A double chin is one of the most common aesthetic concerns that brings clients into our Newcastle clinic. It is also one of the most frustrating — because for many people, diet and exercise alone will not resolve it.
The submental area (the pocket of fat beneath the chin) is largely determined by genetics, age, and anatomy. Some people carry fullness here regardless of their body weight. Others notice it developing as skin laxity increases with age and the jawline loses definition.
The good news is that non-surgical double chin reduction has become one of the most effective and accessible body contouring treatments available — and it is now available right here in Newcastle.
Understanding why submental fullness develops helps set realistic expectations for treatment. There is rarely a single cause — it is usually a combination of factors working together.
If your parents or grandparents carried fullness beneath the chin, you are more likely to develop it yourself. Genetic predisposition determines where your body preferentially stores fat, and for some families, the submental area is a primary storage site.
As we age, collagen and elastin production slows, and the skin gradually loses its firmness. The tissue beneath the chin can begin to sag, creating the appearance of fullness even when the actual fat volume has not changed. Reduced skin elasticity makes the jawline less defined and the submental area more prominent.
While excess weight can contribute to submental fullness, it is important to recognise that many people with a healthy BMI still have a double chin. This is what makes it so frustrating — you can be in excellent physical condition and still carry stubborn fat beneath the jaw that refuses to respond to exercise.
Extended periods looking down at screens can weaken the platysma muscle in the neck and contribute to a less defined chin-to-neck angle. While not a primary cause, poor posture can make existing submental fullness appear more prominent.
Fat dissolving injections are a non-surgical body contouring treatment specifically designed to reduce localised pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.
The active ingredient is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid — a substance your body naturally produces to break down dietary fat in the digestive system. When injected directly into the submental fat pad, it disrupts the membrane of fat cells, causing them to break down and release their contents.
Your body then processes and eliminates the destroyed fat cells through its natural metabolic pathways over the following weeks. Once those fat cells are destroyed, they do not regenerate — which is why the results are considered permanent.
Important distinction: Fat dissolving injections reduce the number of fat cells in the treated area. This is different from weight loss, which shrinks existing fat cells. Destroyed cells cannot return, making this a targeted and lasting approach to submental contouring.
Knowing what happens during your appointment helps reduce anxiety and ensures you are fully prepared.
Assess anatomy, skin quality, suitability
Injection sites marked with grid pattern
Topical anaesthetic or ice applied
Multiple small injections into fat pad
Your practitioner will conduct a thorough consultation to assess your submental anatomy, skin elasticity, and overall suitability. This is also the time to discuss your goals and expectations. Not everyone is an ideal candidate — and a responsible clinician will tell you honestly whether this treatment is right for you.
The treatment area is marked with a precise grid pattern to ensure even distribution of the product. A topical numbing agent is applied to minimise discomfort. The injections themselves take approximately 15–20 minutes. You will feel a series of small injections and may experience a mild stinging or burning sensation as the product is administered — this is normal and subsides quickly.
Expect the treated area to swell — sometimes significantly. This swelling is actually a positive sign that the product is working. Your chin and upper neck area may feel firm, tender, and warm. Some clients describe it as feeling like they have a mild head cold or swollen glands.
The number of sessions required depends on the volume of submental fat present and the degree of reduction you are seeking.
| Fat Volume | Sessions | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Mild fullness | 2 sessions | 3–4 months |
| Moderate fullness | 3 sessions | 5–6 months |
| Significant fullness | 4 sessions | 7–8 months |
Sessions are spaced 6–8 weeks apart to allow the body to fully process the destroyed fat cells before the next round of treatment. Rushing this timeline does not improve results — the body needs adequate time for the inflammatory and metabolic response to complete.
Patience is key: The most dramatic visible improvement often occurs between sessions as your body continues to process and eliminate the destroyed fat cells. Results are cumulative — each session builds on the last.
Swelling peaks at 48–72 hours after treatment and gradually subsides over the following days. Mild bruising, tenderness, and a sensation of firmness in the treated area are all normal. Most clients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within 2–3 days.
As swelling resolves, you will begin to notice the treated area feeling softer and gradually slimmer. The body is actively processing and eliminating the destroyed fat cells during this phase.
By the time you return for your next session, there should be a noticeable reduction in submental volume. This is when most clients begin to see and feel a meaningful difference in their jawline definition and profile.
Final results develop over 8–12 weeks following your last treatment. The full effect is a more defined jawline, a cleaner chin-to-neck angle, and a slimmer, more contoured profile.
Yes — with an important caveat. Fat cells that are destroyed by the treatment do not regenerate. Once they are gone, they are gone permanently. This makes fat dissolving injections fundamentally different from treatments that merely shrink or temporarily reduce fat.
However, the remaining fat cells in the area can still enlarge if you gain a significant amount of weight. Maintaining a stable, healthy weight is the best way to preserve your results long-term.
The permanence factor is what makes fat dissolving injections such a compelling option. Unlike treatments that require ongoing maintenance, once you have achieved your desired result, the fat reduction is lasting without the need for repeat sessions.
Investment in double chin reduction varies depending on the volume of product required per session and the total number of sessions in your treatment plan. Because every client’s anatomy is different, it is not possible to provide an accurate cost estimate without a face-to-face consultation.
What we can say is that the permanent nature of the results makes this treatment excellent value when compared to surgical alternatives. There is no general anaesthetic, no operating theatre fees, no extended recovery period, and no scarring.
If you are considering how this compares to other contouring and rejuvenation options, our guides on facial rejuvenation treatments and bio-stimulators vs fillers explore complementary approaches that many clients combine with submental contouring for a comprehensive facial enhancement.
No. Fat dissolving is a non-surgical injectable treatment with minimal downtime. Liposuction is a surgical procedure performed under anaesthesia. Both reduce fat, but fat dissolving is far less invasive and suits smaller, targeted areas like beneath the chin.
Most clients require two to four sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart. The number depends on the amount of submental fat present and your goals. We assess this during your consultation and give you a realistic treatment plan.
Yes. Once fat cells are destroyed, they do not regenerate. However, significant weight gain can cause remaining fat cells in the area to enlarge, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps preserve your results.
Book a complimentary consultation with our registered nurse. We\u2019ll discuss your goals and create a personalised treatment plan — no obligation.