Even though Botox is synonymous with wrinkle and fine line reduction, it actually has several significant uses outside the realm of purely cosmetic. One of the more interesting uses is to provide a non-surgical solution to overly prominent jaw muscles. Botox can now be used to relax these muscles and help achieve a slimmer facial profile.
Why Jaw Reduction?
There are several reasons why someone might wish to reduce the size of their jawline. Some people have naturally over-developed jaw muscles, while others experience muscle hypertrophy (meaning enlargement) as a result of grinding their teeth, excessive gum chewing, or unusual eating habits. Some medical conditions or the use of particular medications can also influence the size of these muscles.
Regardless of the cause, people often look for ways to slim down their jawline as a way to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Softening the jawline can also be surprisingly effective at creating a more feminine look.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox (a highly purified form of botulinum toxin) blocks the transmission of nerve signals to muscles. By temporarily forcing muscles to relax, associated lines and wrinkles become less visible. When used to reduce the size of the jaw, Botox is injected into the masseter muscles (the large muscles responsible for chewing). By relaxing these muscles, their size gradually reduces, in turn leading to a slimmer and more tapered jawline. It’s important to note that the actual quantity of Botox used is carefully chosen to ensure that the ability to chew is not eliminated, just reduced.
How Long Does It Last?
The benefits of using Botox are not permanent – they gradually wear off over time. The effects of Botox injections typically last anywhere from 4 to 6 months, although this varies between individuals. It depends on a person’s metabolism, the quantity of product used, and the size of the muscles being treated.
Even though Botox has to be re-applied, in some cases, the cumulative effect of multiple treatments can lead to longer-term benefits as the muscle being treated can start to reduce in size.
Other Factors
In common with other cosmetic procedures, the quality of the results is directly influenced by the skill and experience of the practitioner you choose to perform the procedure. Choosing a medically-qualified practitioner will also help to reduce the chance of any negative side-effects and help ensure that you get the maximum benefits tailored to your particular needs and medical history.
Your Laser Skin Care
Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing Botox procedures. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures. We can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.
