Non-Surgical Jaw Reduction

Non-surgical jaw reduction with Botox injections is among the most popular procedures in Dr. Michele Green’s Upper East Side NYC cosmetic dermatology office. Botox is well-known as the gold standard for smoothing away the appearance of dynamic fine lines and wrinkles in the upper face, but it is also an excellent non-surgical treatment for slimming the jawline. Dr. Green was one of the first dermatologists to offer Botox injections in the masseter muscle for facial slimming and is an expert in non-surgical jaw reduction and contouring treatment. For those with a wide jaw or who lack jawline definition or symmetry of the lower face, Dr. Green is here to help.

Many patients desire the appearance of a well-defined, slimmer jawline. Botox injections in the masseter muscle provide cosmetic enhancement and decrease the appearance of a wide jaw in a quick, painless procedure that takes just a few minutes to complete with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. The jaw muscles are some of the strongest in the human body and can enlarge over time due to clenching, chewing, teeth grinding, bruxism, or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). In addition to Botox injections, Dr. Green offers treatments such as Kybella, CoolSculpting, Thermage, and dermal fillers like Juvederm Volux for non-surgical jaw reduction and contouring that provide natural-looking, long-lasting results.

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 men and women with the best non-surgical treatment options, including achieving a slimmer jawline. As an expert in Botox, dermal fillers, CoolSculpting, Microneedling, Chemical Peels, Thermage, and laser skin resurfacing treatments, she is recognized and appreciated worldwide for her holistic approach and less-is-more philosophy regarding facial rejuvenation. Her dedication to her patients and expertise is well-reflected because she is consistently voted as one of New York City’s best dermatologists by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, the New York Times, and New York Magazine. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will work with you to create a customized treatment plan for non-surgical jawline contouring that best suits your individual needs and personal aesthetic goals.

What is non-surgical jawline contouring?

Non-surgical jawline contouring refers to any combination of non-surgical treatment options, including Botox injections, dermal fillers, Kybella, CoolSculpting, and Thermage, used to enhance the contour of the lower face and jawline. Botox treatment is the most popular procedure for non-surgical jawline contouring. Botox is an injectable neuromodulator that blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for the contraction of the masseter muscles. Botox injections in the masseters cause the muscle to weaken and shrink, thereby reducing their size and creating the appearance of a slimmer jawline. There is zero downtime involved with masseter muscle Botox injections, meaning treatments can be scheduled with ease. The effects of Botox last 3.5-6 months, with most patients engaging in regular follow-up treatment sessions to maintain the best results.

In addition to Botox injections, dermal fillers are an incredibly popular non-surgical treatment option for patients struggling with volume loss in the jaw area or chin or with asymmetries of the lower face. Juvederm Volux is the ideal dermal filler for replenishing lost volume along the jawline and providing contour and enhancement of the lower face. The Juvederm family of dermal fillers, manufactured by Allergan and approved by the FDA for cosmetic rejuvenation, is developed with their proprietary Vycross cross-linking technology to ensure the filler provides natural-looking, long-lasting results. Vycross technology combines varying molecular weights of hyaluronic acid in the dermal filler, contributing to its capacity to provide a lifting effect and incredibly long-lasting results. The cosmetic results of Juvederm Volux last up to one year, with most patients engaging in an annual maintenance treatment session to keep up the best results. Plastic surgery is not a viable option for everyone, and thanks to innovations in cosmetic dermatology, non-surgical jaw reduction treatments can provide a slimmer jawline without any discomfort or downtime.

25-29 Year old female, Botox to masseter muscle, 2 weeks before and after

What is the masseter muscle?

