In my professional opinion, masseter Botox is very reliable when it comes to softening the jawline and slimming the lower face - especially in patients with bruxism or hypertrophy. By injecting the masseter muscle and blocking acetylcholine release, facial proportions can be enhanced without affecting function.
Dr Mike Tee
BSC, MB, BCHIR, DLO, DRCOG, MRCGP
GMC: 3118018
Introduction
If you have been looking for a way to slim down your face without going under the knife, you are not alone. Botox for face slimming is a growing trend in London, and it is no wonder why. This no-fuss, non-invasive treatment is designed to lift and contour a V-shaped face by helping those muscles relax. No incisions, no downtime, just soft shaping by a pair of experienced hands.
In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about face slimming Botox, how it all works, what to expect during and after the treatment, and why it is so crucial to pick a reputable clinic. And with honest pointers and expert guidance, we are here to help you answer the million-dollar question: Can Botox really make your face look slimmer?
Key Takeaways:
- Botox for slimming the face aims to reduce the size of certain facial muscles.
- Ideal for those who have a strong jawline as a result of genetics or teeth grinding.
- You will see results in 2 to 6 weeks and they will last for 4 to 6 months.
- Side effects are few, but Botox would not remove fat or tighten loose skin.
- It can be mixed with any other facial shaping treatment.
What is Face-Slimming Botox?
Face slimming Botox refers to the cosmetic procedure that is performed to aid the masseter muscle hypertrophy that aims to decrease the width of the lower face. It does this by injecting Botox into your masseter muscles, which are the strong muscles you chew with. Your muscles reduce over time, creating a more oval or V-line face. This treatment is very popular among men and women with a square jawline as well as those who suffer from bruxism, which makes your jaw clench and teeth grinding.
How Face-Slimming Botox Works
Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) is a medication that temporarily weakens muscles by blocking nerve signals. When it is injected into the large masseter muscles, the muscle shrinks over time with what is known as muscle atrophy. This makes for a narrower, slimmer jawline without having to do any surgery or downtime
Botox when used correctly in the masseter, can make a dramatic difference to the lower face contour and also bring relief to the symptoms caused by jaw tension.
Botox for a Thinner Face vs Botox for Facial Wrinkles: What Are the Differences?
Despite the fact that the treatments involve the same substance, the purpose of each is not the same. This wrinkle-fighting Botox focuses on the very muscles that create facial expressions like frown lines or crow’s feet. Face-shaping Botox, however, is a masseter focus for structure shaping, not wrinkle reduction
Common Treatment Areas for Slimming the Face with Botox
- Jawline: Masseter Botox:Face slimming Botox is most commonly administered in the masseter muscle, the muscle at the angle of the jaw. Inhibiting this muscle narrows the lower face and softens a more masculine or contoured appearance
- Chin: Botox injected in the chin can slim the face overall, create a softer or more symmetrical shape.
- Cheeks: Not a primary area, but if you have bulky cheek muscles, Botox can tone them down, or it can be used in conjunction with other treatments to slim the mid-face.
What to Expect From Face Slimming Botox
The process is generally fast and completed in a few minutes. For the most part, people find the injections to be very tolerable and slightly uncomfortable. For some people who are more sensitive to pain, the experience can be made even more comfortable with the application of numbing cream in advance.
Before beginning, the health care provider will gently examine the injection site to find the correct muscles. Two to three injections per side of the lower face are applied on the corresponding area. Generally, it takes 15 to 30 minutes of treatment and no downtime required.
How Many Treatments Do You Need?
Typically, many patients will require 2 to 3 treatments several months apart to achieve the desired effect. Maintenance sessions are needed every 4 to 6 months depending on muscle activity and the desired aesthetic appearance.
When Will You Start to See Results?
You can first see results after 2 to 4 weeks and experience full slimming effects at around 6 weeks. Results are most apparent after a little while, as the muscle begins to shrink.
How Long Do Results Last?
Results last on average 4 to 6 months. With maintenance, the muscle may continue to shrink, keeping you from regular appointments.
Am I a Good Candidate for Face-Slimming Botox?
Good candidates are people with prominent masseter muscles from genetics, clenching teeth, or chewing habits. If a soft, contoured look is what you are going for, and you prefer not to have surgery, this could be for you.
Botox is great for those who do not want surgery to contour their jaw, but for it to be most effective we recommend it for people who already have a strong masseter muscle. Professional consultation will also guarantee that the treatment is specific to your facial structure.
Slimming the Face with Botox: The Risks and Limitations
It is generally safe but there may be mild bruising, swelling, or temporary asymmetry following a treatment. The uncommon side effects that you might get are problems chewing or smiling if the Botox gets out over the target area.
What Botox Can and Can’t Achieve
Botox is incapable of removing facial fat or tightening skin. It is ideal for slimming treatment for bulky jaw muscles. You may need a combination of treatments for more-severe facial slimming.
Managing expectations is key, Botox is not a fat-busting fix, but a muscle-modifying one. We typically use it in combination with other cosmetic treatments for the best results.
Alternative Treatments for a Slimmer Face
- Buccal Fat Removal: Buccal fat removal can help shape the mid-face for those with fuller cheeks by removing unnecessary fat pads. Read more about Buccal Fat Removal.
- Filler: Well placed injectable dermal fillers can also define cheekbones and jawlines, giving the face a slim appearance. Read our guide: How to Slim Your Face with Fillers.
- Morpheus8: This non-invasive treatment tightens skin and shrinks fat using a combination of radiofrequency and microneedling. Perfect for refining the texture of your skin and shaping your face subtly. Explore Morpheus8.
- Sculptra: Sculptra is a collagen stimulator and is commonly injected for facial volume replacement and modest lifting. More about Sculptra.
- Viora Reaction: A radiofrequency skin tightening and cellulite treatment designed to sculpt facial features with a skin-tightening effect. Check out Viora Reaction.
