BOTOX® is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments on the market.  With a solid reputation for reducing wrinkles, it is a go-to for many men and women looking to combat the signs of aging and restore their youthful confidence. But did you know that BOTOX® can also be used to contour the jaw for a slimmer facial profile? The special face-slimming technique is referred to as Masseter BOTOX®, and it results in a softer and more feminine jawline. Here’s what you need to know. 

How BOTOX® works

BOTOX® Cosmetic is made from botulinum toxin type A, an injectable neurotoxin that relaxes the muscles responsible for the dynamic wrinkles in the treated area. Dynamic wrinkles are those present when squinting, smiling, frowning, or making other facial expressions. In our youth, those wrinkles disappear when the face relaxes, but over time, after years and decades of making the same expressions, the lines become etched into the skin. Wrinkles that remain after the face relaxes are referred to as static wrinkles. Botox cannot treat static wrinkles, but it can help relax the muscles responsible for the dynamic wrinkles that cause them.   

What is Masseter BOTOX®?

In order to understand Masseter BOTOX® treatment, you’ll need to first get acquainted with the masseter muscle. One of the four muscles responsible for chewing, the masseter muscle is found on both sides of the face, running from the cheekbone down to the lower jaw. It is shaped like a rectangle and works to raise and lower the jaw. 

People who chew gum frequently, clench their teeth, or suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) often develop an enlarged masseter muscle. When this happens, the jawline becomes square and bulky, giving the face a bottom-heavy shape that’s typically associated with a more masculine appearance. In some cases, the muscle becomes enlarged on one side only, resulting in an asymmetrical facial profile. 

Surgical reduction of the masseter muscle is one option for restoring the slimmer, symmetrical, and feminine facial contours. But Masseter BOTOX® can provide similar results in much less time—and without surgery. 

Masseter BOTOX® involves the strategic injection of the BOTOX® formula into the masseter muscle. In the weeks following, as BOTOX® relaxes the muscle, it will begin to atrophy, softening the jawline as it does. Within a month to 6 weeks, the patient will see a remarkable difference in the feminin curve of their jaw. BOTOX® is a temporary treatment, however, and touch-up sessions are typically required every 3 to 6 months for the first year or so. Later, touch-up appointments may be spaced out to 9 to 12 months. 

In addition to a softer, slimmer, more feminine jawline, many patients report fewer problems with migraine, bruxism, and teeth clenching as a result of their Masseter BOTOX® treatment. 

Ready to try Masseter BOTOX in San Diego for a slimmer face?

Before you commit to any BOTOX® treatment in San Diego, it’s important to find a highly skilled and experienced injector with a top-notch reputation in the field of medical cosmetics. Although the Masseter BOTOX® treatment is fairly simple, it does require a high degree of precision and artistry. If you’re interested in slimming down your jawline for a more feminine and youthful appearance, you’ve come to the right place. Siti Med Spa is San Diego’s number one med spa, staffed by skin care experts who specialize in advanced anti-aging procedures, including Masseter BOTOX®.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (619) 717-8484 today.