What Causes a Double Chin and How Can You Get Rid of It?

August 4, 2025

Dr. Shraddha Pitalia

3 min read

198

Causes of double chin, a women worrying about her double chin

 In a fast-paced, camera-conscious city like Bangalore, where selfies are the norm and professional appearances are crucial, many individuals, regardless of age, struggle with the stubborn appearance of a double chin. Whether you are preparing for an important event in office or a party or function with family and friends, that slight bulge below the chin can affect your appearance and confidence. A double chin, also known as submental fat, is a visible excess of fat under the lower jaw that bothers people of all ages and body types. Although it’s commonly linked to weight gain, it can also be a result of inherited factors, natural aging, or even chronic poor posture. Knowing the causes of a double chin is the first step to treating and getting rid of the pesky neck fat.

Here, in this blog, we will explore what causes a double chin, what causes neck fat, and effective treatments to reduce it and get back a sharper, more refined jawline.

What is a double chin?

A double chin occurs when an extra layer of fat, also called submental fat, collects beneath the chin and upper neck. It tends to change the profile of your lower face, creating an illusion of an additional fold or “second” chin. As we discussed earlier, it is not only associated with being overweight; even those in a normal healthy weight range could have a double chin due to ageing skin, genetics or slack muscles in the neck and jaw area. Gradually, the normal loss of collagen and elastin, proteins that provide firmness to the skin, adds to sagging in the region, which makes a double chin more prominent. If you ever question what causes a double chin, it’s helpful to know that several physiological and lifestyle factors usually contribute.

What cause a double chin?

Most people think that excess fat is the main contributor to submental fullness; the reality is more complex. Here are the most common neck fat causes and contributors to a double chin:

Causes of double chin

Must Know Causes of Double Chin—Neck Fat Causes

Genetics: Your DNA’s Role

One of the least known causes of double chin is your inherited genetic makeup. If you’ve inherited certain facial traits, you may be naturally inclined to develop submental fat, leading to a double chin irrespective of your weight. You might have a naturally lower jaw shape or less skin tautness in some people, both of which can make a double chin appear more prominent.

Aging and Skin Elasticity Loss

As we age, our skin naturally produces less collagen and elastin—the proteins responsible for keeping it firm and youthful. The steady loss contributes to the skin becoming looser, especially where fat accumulates. The skin below the chin is not immune, and the sagging that comes with aging can worsen the double chin.

Muscle Weakness and Poor Posture

Slouching or constantly looking down at phones and screens (a modern-day condition often referred to as “tech neck”) can weaken the platysma muscle, a thin sheet of muscle in the neck. Over time, this contributes to decreased support in the jaw and neck area, allowing fat to collect and skin to droop, ultimately resulting in a double chin.

Weight Gain and Fat Distribution

Not the only reason of, but weight gain is a big culprit of neck fat.  When the body accumulates additional fat, it spreads across different regions, such as the chin and jawline. However, certain individuals may accumulate fat under the chin more noticeably than others based on genetics or hormonal factors.

Poor Diet and Fluid Retention

Intake of processed and sodium-rich foods can cause fluid retention and bloating in the body, including below the chin. A high intake of refined carbs and unhealthy fats can trigger fat buildup, which can further aggravate submental fullness.

Why Do You Have a Double Chin If You Are Not Overweight?

People tend to think only fat people will get the double chin problem. In truth, genetics, muscle tone, and bone structure also play a role. So, if you have a jawline that is not defined or you don’t have a lot of elasticity in your skin, you can end up with a double chin, without gaining weight.

How to Get Rid of Double Chin: Advanced double chin treatment Solutions

Bangaloreans today are looking beyond just home remedies. At Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic, we specialize in non-surgical double chin treatments that suit the city’s dynamic lifestyle. Whether you are someone who always feels shy to speak in front of others or works in an MNC, our solution fits your schedule and delivers visible results. Here is a list of double chin treatment options that work:

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

HIFU Facial Treatment

HIFU facial treatment is a revolutionary treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to heat deep layers of skin. It produces the new collagen and tightens tissues from inside. For double chin reduction, HIFU treats both fat and sagging skin, lifting and firming the jawline for a more defined look. This treatment is particularly effective for individuals with mild to moderate laxity.

Benefits

  • Completely non-invasive with no recovery period needed
  • Encourages natural collagen production
  • Enhances skin firmness and visibly tightens the neck
  • Sustained results with gradual improvements over many months.

This treatment is ideal for Bangalore’s urban professionals who prefer effective results without any downtime. 

Radio Frequency (RF) Tightening

Especially in Bangalore’s weather, where humidity and pollution can take a toll on skin elasticity, RF tightening offers a gentle yet powerful rejuvenation. It is most suitable for skin firming and elasticity enhancement of the lower face and under-chin region. Radio frequency tightening applies radiofrequency energy to subtly heat the dermis, initiating collagen production and resulting in instant skin shrinkage. Over time, RF tightens up the skin as well as reshapes the jawline by improving sagging tissue.

