Fullness under the chin and along the jowls is common in Hobart and Australia. The jawline can look softer, the neck and lower face can blend together and folds or shadows may be more obvious in some lights. For many people, this pattern appears even when weight is stable and general health habits are good. It is often shaped by genetics, bone structure, skin support and ageing rather than effort alone.
Some people notice a double chin in their teens or twenties. Others see under-chin fat and sagging jowls appear gradually through their thirties, forties and beyond. Family traits, posture, long hours at a desk and hormone changes all influence how this area looks over time.
This article explains how double chins, jowls and neck fat develop, how they relate to a weak chin, and what may be discussed in a non-surgical setting in Hobart. It also outlines who might be suited to assessment, what to expect from a consultation and why treatment is not always recommended.

Quick answers about double chins and jowls
What is meant by a double chin here
In this context, double chin means a second fold or area of fullness where the chin and upper neck meet. It usually reflects localised fat and soft tissue rather than general body weight.
What are jowls and how do they relate to a double chin
Jowls are softer areas that form along the jawline when tissue from the mid and lower face moves downward with time. They can blur the edge of the jaw. A person may have a double chin, jowls or both.
Can a double chin be reduced without surgery
For some people, changes in weight, posture, and general health can lessen under-chin and neck fat. In other cases, non-surgical cosmetic therapies or surgery are discussed. The aim is usually a modest reduction and better balance in the profile.
Why do double chins and jowls develop
The lower face and neck sit on a framework of bone covered by layers of muscle, fat, ligaments and skin. When the jawbone sits further back, there is less forward support for the chin and jawline. This can make under chin fat and early jowls more visible, even in people who are otherwise lean.
Genetics influence where the body stores fat and how quickly collagen and elastin in the skin decline. If several family members have soft chins, early double chins or sagging jowls, similar patterns often appear in the next generation. Sun exposure, smoking, stress, sleep, diet and general activity also shape how quickly these changes are seen.
Under chin fat can build up with overall weight gain, but it can also persist in people whose weight has been stable for years. The area under the chin is small and the skin can stretch to hold a pocket of fat. As collagen breaks down and supporting ligaments loosen, this pocket can sag lower, creating a visible double chin.
Jowls tend to appear slightly later. As cheek fat pads drift downward and skin loses firmness, tissue gathers along the jawline and the once straight jawline becomes wavy or heavy. Neck fat can sit lower and more widely, wrapping around the sides of the neck rather than sitting only under the chin.

Double chin, weak chin and neck fat
A double chin is not always caused by fat alone. In some people, the main issue is a weak chin. When the chin does not project forward strongly, the area under it has less support. This can make even a small amount of under-chin fat or loose skin look more obvious and can shorten the appearance of the neck.
A weak chin and a double chin can exist together. There may be under-chin fat and limited jawline definition simultaneously. In these cases, a plan focused solely on chin fat reduction may not be enough. Some people benefit more from adding structure at the chin or jawline, where suitable, rather than focusing only on under-chin fat removal.
Neck fat adds another layer. It can sit below the usual double chin area and extend to the sides or back of the neck. When neck fat is the main concern, focusing treatment only on submental fat under the chin may leave a clear edge between treated and untreated areas.
Non-surgical options for double chin and jowls in Hobart
General measures such as long-term weight stability, balanced nutrition, reduced smoking, good sleep and support for stress are important for overall health. They may soften neck fat and under chin fat in some people, but family traits and bone structure often limit how far change can go in one area.
Skin-focused treatments in Hobart, such as peels, needling, or selected energy-based devices, may have a role in cases with mild jowling or early neck laxity. They aim to improve skin quality and support rather than remove fat.
Structure-focused cosmetic therapies, such as chin or jawline contouring, may be considered when a weak chin or reduced jawline definition is the main finding. Careful addition of structure in the right person can help the lower face look more balanced without removing chin fat.
