There is widespread knowledge about the use of neuromodulators (such as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin) in the treatment of unwanted wrinkles. However, many people are unaware of the use of these injections to slim the jawline. A bulky, enlarged jaw is often a result of a strong facial muscle known as the masseter. The masseter muscle connects the lower jawbone to the cheekbone, and plays a major role in chewing. When this muscle is rather powerful it can become larger over time, creating a square-shaped jaw. By injecting neuromodulators into the masseter muscles, the muscles are forced to relax and weaken. This causes the muscles to work less and reduce in size resulting in a slimmer jawline.
Frequently Asked Questions
The effects of neuromodulators last, typically, up to 6 months after injection. With more treatments, the frequency of injections decreases, and effects of neuromodulators can last between even longer than 6 months.
Using a finely-gauged needle, Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin is injected directly into the masseter muscle. The procedure is relatively painless with the injections feeling similar to small pinpricks. There is typically no need for any anesthetic medications. Patients are able to drive directly after the procedure. Patients are asked to avoid lying down and exercising for 4-6 hours following the procedure to ensure that the product remains within the masseter muscle for optimal results.
Side effects from BOTOX® Cosmetic, if any occur, are usually mild and temporary. Botulinum contains proteins that, in rare circumstances, may be naturally safeguarded against by the body’s ability to produce antibodies. If antibodies are formed, the therapy will generate a lesser response. Temporary bruising sometimes is experienced but resolves within two to three days. In rare cases, there can be a slight drooping of an eyelid or eye brow, or asymmetry of expression. If this should happen, return to our office for evaluation and correction. During your consultation with our staff, please let us know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Typically, the effects of Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport are visible within three days. Maximum benefits are reached between ten to fourteen days. Once the muscle becomes dormant and the skin softens, patients notice a more relaxed and youthful appearance. BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments are not a substitute for a facelift. Depending on your specific goals, optimal results in appearance may be maximized by incorporating neuromodulator injections with a facelift, laser resurfacing, or a skin rejuvenation procedure.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent derived from a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum. For over a decade, ophthalmologists have employed BOTOX® Cosmetic for its original intention; the treatment of blepharospasm (abnormal blinking or eyelid tic). Physicians also have been utilizing BOTOX® Cosmetic for years as a cosmetic treatment for correcting visible signs of stress and aging.
The contractions and movements of our facial muscles are controlled by signals from the brain. Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin simply prevents these muscles from allowing responses to such signals. As a result, the muscles relax, weaken, and in the case of the masseter muscle, decrease in size.
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