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November 24, 2025
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That subtle fullness under your chin—often called a "double chin"—is more than just stubborn fat. It's a complex interplay of biology, lifestyle and time, usually leading to individuals feeling self-conscious about its presence.
A survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery found that 67% of respondents were bothered by the appearance of their double chin [1].
At Amaris B. Clinic, we believe understanding the why is the first step toward reclaiming your confidence. Let's explore what truly shapes this common concern.
6 common causes of double chin in Singapore and how it develops over time
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01. Age and skin laxity
Your mid-20s: Collagen production begins its gradual decline, weakening the skin's foundation.
By 40 (or sooner): Skin laxity becomes much more noticeable by this age. You will notice:
- softening of the jawbones [2,3]
- weakened muscles [2,3]
- sagging skin that are creating folds under the chin [2,3]
Combined with natural bone and tissue loss, this accelerates the appearance of submental fullness especially if genetics predispose you to it
02. Role Of Your Lifestyle
Your daily lifestyle and bad habits can accelerate the development of a double chin, such as:
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Diets that are low in nutrients
- Sedentary routines, such as a lack of exercise
- Prolonged sun exposure, which breaks down collagen
These factors don't just add facial fat—they also speed up skin ageing!
03. Weight Myths vs Realities
A common misconception is that one has to be overweight to run the risk of gaining facial fat or a double chin. But the truth is, even at a healthy weight, you might notice submental fat due to:
- Genetic fat distribution
- Ageing-related skin changes
- Weight fluctuations: Yo-yo dieting stretches and contracts skin, reducing elasticity over time.
04. Genetics: The Blueprint
If you are slim yet struggle with chin fullness, blame your DNA because genetics will determine:
- Where your fat accumulates (Some have excess around the waist, while others have it around the jawline.)
- Skin resilience
- Facial bone structure
If you have a family history of sagging skin or stubborn fat, then you will likely face similar challenges.
05. When Your Health Plays a Role
Perhaps one of the lesser-known causes of a double chin appearance is due to an underlying medical issue, but it does occur, including:
- Cushing's disease
- underactive thyroid
- kidney disorders
- sinus infections
- salivary inflammation
If your double chin appears suddenly without lifestyle changes, consult a doctor.
"Many of our patients at a healthy weight struggle with a double chin. It's rarely about numbers on a scale—it's about your unique biology." - Dr Ivan Puah, MOH Accredited Liposuction Doctor and Chairman of Lipo Peer Review Committee Singapore.
06. Facial Architecture
A naturally short or wide neck? A recessive chin? These inherited traits become more evident with age because as we get older, our jawbone support becomes weaker and the chin tends to retract thus casting shadows and folds that mimic excess fat.
Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding Your Double Chin
1. "Why does my double chin appear more when I laugh or speak?"
When you laugh or speak, the natural movement of your jaw and neck muscles can temporarily accentuate submental fat (the layer beneath your chin). This isn't "new" fat—it's existing fat being pressed against loosened skin or weakened muscle tone, often due to:
- Age-related skin laxity (reduced collagen and elastin)
- Genetic predisposition to fat distribution in the facial area behind the chin
- Decrease in obvious jawline definition from atrophy of the muscle and/or bone
2. "If I lose weight, will my double chin disappear?"
Weight loss may reduce overall facial fat, but it's not a guaranteed solution for submental fullness. Here's why:
- Stubborn fat cells: Genetics may concentrate fat in your chin/neck area (even at a healthy BMI).
- Skin laxity: Ageing or rapid weight loss leaves skin less elastic, unable to "snap back" smoothly.
- Structural factors: Bone loss or a recessive chin won't improve with dieting.
3. "Can chewing gum reduce my double chin?"
While chewing gum strengthens jaw muscles, it cannot eliminate submental fat or sagging skin.
Why?
- Muscle vs. Fat: Chewing gum tones masseter muscles (jaw muscles), not the submental fat pad under your chin.
- No Collagen Impact: It doesn't address skin laxity or collagen loss—the core issues in ageing-related double chins.
For lasting and permanent results, focus on treatments that target fat and skin quality, such as facial liposuction [4, 5]. Seeing that shadow under your chin in photos or video calls can feel frustrating, especially when it doesn't reflect how you feel.
At Amaris B. Clinic, we listen to your concerns and find out the cause that bothers you.
Perhaps you've tried every contouring trick, or you're confused about why it appeared despite healthy habits. Wherever you are in your journey, we offer clarity and a personalised solution, not a cookie-cutter treatment.