The masseter muscle is located on each side of your jaw and is one of the main muscles involved in chewing, along with the temporalis and pterygoid muscles. Due to excessive chewing or teeth grinding, the masseter muscles can increase in size and cause issues with the shape of your face. It is akin to someone lifting weights too often and developing natural muscle enhancement.  Botox injections in the masseter muscle cause targeted muscle atrophy, causing the muscles to weaken and shrink, thus producing a slimmer jawline. The result of Botox injections is slimming a wide jaw, ultimately achieving non-surgical jaw reduction. Botox treatment is a safe, effective, non-surgical treatment option for facial slimming, reducing the masseter muscles, alleviating symptoms of TMJ, and enhancing the contour of the lower face. Botox injections are performed in a few minutes with an expert injector like board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. With no downtime involved, it is no wonder that Botox treatment is the most popular cosmetic procedure for non-surgical jaw reduction at Dr. Green’s private office in New York City.

Why does the masseter muscle enlarge?

Several factors determine the size of the muscle. There most common factors contributing to enlarged jaw muscles are genetics, ethnicity, clenching, grinding, excessive chewing, and/or chewing on only one side of the mouth. Research has shown that individuals with Asian heritage are more likely to have enlarged masseter muscles due to natural genetic differences creating a wider face proportion.

When your jawline is overused, hypertrophy or enlargement of your masseter muscles occurs. The masseter muscle in your jaw is similar to other muscles in your body in that the more they are engaged, the larger they can develop. This hypertrophy can result in the jaw taking on a square shape. In addition, this can contribute to TMJ or grinding of your teeth. When Botox is injected into the masseter muscles, it shrinks the jawline, creating a V-shaped, slimmer-looking face. Botox effectively creates non-surgical jaw reduction, without any recovery time, in a matter of minutes.

Botox injections for non-surgical jawline reduction procedure

Botox is lauded in the world of cosmetic dermatology due to its ability to consistently produce phenomenal results in a quick treatment session with zero downtime. Botox injections into the masseter muscle can produce a contouring effect for the jawline and relieve tension associated with clenching, teeth grinding, and TMJ. Dr. Michele Green was one of the first dermatologists in New York City to incorporate Botox injections into her patients’ customized treatment plans and is an Allergan platinum injector. Dr. Green has over 25 years of experience providing what has been described as the “best Botox in New York.”

Since Botox® was approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2002, the injectable has skyrocketed in popularity. Botox is currently the number one noninvasive aesthetic medical procedure performed in the United States and provides patients with an outstanding non-surgical treatment option for facial rejuvenation. Botox, AKA botulinum toxin, is a neuromodulator that essentially ‘freezes’ targeted facial muscles by blocking nerve signals that control movement. Injecting precise amounts of Botox into the masseter muscle allows it to relax. Over time, the muscle shrinks, resulting in enhanced facial contour and relief of tension in the jaw.

Dr. Michele Green has perfected the technique of reducing the enlargement of the masseter muscle by making just one single injection on each side of the muscle. In the past, Botox injections to slim the jawline involved injecting 3 to 6 points on each side of the face. However, Dr. Green has developed an innovative technique that involves the injection of one single point on each side of the face, which helps reach the other points within the masseter muscle. No topical anesthesia is needed for these Botox injections for facial slimming results. Using minimal injection sites means quicker, more effective, and painless results. There is absolutely no discomfort with this technique and no downtime. This procedure can be performed in Dr. Green’s office during your “lunch break,” with no preparation or aftercare needed.

How can I make my jaw smaller without surgery?

The cosmetic injection of the botulinum toxin in Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, or Xeomin into the masseter muscle will all help contour the lower jaw and slim the face. Botox is FDA-approved to treat fine lines around the eyes (crow’s feet), glabella, and forehead area. Botox blocks the signals for the nerves to the muscles, preventing their contraction. In the masseter muscle, this block in the signal allows the size of the muscle to decrease, resulting in a slimmed and contoured jawline. While jaw Botox injections work the same way as every other type of Botox injection, the injection of the masseter muscle for the jawline is still considered “off-label” and not yet FDA approved. Botox of the masseter muscle, for facial slimming and non-surgical facial contouring, is one of the most popular procedures in our office. Most patients prefer non-surgical jaw reduction, without any downtime, over a surgical procedure.

