Usually, BOTOX® goes hand-in-hand with temporary wrinkle reduction. As this injectable solution has become more familiar thanks to advanced studies, we have come to realize that Botox can also correct cosmetic concerns such as a drooping brow line. It has also been used as a remedy for excessive underarm sweating. Now, we can add a new item to the list of the many things Botox can do: jaw sculpting.
What is the masseter muscle and how does it affect face-shape?
Our facial shape is achieved through symmetry across bony structures and fatty deposits. There is also musculature that can affect facial shape. One that might create frustration for women, in particular, is the masseter muscle. This is the tissue that connects the upper and lower jawbone. Due to its position on the lower cheek, the masseter muscle gets a bit of a workout when we chew gum or grind and clench our teeth. For the person who does either of these two things regularly, there is a chance that the masseter muscle may become chronically enlarged and tensed.
Specific contours characterize the female face. A square jawline presents a more masculine appearance and may frustrate a woman who would like to maintain a more feminine oval or V-shaped face. In some cases, Botox may be an ideal solution.
How Botox Works
We know that Botox can reduce the appearance of frown lines by temporarily minimizing muscle contractions on this part of the forehead. The masseter muscle can be treated in the same way. When Botox is introduced into any tensed muscle, it prevents the connection between neurotransmitter chemicals and nerve endings in that muscle. Within about a week of treatment, the treated tissue relaxes. In standard usage, this relaxation leads to smoother skin. In treating the square jaw, the process is slightly different.
When Botox is used to sculpt the jaw, the masseter muscle will need more product due to its size and strength. To achieve the desired outcome, two appointments may be scheduled over about a four-week period. Each time the muscle is treated, it will relax slightly more. Once the muscle has shrunk in size and the jaw has become smoother, follow-up treatments may be scheduled every few months.
Botox may not be the answer for every person but provides a viable solution in many cases. For more information on Botox and treatment for a square jaw, call our Denver office at (303) 839-1616.
