Double Chin | The Gillian Institute The Gillian Institute

A double chin often shows up at the worst times: on video calls, in photos or from certain angles. Even when you feel otherwise confident in how you look, fullness beneath the chin can soften your profile and reduce definition. For many people, it is a stubborn area that does not respond to diet or exercise.

At The Gillian Institute, Dr. Kimberly Short understands that a double chin is not just about excess fat. It is about restoring balance and definition to your profile in a natural-looking way. Our patients in the Indianapolis area and beyond have access to a complete suite of personalized double chin treatments and procedures.

What Is a Double Chin?

A double chin, or submental fullness, refers to excess fat or loose skin beneath the chin and along the upper neck. It can create a rounded appearance and reduce jawline definition, even in people who are at a healthy weight.

You may notice:

Fullness under the chin
Reduced jawline definition
A heavier appearance in the lower face
Mild skin laxity in the neck

This concern affects both men and women and may develop gradually or become more noticeable after weight changes.

What Causes a Double Chin?

Several factors contribute to the development of a double chin, and in many cases, it is not caused by a single issue.

Genetics: Your facial structure and fat distribution are largely inherited, which can make some people more prone to fullness in this area.
Weight Fluctuations: Weight gain can increase fat under the chin, and even after weight loss, the area may not fully return to its previous size.
Aging and Skin Laxity: As collagen and elastin decline, the skin loses firmness, contributing to sagging.
Muscle Changes: The platysma muscle can weaken over time, reducing support in the lower face.

Because a double chin often involves both fat and skin laxity, effective treatment requires a targeted approach rather than relying on general weight loss alone.

Treatments for Double Chin at The Gillian Institute

At The Gillian Institute, every double chin treatment is planned with intention. Dr. Short evaluates whether your concern is related to fat, skin laxity or both, then recommends the most effective approach for your situation.

Kybella®

Kybella is a non-surgical injectable that uses deoxycholic acid to break down and permanently eliminate fat cells beneath the chin. A series of Kybella treatments, each spaced several weeks apart, is often the most effective way to fully contour this area. Kybella is best suited for patients with excess fat and minimal skin laxity.

Liposuction

Submental liposuction removes fat beneath the chin to create a more defined jawline. This surgical option offers more immediate and noticeable contouring and is often recommended for moderate to significant fat deposits.

Neck Lift

For patients with loose or sagging skin, a neck lift provides the most comprehensive result. This procedure tightens underlying structures, removes excess skin and refines the jawline for long-term improvement.

Why Choose The Gillian Institute for Double Chin Treatment?

Choosing the right provider matters even more when you are targeting an area as visible as your profile. At The Gillian Institute, Dr. Kimberly Short combines surgical expertise with an artistic eye to create balanced, natural-looking results that enhance your features without overcorrection.

Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique anatomy, with both surgical and non-surgical options available in one place for a seamless, customized experience. Procedures are performed in an AAAASF-accredited surgical facility, ensuring a high standard of safety, precision and care at every step.

Refine Your Profile With Expert Care

If a double chin is affecting how you see yourself in photos or in the mirror, you have options that go beyond trying to “work it off.” The right treatment can restore definition and create a more balanced, confident profile.

Schedule your virtual consultation or in-person visit at The Gillian Institute in Indianapolis today. Call 317-913-3260 to get started with a personalized plan designed around you.