Some clinics also offer a service targeting localised under-chin or jowl fat. Australian rules mean that the specific substance, its name and detailed technique cannot be advertised to the public. These options are better explained in a private consultation after a medical assessment.
Surgical options, including chin liposuction and neck lift, exist for people with larger fat deposits or more marked laxity who are prepared for anaesthetic and a longer recovery. These procedures are usually done in surgical settings rather than non-surgical clinics and carry their own risks and costs.

Who might consider an under-chin or jowl assessment
People who ask about double chin treatment or jowls treatment often describe similar experiences. They see a second fold under the chin that does not match the rest of their face or notice sagging jowls that were not present a few years earlier. They may feel that their chin profile does not reflect how energetic or healthy they actually feel.
Some have tried to change the area through weight loss, general exercise or chin exercises and see little effect on under chin fat. Others reach a stable weight yet still see a double chin or neck fat. A family pattern of sagging jowls or weak chin may be obvious in older relatives.
Suitability for cosmetic therapies does not rest only on appearance. Health history matters, including blood clotting problems, immune conditions, thyroid disease, heart or lung problems, previous surgery in the neck, current medicines, allergies, supplements and any history of nerve problems, swallowing issues or unusual scarring. Mental health is also important, particularly if stress, low mood, anxiety or body image concerns are present.
What to expect from a double chin and jowl consultation in Hobart
A typical consultation starts with a detailed history. You may be asked when you first noticed the double chin or jowls, how the area has changed over time and what worries you most. The practitioner will usually ask about your general health, current medicines, allergies, previous cosmetic therapies and any surgery or trauma to the face or neck.
The physical examination often includes looking at the face and neck from different angles, at rest and with expression. The practitioner may gently pinch or lift the skin under the chin and along the jawline to estimate how much is fat and how much is loose skin and to assess weak chin, jawline definition and overall balance. Clinical photographs may be taken under standard lighting to help with planning and later review and should only be used in advertising with appropriate consent.
Once the assessment is complete, the practitioner will usually discuss the findings and outline possible paths, such as general health measures, skin-based care, structure-focused contouring, fat-reduction services, referral for surgical opinion, or no treatment. Likely benefits, limits, side effects and recovery patterns should all be discussed in clear terms. You should not feel rushed into a decision. It is reasonable to go home, reflect on the information, and discuss it with trusted people before choosing any double-chin or jowl treatment.

Recovery, risks and when treatment may not be suitable
Any intervention that targets under chin fat, jowl fat or neck fat has potential side effects. Even relatively minor procedures can cause swelling, bruising, tenderness and temporary firmness or numbness in the area. These changes often peak in the first few days and settle over one to two weeks, but timelines vary.
Less common risks include unevenness, lingering hardness, longer term numb patches, changes in how the lower face moves and nerve sensitivity. Infections and allergic reactions are rare but important to understand. Your practitioner should explain which symptoms need urgent medical review, such as severe pain, breathing or swallowing problems, marked asymmetry or signs of spreading infection.
There are clear groups for whom many double chin or jowl treatments are not suitable. These usually include pregnancy and breastfeeding, active infections, some autoimmune conditions, uncontrolled health issues and recent major surgery in the neck or jaw region. A history of certain swallowing disorders or nerve conditions may also steer care away from particular approaches. In some cases the safest option is to avoid treatment altogether or to focus only on general health, posture and gentle skin care.

Frequently asked questions about double chin and jowl fullness in Hobart
Is there a single best double chin treatment
There is no single option that suits everyone. A suitable plan depends on how much under chin fat is present, how firm the skin is, how far the chin projects and whether sagging jowls or neck fat are also involved.
Can double chin treatment results last long term
When localised under chin fat is reduced through a suitable plan, the treated fat cells are not expected to return. Remaining cells can still store fat if weight rises, so results can last many years but are never guaranteed for life.
