Why Do Double Chins Develop?

If, one day, you look in the mirror and suddenly notice you’ve developed a double chin, you’re not alone. It happens to the best of us, especially when we get older. It can be frustrating, especially when it feels like it has appeared out of nowhere.

While it’s a common concern, a double chin is also a ‘condition’ that people often misunderstand. Here we look at why double chins develop and what options are available to reduce or remove one and how a non-surgical treatment called BELKYRA® just might be able to help.

What Is a Double Chin?

• The more formal name is submental fat, which is the layer of fat that forms below the chin. It can create the appearance of a second chin or a fuller neck and jawline.
• Although it’s often associated with weight gain, that’s not the only cause.

There are several reasons why a double chin may develop:

1. Genetics: Like many things in life regarding personal biology, if a family member has a double chin, there’s a higher chance you may develop one too. Genetics certainly influences how your body stores fat as well as the structure of your jawline, neck, and chin.
2. Ageing: As we get older, our skin naturally loses collagen and therefore elasticity. This may lead to sagging skin and the appearance of a double chin, even without much fat in the area.
3. Weight Gain: Carrying extra weight will lead to fat accumulating in different parts of the body, including under the chin. It’s important to note that not everyone who gains weight will get a double chin. It often depends on where your body tends to store fat.
4. Poor Posture: You might not realise it but sitting or standing with poor posture can weaken the muscles in the neck and chin area. Over time, this might contribute to a softer jawline and the appearance of a double chin.

Can You Get Rid of it with Diet and Exercise?

In some cases, yes. If your double chin is linked to weight gain, losing weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise may help reduce the fat under the chin. Exercises that target the neck and chin muscles might also help tone the area slightly and make the double chin less ‘obvious’.

If your double chin is caused by genetics or ageing, diet and exercise alone may not make a significant difference. That’s why many people explore other options, especially if they want more noticeable or faster results. That doesn’t always mean surgery, however.

What Is BELKYRA®?

BELKYRA® is an injectable treatment designed specifically to reduce fat under the chin. It is a non-surgical option that uses a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in the body and breaks down dietary fat. By injecting directly into the affected area it can have a local impact rather than a whole-body one.

The treatment is done in a clinic by a qualified doctor and usually takes less than 30 minutes. Most people need multiple sessions to achieve the best results, and there may be some temporary swelling or discomfort afterwards.

→ Double Chin Reduction

Book an Appointment with Cosmedics Today

At Cosmedics, we understand that a double chin can affect how you feel about your appearance and your overall confidence. Our doctor-led team offers expert advice and treatments tailored to your needs, including BELKYRA® injections for submental fat reduction.

If you’re ready to explore your options and feel more confident, book an appointment with Cosmedics today.

BELKYRA® Treatment London

Dr Ross Perry, Founder and Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, was among the first practitioners to offer BELKYRA® treatment in the UK. The company now offers the double chin treatment at a choice of London clinics with trained doctors:

• Harley Street
• Putney
• City of London

BELKYRA® Before & After Results

Double Chin Reduction Results

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical skin treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors.  The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.

Call 020 7386 0464 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.