Botox for Facial Slimming
When most patients think of Botox treatment, they think of erasing fine lines and wrinkles that can appear on the forehead, at the creases of the eyes, and between the eyebrows. While these anti-aging treatments are highly effective, another lesser-known function of Botox treatment is for masseter muscle reduction, which helps with medical conditions, such as bruxism and TMJ, and can provide patients with a slimmer jawline for a more contoured face shape. For a long time, the only way to contour the lower face was to make an appointment with a facial plastic surgeon and undergo a surgical fat removal procedure. While plastic surgery may be an effective slimming treatment in the short term, the risk of serious adverse events is quite high, the recovery time is significant, and the removal of facial fat can have repercussions down the line. That is why expert, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green recommends Masseter Botox for face and jaw slimming to achieve the ideal face shape without downtime.
Botox is a type of neuromodulator, like Dysport and Xeomin, that contains the neurotoxin botulinum toxin type A. When injected into the large masseter muscles that run along the jawline, Botox relaxes the muscle, erasing jaw pain and tension, reducing the appearance of a square jawline, and slimming the face for the ideal facial contour. Botox can also be paired with other treatments, such as dermal fillers like Juvederm or Restylane, for a full facial rejuvenation that is quick to perform and requires no downtime. Furthermore, no weight loss is necessary to achieve a more V-shaped, contoured face. To find your ideal treatment plan, schedule an appointment with experienced board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has been expertly treating patients in her Upper East Side New York City office for more than 25 years. Highly experienced in treating cosmetic and medical concerns, Dr. Green provides patients with individualized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs. Regarding Botox and other neuromodulators, Dr. Green is an expert injector, applying a less-is-more approach, which allows patients to see the face slimming or medical effects of the treatment without “freezing” the face or losing full expressive capacity. Well-known for high patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has been voted one of the best healthcare providers in New York City by such publications as Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine.
How to get a slimmer face
Several factors can determine face shape, and one major factor is the size and shape of the jaw muscles, known as the masseter muscles, which are responsible for such actions as chewing food and gum. As a result of subconscious teeth grinding at night, a condition known as Bruxism, the masseter muscles can grow in size (hypertrophy), leading to a square jawline. This jawline contour is ideal for some, but for others, a slim, V-shaped facial contour is the ideal face look, which can be achieved through masseter reduction treatment, or face slimming Botox. When injected into the facial muscles, Botox helps to shrink the masseter muscles, which leads to a slimmer, more contoured appearance to the face. With masseter Botox, the cheekbones will stand out more, and the jawline will become less square-shaped, providing patients with their ideal facial contour without the need for any downtime.
What are Botox injections for facial slimming?
Botox is an injectable neuromodulator treatment that works to relax the muscles at the injection site, which allows for a wide range of cosmetic and medical uses. Containing the active ingredient botulinum toxin type A, Botox is currently FDA-approved cosmetically to treat horizontal forehead wrinkles, “11 lines” or frown lines between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet, which are the tiny creases that extend out in a fan at the corners of the eyes. Medically, Botox injections are FDA-approved to treat such conditions as chronic migraines, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), cervical dystonia (muscle spasms), blepharospasm (eyelid twitching), overactive bladder, and upper lip spasticity. Botox has also been shown to be highly effective in treating TMJ, which is a condition characterized by jaw tension, jaw pain, headaches, teeth grinding, and, in severe cases, lockjaw. When injected into the facial muscles responsible for TMJ, the muscles relax, relieving the tension and slimming the face. As such, Botox can be injected into the masseter muscles not only to relieve the symptoms of TMJ but to slim and contour the face.
How does Botox work for jawline slimming?
Botox contains the neurotoxin botulinum toxin type A, which works to essentially “freeze” the muscle at the injection site by blocking the neuromuscular signals that tell the muscle to contract. For dynamic wrinkles, which are wrinkles that form as a result of facial expressions, such as furrowing the brow, squinting, or smiling, Botox causes the muscles to relax, which erases the wrinkles in the treatment area. For jawline slimming, Botox is injected into the masseter muscle along the jawline, reversing the masseter muscle’s hypertrophy, causing it to decrease in size. This relaxing of the jaw muscle leads to slimming the face, creating a more ideal face shape and facial contour.