In addition to Botox treatment, Dr. Green may recommend several other non-surgical treatment options for facial slimming and enhancing jawline contour. The non-surgical treatment options best suited to your individual needs will be determined with Dr. Green during your initial consultation for non-surgical jaw reduction. Individuals with a wide lower face may struggle with stubborn submental fat. Eliminating excess fat in the submental area can provide an overall slimming effect and enhance the definition of the jawline. Coolsculpting and Kybella are the most popular non-surgical treatment options for submental fat reduction at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office in NYC. CoolSculpting is a fat reduction procedure that relies on cryolipolysis, fat freezing technology, to eliminate excess fat from a treatment area. Kybella is a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring gut enzyme that plays a role in the breakdown of dietary fat. Excess fat cells are essentially dissolved and metabolized by the body by injecting Kybella into the submental area.

Thermage is the gold standard for non-invasive skin tightening. Thermage utilizes radiofrequency energy to stimulate the production of new collagen in the treatment area. Collagen is a skin protein that contributes to a firm foundation and youthful appearance. Thermage is an excellent non-surgical treatment option for tightening loose jowls and improving the appearance of skin laxity in the jaw area. Tightening loose skin in the lower face can enhance the overall contour of the jawline and create a more youthful appearance. Thermage produces natural-looking, long-lasting results, with most patients engaging in a follow-up treatment session once a year to maintain the best effects.

When sculpting the jawline, several factors come into play to have a beautiful jawline. If the jawline lacks definition, dermal filler injections can be used to create a well-angled jawline. Dr. Green typically uses hyaluronic acid dermal fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm to augment the chin and jaw area. Sculptra, a unique dermal filler composed of poly-L-lactic acid, is another popular option for enhancing the contour of the lower face. During your non-surgical jaw reduction consultation with Dr. Green, she will assess your jawline structure and facial muscles and determine the best treatments. Whether facial or body contouring, cosmetic injections, or laser treatments, Dr. Green will customize your unique cosmetic treatment plan.

Juvederm Volux for Non-Surgical Jawline Definition Enhancement

Juvederm Volux is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is FDA-approved for enhancing the definition of the jawline and augmenting the shape of the lower face. Manufactured by Allergan, Juvederm Volux is made with innovative Vycross technology to provide an optimal lifting effect. The cosmetic results are immediately visible and last for up to one year. The most common side effects of Juvederm Volux dermal filler injections include a mild amount of swelling and bruising at or near the injection sites, which resolve shortly on their own following treatment. Juvederm Volux XC also contains lidocaine, an injectable numbing agent, for maximum patient comfort during the procedure. Juvederm Volux XC can help to increase the symmetry of the lower face and provide a chiseled look to the jawline for an overall more harmonious and youthful-looking face. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will physically assess the jaw area to determine whether you are a good candidate for jawline augmentation with dermal fillers and work with you to create a treatment plan that best suits your needs.

Other Non-Surgical Jaw Reduction FAQS:

Why would someone need jaw surgery?

Most patients prefer non-surgical jaw reduction techniques to an invasive surgical procedure associated with significant recovery time and potential side effects. Jaw surgery involves the removal of part of the mandible, the lower jawbone. Jaw reduction surgery may be the recommended reshaping procedure for individuals with a wide jaw or jawbone. Some other common reasons someone would need jaw surgery include the correction of facial asymmetries, such as a small or receding chin, a significant underbite, or a crossbite. A mild asymmetry or volume loss in the jawline or lower face may be corrected with dermal filler injections. Juvederm Volux is an FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler designed to replenish volume along the jawline and provide definition and contour to the lower face. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will work with you to determine whether you are a good candidate for jawline enhancement with dermal fillers or would be better suited to a surgical procedure. Some individuals may need jaw surgery to correct birth defects or facial injuries.

