Understanding Why Stubborn Fullness Under the Chin Persists

Fullness under the chin, often called submental fullness, is a common concern for many people. This guide explains what submental fullness is, the factors that contribute to it, and the professional, clinician-led approach we take at PHI Medical Aesthetics to assess this condition. Our goal is to provide clear, factual information so you can make confident choices about your aesthetic goals.

What is submental fullness?

Submental fullness is the clinical term for the accumulation of excess fat beneath the chin. It can affect adults of all ages, genders, and body types, and is often resistant to diet and exercise.

Several factors can contribute to the development of submental fullness:

Genetics: This is one of the most common causes. A predisposition to storing fat under the chin can be inherited.
Aging: The natural aging process can cause skin to lose elasticity and may lead to the appearance of more prominent submental fullness.
Weight changes: While it can affect individuals with a stable weight, fluctuations in weight can contribute to or accentuate fullness under the chin.

The PHI Consultation for Chin Contouring

A successful management plan starts with a thorough, personalized consultation. At PHI, we prioritize understanding your unique anatomy and goals to determine the most appropriate course of action.

Your comprehensive consultation will involve:

A discussion of your goals: We begin by listening to your specific concerns about your chin profile and what you hope to achieve.
A thorough medical history review: Your safety is our top priority. We will review your full medical history, including any previous surgeries or treatments in the neck area, to ensure any potential options are safe for you.
A physical assessment: Our experienced clinicians will examine the area under your chin to evaluate the amount of submental fat, assess your skin quality, and determine the underlying causes of the fullness.
Developing a holistic treatment plan: Based on our assessment, we will outline a personalized plan with a range of suitable options tailored to your needs.
A transparent review of risks and expectations: We believe in informed consent. We will openly discuss the potential risks, benefits, alternatives, and expected range of outcomes for any proposed treatment, ensuring you have the information you need to make a confident decision.

Treatment Options That May Be Discussed

Depending on your individual assessment, your clinician may discuss a multifaceted approach to managing submental fullness. This can include:

Lifestyle and skin health measures: Guidance on maintaining a stable weight and skincare routines that support skin quality and firmness.
In-clinic procedures: For suitable candidates, various non-prescription procedures performed by our regulated clinicians may be recommended to address concerns related to skin laxity and contour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which treatment option is right for me?

The most suitable treatment plan is determined during your personal consultation. Our clinicians will perform a thorough assessment of your anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and review your full medical history. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, they will recommend a plan tailored specifically to you.

While we can give you a general idea (treatments often start from several hundred dollars per session, and a full course might range from roughly $1,200 upwards depending on your needs), the best way to get an accurate figure is through a personalized consultation. During your visit to PHI Medical Aesthetics here in Calgary, we'll assess your specific situation, discuss your goals, and provide you with a detailed quote for your individual treatment plan.

What is the first step if I'm concerned about my chin profile?

The best first step is to schedule a consultation with a qualified clinician. This allows for a professional assessment of the area, a diagnosis of the underlying cause of your concerns (e.g., fat accumulation, skin laxity), and a detailed discussion about potential management strategies.

How much do treatments for chin contouring cost?

The cost of treatment varies from patient to patient, as it depends entirely on the personalized plan required to meet your specific goals. Following your assessment, we will provide a detailed quote based on the treatment options discussed.