The treatment itself is quick and easy to perform, with no downtime required following the procedure. Patients will begin by consulting with Dr. Green and sharing their aesthetic goals for the treatment process. Dr. Green will then examine the treatment area and decide the treatment or combination of treatments that best meet your needs. If face slimming Botox is the ideal treatment option for you, Dr. Green will advise you to avoid blood thinners in the week leading up to the procedure to reduce the risk of bruising. When you arrive for treatment, Dr. Green will begin by marking the injection sites and applying a topical numbing cream to decrease patient discomfort during the injections. The amount of Botox necessary will depend on the size of the masseter muscle and the patient’s face shape and will be determined before the appointment. The injections only take 15-30 minutes, and patients can return to their regularly scheduled activities immediately after the procedure. Dr. Green advises that in the days post-procedure, patients avoid rubbing the treatment area, intense exercise, and alcoholic beverages.
What are the benefits of Botox compared to plastic surgery?
Many patients believe that plastic surgery is the only option when looking to change their face shape. However, that is far from the truth, as Botox provides patients with ideal facial contouring without the need for any downtime or as big of a risk of experiencing adverse events. Facial contouring plastic surgery, or Buccal fat removal surgery, is an invasive procedure that permanently removes fat cells from the treatment area to slim the lower face. While this procedure can help patients achieve a V-shaped face and jawline in the short term, it can leave patients looking gaunt and skeletal as they age. Botox is advantageous because it is a temporary procedure that specifically targets the masseter muscle for facial slimming, providing patients with the desired results but does not compromise their lower face shape in the long term. Botox is also less expensive than a surgical procedure, making it a much more accessible option for most patients.
How much is face-slimming surgery?
Face-slimming surgery, or buccal fat removal surgery, is an invasive procedure requiring patients to visit a plastic surgeon and go under anesthesia, making it quite costly. The exact price of the surgery will depend on your geographic location, the plastic surgeon’s experience, and your specific aesthetic goals; however, the treatment is generally quite expensive, ranging from $5,000-$20,000. If you are looking for a more affordable option that provides excellent face-slimming results, many patients will turn to Botox injectable treatment instead.
How much does face-slimming Botox cost?
When patients ask how much face-slimming Botox is, the answer is: it depends. The price of any procedure will vary based on your geographic location, the type of institution at which you receive treatment, and the number of units necessary to meet your specific needs. To avoid any adverse events and receive the best results, it is best to receive Botox treatment from an expert injector, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green. While MedSpas may be less expensive, there is a higher risk of significant side effects when visiting a less experienced injector. Dr. Green is a master at creating the perfect facial contour with unique treatment plans to meet each patient’s needs. After your initial consultation, where Dr. Green determines the amount of Botox necessary for you, the office will have a better estimate of the total cost of the treatment.
How many units of Botox for face slimming?
The amount of Botox needed for face slimming varies from person to person based mostly on the size of the masseter muscle and the individual’s face shape. When you arrive for your consultation with Dr. Green, she will examine the treatment area and consider your aesthetic goals before deciding on the number of units of Botox necessary. Typically, Dr. Green will use approximately 25 units of Botox on each side for the best results.
How long does face-slimming Botox last?
While the results of face-slimming Botox are temporary, the treatment can be repeated 2-3 times a year to maintain the effects of the treatment. Typically, patients will begin to see the procedure results within 5-7 days of receiving the treatment, and the effects will last for 3-4 months before beginning to fade. Dr. Green recommends scheduling touch-up appointments once the effects of the treatment fade to maintain a perfectly contoured face.
What are the side effects of Botox?
Botox is a safe and effective treatment for facial slimming with a limited risk of adverse events or serious side effects. With any injectable treatment, one of the most common side effects is bruising, redness, discomfort, or irritation at the injection site, all side effects which are typically mild and will resolve within a week of receiving treatment. Some common side effects that are associated with Botox include headache, muscle weakness, dry mouth, muscle weakness, temporary distortion of facial expressions in the lower face, such as the smile, and trouble swallowing and chewing. Why a slim face is attractive
All different face shapes are beautiful, and some people find certain facial contours desirable. A slim face, or V-shaped facial contour, is a commonly desired face shape. With a slim facial contour, the cheekbones will often stand out more, giving a more sculpted look. People will often seek out facial slimming Botox if they have a more square-shaped jawline, which is typically associated with a more highly developed masseter muscle. The masseter muscle shrinks with Botox, contouring the jawline for a slimmer shape.
Do face slimmers work?
When patients ask if face slimmers work, the answer is it depends on what method you are using. Botox is a highly effective face-slimming treatment option, reducing the size of the masseter muscle and creating a contoured V-shape to the lower face. Plastic surgery is also highly effective in the short term at providing patients with a more contoured look by removing fat cells from the lower face; however, in the long term, the lack of fat cells can create a gaunt or skeletal appearance. Other face-slimming products are marketed, such as straps, bandages, and belts; however, these methods have not been scientifically proven to be effective at slimming the face. If you are looking for the best way to get a perfectly contoured face, the most effective option is to consult an expert, board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green.
