the chin can be frustrating, especially when your weight has not changed. A double chin can show up for reasons that have little to do with the number on the scale, including genetics, facial structure, skin laxity, and the way fat is naturally distributed.
At Millefiori Aesthetics in Melbourne, FL, Iris Graham, MMS, PA-C, brings more than a decade of aesthetic medicine experience to facial assessment and treatment planning. As an NCCPA board-certified physician assistant, she looks at what is actually creating the under-chin fullness before recommending a treatment. That distinction matters because localized fat, loose skin, and facial anatomy can require very different approaches.
Why Can a Double Chin Appear Without Weight Gain?
The body does not store fat evenly, and some areas can hold onto fullness more than others. For some patients, the area beneath the chin remains noticeable even at a stable or healthy body weight.
Factors that can affect under-chin fullness include:
- Genetics and family traits
- Natural fat distribution
- Chin and jaw projection
- Age-related loss of skin elasticity
- Changes in facial proportions over time
Because these factors are not always tied to overall weight, dieting or exercise may have little effect on the appearance of a double chin.
Can Facial Shape Make Under-Chin Fullness More Noticeable?
Yes. The shape of the chin and jawline can make a big difference in how the area beneath the chin looks.
For example, a smaller or less projected chin may make even a modest amount of fat appear more prominent. Reduced skin firmness can also soften the transition between the jaw and neck, creating the appearance of extra fullness even when there is not much excess fat.
When Might Kybella Be a Good Option?
Kybella is an injectable treatment designed to reduce moderate to severe fat beneath the chin. It contains deoxycholic acid, which helps break down fat cells so the body can gradually clear them from the treated area.
Kybella treatment may be a good fit when localized submental fat is the main concern. Depending on the amount of fullness and the desired contour, more than one treatment session may be recommended.
Because Kybella targets fat rather than loose skin, it may not be the best choice when skin laxity is the primary issue.
What If More Than One Factor Is Contributing?
Under-chin fullness is often caused by more than one factor. A patient may have a small pocket of fat along with mild skin laxity or a naturally softer jawline.
In those situations, treatment may involve Kybella, skin tightening, or a combination of options completed in stages. The goal is to choose a plan based on the full facial profile rather than treating the area beneath the chin in isolation.
Find the Right Approach for Under-Chin Fullness in Melbourne, FL
Millefiori Aesthetics can determine whether Kybella or another treatment may be appropriate based on the cause of the concern. Call 321-821-4778 or use our online booking system to schedule a consultation in Melbourne, FL.