Are there exercises that help with jowls or a weak chin
Jaw, neck and tongue exercises can support posture and muscle tone. They rarely reverse established sagging jowls or a clearly weak chin on their own, but can sit alongside general strength and posture work.
Is surgery better than non surgical double chin treatment
Surgery such as chin liposuction or neck lift can create larger change in one step, at the cost of anaesthetic, scars, longer recovery and higher risk. Non surgical care gives smaller, gradual changes with shorter downtime. The better choice is individual.
How many sessions are usually needed for non surgical double chin care
The number of sessions depends on the treatment type, the starting amount of under chin fat, skin quality and body response. Plans are often spread over more than one visit so that gradual change and review are possible.
Is double chin or jowl treatment always the right choice
No. Some people feel better once they understand why they have a double chin or sagging jowls and choose no procedure. Others are advised that medical conditions, medicines or mental health concerns make cosmetic treatment unwise at this time.

Making decisions about double chin and jowl care in Hobart
Living with a double chin or early jowls can raise quiet questions about ageing, balance and how you feel in your own skin. Taking time to understand why these changes occur, what outcomes are realistic and which options may or may not be suitable can make decisions steadier and less pressured. If you are in Hobart or southern Tasmania and unsure how to proceed, a careful consultation with a cosmetic registered nurse can place your lower face in context and support you to choose whether to treat, wait or simply review changes over time.
References
Heart Aesthetics Hobart always ensures the use of credible, up-to-date references for all our content related to cosmetic treatments in Hobart. We rely on peer-reviewed studies and trusted medical sources to provide accurate information to our local community in Hobart, Tasmania.
Blandford AD, Ansari W, Young JM, Maley B, Plesec TP, Hwang CJ, Perry JD. (2018). Deoxycholic Acid and the Marginal Mandibular Nerve: A Cadaver Study. Aesthetic Plast Surg, 42(5):1394-1398.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-018-1164-4
Boxley SG, Lin F, Lee See N, St Rose S, Battucci S, Simonyi S. (2023). CONTOUR Australia: Condition of Submental Fullness and Treatment Outcomes with Belkyra Registry. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open, 11(7):e5123.
https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000005123
Chi D, Pinni SL, Hunter DA, Wood MD, Mackinnon SE. (2024). Peripheral Nerve Injury After Deoxycholic Acid (Kybella) Injection. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open, 12(Suppl 4):48.
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.GOX.0001015376.43935.b3
Cunha KS, Lima F, Cardoso RM. (2021). Efficacy and safety of injectable deoxycholic acid for submental fat reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol, 14(3):383-397.
https://doi.org/10.1080/17512433.2021.1884070
Farina GA, Cherubini K, de Figueiredo MAZ, Salum FG. (2020). Deoxycholic acid in the submental fat reduction: A review of properties, adverse effects, and complications. J Cosmet Dermatol, 19(10):2497-2504.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13619
Hong JY, Lee YH, Yeoum SH, Youn CS, Park KY. (2025). The Effect of Diluted Deoxycholic Acid on Arm Fat Reduction: Evaluation of Its Potential in Minimally Invasive Fat Loss Treatment. J Cosmet Dermatol.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70088
Humphrey S, Sykes J, Kantor J, Bertucci V, Walker P, Lee D, Lizzul P, Gross T, Beddingfield F. (2016). ATX-101 for reduction of submental fat: A phase III randomized controlled trial. J Am Acad Dermatol, 75(4):788-797.e7.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2016.04.028
Inocêncio GSG, Meneses-Santos D, Costa MDMA, Vieira WA, de Almeida VL, Rodrigues RPCB, Rode SM, Paranhos LR. (2023). Efficacy, safety, and potential industry bias in using deoxycholic acid for submental fat reduction – A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Clinics (Sao Paulo), 78:100220.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinsp.2023.100220
Kilmer SL, Burns AJ, Zelickson BD. (2016). Safety and efficacy of cryolipolysis for non-invasive reduction of submental fat. Lasers Surg Med, 48(1):3-13.
https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22440
Lee EI. (2013). Aesthetic alteration of the chin. Semin Plast Surg, 27(3):155-160.