Benefits:

  • Comfortable, non-invasive solution
  • Effective for every skin type
  • Boosts skin’s natural glow and smoothness
  • Reliable and safe for routine care

Lifestyle Modifications

In instances where neck fat causes are associated with weight gain or posture, slight lifestyle changes can help minimize a double chin:

  • Exercise regularly, including facial exercises that work on the neck and chin region.
  • Consume a balanced diet, high in lean proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
  • Hydrate properly to alleviate bloating and prevent fluid retention.
  • Be mindful of your posture when you’re working on digital screens.

For residents in Bangalore, adding regular walks in Cubbon Park or morning yoga at home can be beneficial not just for mental health, but also for tackling facial bloating and improving neck muscle tone.

Preventing a Double Chin: Can It Be Avoided?

Genetics and age are beyond our control, but certain habits can be used to delay or prevent the formation of a double chin:

  • Maintain good posture—keep your shoulders back and neck stretched.
  • Apply skincare with retinol and peptides that enhance skin tightness.
  • Avoid weight cycling, as it stretches the skin and contributes to long-term sagging.
  • Get regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight, and do facial toning exercises.
  • Consume a healthy diet that includes all necessary nutrients.
  • Incorporate regular physical activities into your daily routine, which not only helps to reduce weight loss but also a double chin.

By understanding the causes of a double chin or neck fat and trying advanced treatment solutions, you can get rid of a double chin effectively.

Other factors that contribute to developing a double chin without gaining weight

Most people develop a double chin as a result of weight gain; however, there are other factors that contribute to the development of a double chin.

  • Your natural bone structure: Your skeletal scaffold plays a major role in your face or neck appearance. An underdeveloped jaw or recessed chin leads to fuller skin beneath the chin, and hence, a double chin will appear. Even with the excess body weight, the skin under the chin is fuller.
  • Aging and skin elasticity: The skin structure can also destroy itself once you start aging by losing skin elasticity. The chin tends to flatten with a decrease in collagen and elastin production. A person who is exposed to chronic environmental lifestyle factors like UV rays, smoking, or high-tension work becomes prone to sagging skin.
  • Muscle tone and support: The muscle surrounding the neck and chin defines how strong, robust, smooth, and styled a particular section is. If a muscle is weaker, then it makes a double chin more visible.

In this blog, we highly advise consulting an experienced dermatologist for appropriate facial or chin lifts.

Why consulting a dermatologist is necessary?

Consulting a dermatologist is essential, as the underlying causes of a double chin or neck fat vary from person to person. Reaching out to an experienced dermatologist can help you to pick the appropriate approach. At Evenly Clinic in Bangalore, our dermatologists are experienced in tailoring treatment plans specially for the lifestyle, dietary habits, and environmental exposures common in this region. Whether you live in HSR layout, Jayanagar, or Indira Nagar, our consultations are rooted in understanding your skin’s unique needs. 

  • Custom treatment plan: The doctor will take into account the main issues impacting your condition, whether it is having a familial resemblance, aging, or poor posture. They will work with you on a plan that best aligns with your objectives, be it exercise, skincare, or non-invasive treatments.
  • Managing your expectations: An expert dermatologist knows how to manage your expectations when dealing with aesthetic improvements. You should understand the time frame for achieving the results with the strategies.
  • Prioritizing your safety: Every procedure should prioritize the patient’s well-being as much as the outcomes. Dermatologists will help you evaluate the effectiveness in terms of your health, alongside all the options provided.

A double chin goes unnoticed as just an additional feature, but healthy, self-conscious individuals go a long way in determining what an individual does to look for appeal. There are many ways to address a double chin, like making lifestyle adjustments, indulging in some neck exercises, and taking advanced treatment solutions. 

If you are in Bangalore and looking for a non-surgical way to contour your jawline or get rid of neck fat, Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic offers utmost care with state-of-the-art technology. 

Visit us at: 

Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic – HSR Layout

Third Floor, 815, 27th Main Rd, above Bluestone, 1st Sector, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102

Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic – Jayanagar

35, Ground Floor, Vinyas Arcade, 11th Main Rd, Vishya Bank Colony, 5th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560041

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Frequently Asked Questions

A double chin can be caused by factors like weak muscle, bone structure, aging, and genetics, not just weight gain.

Indeed, genetics is a primary factor behind double chin development. If your family member has a structure of a double chin, you are more likely to get a double chin.

HIFU, a high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment, is an advanced treatment that gives an instant double chin reduction in just one session.

The natural decline in collagen and elastin as we age can cause skin to sag, playing a significant role in double chin formation.

Decreased collagen makes your skin less firm and elastic, leading to sagging skin that contributes to double chin formation.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any skin and hair-related questions or would like to discuss personalized solutions, please reach out to us at 7337899030. Our team of specialists is committed to delivering personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you by scheduling a consultation with us today. Your journey to vibrant skin and stronger hair begins here.

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