Is non-surgical jawline contouring permanent?

While Botox injections produce long-lasting results, the effects are not permanent. To best manage symptoms of TMJ and prolong facial slimming effects, follow-up appointments for additional Botox injections will be needed at regular intervals. Kybella injections and CoolSculpting, non-surgical treatments for submental fat removal, produce permanent results if the patient does not gain additional weight following the procedure. Thermage for skin tightening provides rejuvenation results for up to two years. Dermal filler injections provide cosmetic results that last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the type of dermal filler used for your treatment. Jawline enhancement with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, like Juvederm Volux, produces results lasting up to one year. Most patients have regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Green every 6 months to a year to maintain their dermal filler injections for optimal results. During your consultation for non-surgical jawline contouring with Dr. Green, she will help you determine which cosmetic procedures best suit your needs and aesthetic goals and work with you to develop a treatment timeline that best suits your needs.

How much is non-surgical jawline contouring?

The total cost of non-surgical jawline contouring will ultimately depend on the types of non-surgical treatment options incorporated into your plan, the number of follow-up treatment sessions needed to achieve your ideal results, the number of units of Botox or syringes of dermal filler needed, the experience level of your provider, and the geographic location of the office in which you are treated. When you consult with board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green at her private office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will work with you to create a customized treatment plan for a liquid facelift that works best for your needs, goals, and budget.

Can you have both jawline and chin contouring?

Yes! Many patients of Dr. Green’s elect to augment their chin and jaw area in the same treatment session to provide sharper definition and enhance contour. Injecting dermal fillers into the chin and jaw area is an excellent non-surgical treatment option for contouring the appearance of the lower face with natural-looking, long-lasting results. Depending on your consultation with Dr. Green, she may recommend dermal filler products such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Sculptra.

Juvederm Volux is an ideal dermal filler for correcting asymmetry of the lower face and enhancing the contour and definition of the jawline. Paired with Juvederm Voluma, the optimal dermal filler for chin augmentation, patients can achieve jawline and chin contouring in the same treatment session to rejuvenate the lower face completely. Manufactured by Allergan, the Juvederm hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are made with proprietary Vycross technology, providing incredibly natural-looking, long-lasting results. It is important to consult with an experienced board-certified cosmetic dermatologist regarding dermal filler injections in the chin and jaw area. Working with an expert injector, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, best prevents unwanted side effects and guarantees optimal cosmetic results.

Botox in Masseter area, 12 months

How long does non-surgical jaw reduction last?

The most popular non-surgical jaw reduction treatment, Botox, produces effects that last three to four months. It is important to schedule regular follow-up visits with Dr. Green at four-month intervals, especially when beginning Botox treatment for TMJ or facial slimming, as the masseter muscles are still very strong. Most patients have Botox injections every four months to weaken and shrink the masseter muscles, alleviate symptoms of TMJ, and produce a facial slimming effect. When you consult with board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology office in NYC, she will work with you to develop a personalized non-surgical jaw reduction treatment plan and establish a timeline for your treatments that best suits your needs.

How can I reduce my jaw size without Botox?

Botox injections are among the most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatment options worldwide due to their consistently stunning results, ease of injections, and lack of downtime. Botox treatment is the most popular non-surgical jaw reduction treatment option. However, other non-surgical treatment options at Dr. Green’s office can achieve a slimmer jawline and enhanced contour and definition of the lower face. Depending on your skin concerns, overall aesthetic goals, and the factors contributing to a wide jaw or lower face appearance, Dr. Green may recommend non-surgical treatment options such as CoolSculpting, Kybella, Thermage, or dermal filler injections. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will help you determine which combination of non-surgical treatment options will provide optimal, natural-looking, long-lasting results.

How can I reduce the size of my jawbone?

