BOTOX® is a prescription medication that has helped millions of women and men around the world soften their moderate to severe crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead furrows. BOTOX® treatments also fit into even the most hectic lifestyles because they are non-surgical, require no downtime, and provide nearly instant results. But did you know BOTOX® can also slim your face? Read on to learn more about this benefit of BOTOX®.
How Does BOTOX® Work?
BOTOX® not only treats existing wrinkles but also prevents new ones from forming. It’s a purified form of the botulinum toxin that works by latching onto nerve endings, preventing the release of the neurotransmitter that triggers muscle contractions. That’s the science behind how BOTOX® injections temporarily relax the facial muscles that cause wrinkles due to repetitive facial expressions like frowning, smiling, and squinting.
Using BOTOX® for Lower Face Contouring
In addition to treating dynamic lines and wrinkles, BOTOX® can be an effective way to reshape a prominent jawline. How? Well, if your face is overly wide around your jaw, the culprits behind that are probably your masseter muscles, otherwise known as your chewing muscles. These muscles are responsible for moving your jaw up and down.
As you age, these muscles can become more defined, resulting in a lower face that looks square — especially in patients who frequently chew gum or have a habit of grinding their teeth. However, BOTOX® injections in your masseter muscles can slim your jawline. One or more injections will help to reduce the force of these muscles, resulting in a slimmer lower face.
Compared to more invasive recontouring procedures, which include paring down the jawbone, reshaping the jawline with BOTOX® is non-surgical, and there are minimal side effects and no need to miss work after treatment.
Are You a Good Candidate for This Procedure?
Most people who are in good physical health, are not pregnant or nursing, and whose skin has plenty of elasticity are well-qualified to receive BOTOX® injections. However, not everyone is a good candidate for BOTOX® jawline recontouring.
To determine if BOTOX® along your jawline is right for you, a cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Jeffrey L. Schmidt can measure the thickness of your masseter muscle. If your chewing muscles are extremely firm and enlarged in appearance when you bite down, you’re most likely a good candidate for this treatment.
Side Effects of Jawline Reshaping With BOTOX®
When performed by a qualified injector, BOTOX® jaw contouring won’t result in any difficulties eating, talking, smiling, or chewing. BOTOX® treatments are also a quick and relatively painless in-office procedure.
Immediately following the injections, contracting the treated muscles by moving your jaw around can help evenly distribute the BOTOX® throughout the injection site. You should also avoid exercising, bending over, or rubbing your jaw for the first 24 to 48 hours after your procedure to make sure the BOTOX® settles in the specific spot and doesn’t migrate to other muscles.
The most common side effects of BOTOX® injections are short-term redness, bruising, irritation, and tenderness around the injection site. These are usually mild and will resolve themselves a day or two after treatment.
BOTOX® in Denver, CO
Within the first week after getting BOTOX® injected into your masseter muscles, you can expect your jawline to feel and look softer. The results will continue to improve over the next several weeks and will last between six months and one year after getting treatment. You may wish to have periodic touch-up sessions to maintain your improved jawline.
BOTOX® is a safe, FDA-approved way to smooth wrinkles and reshape your face. Now, surgery isn’t your only option for jawline recontouring. Get the results you want at Schmidt Facial Plastic Surgery. Contact our office to schedule your private consultation today.