Do face-slimming straps work?
A face-slimming strap is a product available for purchase online or at beauty stores that goes around the head and is said to help tighten the skin and contour the face. Many different types of straps are available, including full head wraps or chin straps infused with ingredients to help smooth and tighten the skin. While they are advertised as being able to reduce the appearance of a double chin, tighten the skin, and slim the face, there is no scientific evidence to demonstrate that this is effective.
How to use a face-slimming strap
Face-slimming straps have not been scientifically proven to help contour the lower face, so patients using this method at home should be advised not to expect dramatic results. The websites selling these products say that they should be worn for 30-40 minutes a day for four weeks before results will become visible; however, if you are looking for highly effective results that will last, you should visit a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green.
How to use a face-slimming belt
A face-slimming belt is another name for a face-slimming strap and should be wrapped around the head. Face-slimming belts are meant to help tighten and contour the skin with a physical lifting of the skin, to improve sagging cheeks, and reduce the size of the masseter muscle. This treatment method has not been clinically proven to improve facial shape, so patients should not expect dramatic results.
Does a face-slimming bandage work?
A face-slimming bandage is also very similar to a face-slimming strap and a face-slimming belt, as it is a strap that wraps around the head to reduce the appearance of sagging skin and contouring the face. These face-slimming bandages that are available online and over the counter may create some short-term changes in the skin by generating a physical lift but the results are not long-lasting, nor are they particularly effective.
How to use a face-slimming bandage
A face-slimming bandage, which can be purchased online or in beauty supply stores, is wrapped around the head and under the chin, physically lifting the skin along the jawline. According to the instructions, the bandage should be worn every day for 30-40 minutes, and it will take up to 4 weeks for results to become apparent.
Is a face-slimming bandage effective?
No scientific evidence or clinical trials demonstrates that face-slimming bandages are effective in contouring the face, eliminating a double chin, and tightening the skin. If you are looking for an effective treatment method that will provide long-lasting, real results, it is best to consult a dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, who can recommend procedures that work. A combination of Botox and dermal fillers can be used to contour the face. At the same time, the double chin can be eliminated with the help of fat reduction treatments, such as Kybella and CoolSculpting, and skin can be tightened with Thermage laser treatment. To determine which treatment options will be best for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Green.
Do face-slimming exercises work?
Face-slimming exercises are physical stretching or workouts that can be done using the facial muscles with the idea of contouring the facial muscles for a slimmer, more defined look. Influencers on TikTok and Youtube may show videos of exercises such as the cheekbone lift for defined cheekbones, cheek squeezes for more contouring in the midface, and jaw flexes for a slim jawline; however, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that these exercises work. There is no real benefit to doing these face exercises either in the short-term or long-term, and they often do not provide the desired results.
How to use a face-slimming roller
Face-slimming rollers, some dating back to ancient China, have long been used and are most often made of jade or rose quartz. These rollers can be effective for a short amount of time to improve circulation, redness, and skin texture and reduce puffiness. While the effects of the treatment do not last long – several hours at most – the gentle massage can be performed daily and can be a calming part of a morning routine. To use the roller, massage the face in one direction, moving outwards from the center of the face. Only rolling in one direction can improve circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Why is my face not slimming down?
If you are employing at-home methods for facial slimming, such as the facial-slimming strap, bandage, belt, or facial-slimming exercises, you will likely not see the type of improvement you are looking for. The best way to ensure your facial slimming treatment will work is to visit an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, who will frequently employ face slimming Botox to reduce the size of the masseter muscle for a slimmer, more contoured look.
How to get started with face-slimming Botox today
Face-slimming Botox is a highly effective treatment to achieve a slim, contoured look to the face and jawline. Composed of the neurotoxin botulinum toxin type A, Botox relaxes the powerful masseter muscle that runs along the jawline and is responsible for chewing and teeth grinding. When the masseter muscle grows too big, the jawline can take on a square shape, making some people self-conscious about their face shape. With Botox injections, the masseter muscle becomes smaller, contouring the lower face to create a V-shape.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive treatment options available, including Botox injections for facial slimming. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy regarding facial rejuvenation, customizing each patient’s treatment plan to suit their specific concerns and ideal aesthetic goals. She is consistently identified as one of New York City’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and the New York Times for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Contact us online today or call 212-535-3088 to learn how New York City dermatologist Dr. Michele Green can help you on your journey to achieve your ideal face shape with face-slimming Botox.