A non-surgical jaw reduction procedure cannot reduce the size of the jaw bone itself. A surgical procedure is required if someone wants to reduce the jawbone’s size. However, patients with a square jaw due to muscle enlargement benefit more from Botox injections as a non-surgical reshaping procedure. When you consult with internationally renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will work with you to determine whether you are a good candidate for non-surgical jaw reduction treatment or if you would be better off undergoing a traditional jaw reduction surgery procedure. If you are not a good candidate for non-surgical treatment options, Dr. Green will refer you to a trusted board-certified plastic surgeon for a surgical consultation.

Can I shrink my jaw muscles?

Yes! A wide jaw is often the result of overusing the jaw muscles. Jaw reduction with Botox is the most popular non-surgical treatment option for achieving a slimmer jawline. Botox treatment causes targeted muscle atrophy, ultimately causing the masseter muscles to shrink and the jawline to become slimmer and more V-shaped. Dr. Green typically injects Botox into the masseter muscles for cosmetic facial slimming and treating TMJ. Botox injections in the jaw muscles produce a gradual slimming effect, and maintaining the effects of Botox treatment with regular follow-up appointments can help guarantee that you achieve optimal facial slimming results. The effects of Botox can take up to two weeks to kick in, and depending on the strength of the masseter muscles when you start Botox treatment, you may require several treatment sessions before observing a slimming effect. When you consult with board-certified dermatologist and expert injector Dr. Michele Green in NYC, she will physically assess the jaw area and the strength of the masseter muscles to develop the best personalized Botox treatment plan for non-surgical jawline contouring.

18-24 year old male. Botox to masseter muscle, 3 months before and after.

How painful is jawline reduction?

Non-surgical jaw reduction treatments are essentially painless and require little if any, downtime. Botox injections are the most popular treatment option for non-surgical jaw reduction and can be performed without the use of any topical anesthetic. Patients receiving dermal filler or Kybella injections as part of their non-surgical jaw reduction treatment may be prescribed a topical numbing cream to apply to the treatment area one hour before their scheduled treatment session. Once you arrive at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood for treatment, the numbing cream will be removed and the skin sterilized in preparation for the injections. Dr. Green’s dermal filler products for chin and jawline augmentation are compounded with lidocaine to minimize potential discomfort. Immediately after your treatment, an ice compress is applied to the treatment area to reduce any potential swelling.

Jaw reduction surgery, however, is an invasive cosmetic procedure that can require weeks of recovery time and is often accompanied by swelling, bruising, and pain. In addition to the greater discomfort associated with jaw reduction surgery, patients should expect at least two weeks of recovery and refrain from strenuous exercise for approximately six weeks. Jaw reduction surgery also tends to be more costly than non-surgical jaw reduction methods, making it more difficult for patients to access jaw reduction treatment from plastic surgeons.

How do I get started with non-surgical jaw reduction?

Botox injections are among the most popular treatments for a slimmer jawline and non-surgical jaw reduction in Dr. Michele Green’s private NYC dermatology office. Dr. Green was one of the first dermatologists in New York to offer Botox injections in the masseter muscle for facial slimming and is an expert in non-surgical jaw reduction treatments. Men and women wanting to achieve a slimmer jawline without plastic surgery and no downtime are good candidates for non-surgical jaw reduction with Botox injections. A wide jaw is often a common facial feature but may be unwanted in patients, where a slimmer jawline can be preferred. In addition to Botox treatment for non-surgical jaw reduction, Dr. Green offers non-surgical treatment options such as dermal fillers, Thermage, CoolSculpting, and Kybella for reshaping and slimming the appearance of a wide jaw or lower face.

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-surgical treatment options, including non-surgical jaw reduction. She is consistently voted one of New York City’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and the New York Times for her dedication to her patients and expertise. She takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy regarding facial rejuvenation. She customizes each patient’s treatment plan best to suit their skin concerns and ideal aesthetic goals and provides natural-looking, long-lasting results. Don’t hesitate to contact us online today or call 212-535-3088 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and learn more about non-surgical jaw reduction.