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1357113
Mess SA. (2017). Lower Face Rejuvenation with Injections: Botox, Juvederm, and Kybella for Marionette Lines and Jowls. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open, 5(11):e1551.
https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000001551
Naini FB, Cobourne MT, McDonald F, Wertheim D. (2017). Submental-Cervical Angle: Perceived Attractiveness and Threshold Values of Desire for Surgery. J Maxillofac Oral Surg, 16(1):54-57.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-016-0912-7
Patel S, Kridel R. (2018). Current Trends in Management of Submental Liposis: A Pooled Analysis and Survey. JAMA Facial Plast Surg, 20(3):202-206.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamafacial.2017.1567
Pathoulas JT, Demer AM, Kingsley-Loso JL, Farah RS. (2020). Lasting marginal mandibular nerve injury following submental deoxycholic acid treatment. Int J Womens Dermatol, 6(3):232.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.03.028
Pham CT, Lee A, Sung CT, Choi F, Juhasz M, Mesinkovska NA. (2020). Adverse Events of Injectable Deoxycholic Acid. Dermatol Surg, 46(7):942-949.
https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000002318
Rzany B, Griffiths T, Walker P, Lippert S, McDiarmid J, Havlickova B. (2014). Reduction of unwanted submental fat with ATX-101 (deoxycholic acid), an adipocytolytic injectable treatment: results from a phase III, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Br J Dermatol, 170(2):445-453.
https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.12695
Shamban AT. (2016). Noninvasive Submental Fat Compartment Treatment. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open, 4(12 Suppl):e1155.
https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000001155
Shridharani SM. (2019). Real-World Experience With 100 Consecutive Patients Undergoing Neck Contouring With ATX-101 (Deoxycholic Acid): An Updated Report With A 2-Year Analysis. Dermatol Surg, 45(10):1285-1293.
https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000001811
Shridharani SM, Chandawarkar AA. (2019). Novel Expanded Safe Zone for Reduction of Submental Fullness with ATX-101 Injection. Plast Reconstr Surg, 144(6):995e-1001e.
https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000006299
Shridharani SM, Kennedy ML. (2024). Management of Serious Adverse Events Following Deoxycholic Acid Injection for Submental and Jowl Fat Reduction: A Systematic Review and Management Recommendations. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum, 6:ojae061.
https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojae061
TGA. (2017). Clinical Evaluation Report for Deoxycholic Acid (Belkyra). Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australia.
https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/auspar-deoxycholic-acid-170406-cer.pdf
Ting W, Wen J, Li Z, Sun J, Zhang J, Shu M, Liu H, He L, Yu B, Jiang N, Xue C, Tan Q, Xu X, Wu S, Jian D, Zhao H, Wang L, Yu N, Wang X. (2025). A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicentered Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of MEI005 in Reducing Submental Fat in Chinese Adults. Aesthet Surg J, 45(6):629-637.
https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaf031
Vertuan M, Honório HM, Queiroz TP, Santos PL. (2022). Is deoxycholic acid able to reduce submental fat and increase patient satisfaction when compared to placebo groups? A systematic review. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg, 75(11):4281-4289.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2022.08.012
Walsh TW, Bloom JD. (2017). Neck Contouring and Treatment of Submental Adiposity. J Drugs Dermatol, 16(1):54-57.
https://jddonline.com/articles/neck-contouring-and-treatment-of-submental-adiposity-S1545961617P0054X
Zappia E, Bonan P, Coli F, Del Re C, Cassalia F, Tolone M, Bennardo L, Nisticò SP, Cannarozzo G. (2025). An innovative microwave technology for the treatment of submental skin laxity. Lasers Med Sci, 40(1):28.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-024-04270-1
Last reviewed: November 2025
Next scheduled update: August 2026


