Frequently Asked Questions about Jawline Slimming Botox

Many people have common questions about what age is suitable for jawline slimming with Botox injections, how long the effects last, and what potential complications may occur.

Dr. Vu Thi Thuy Trang, a specialist in Dermatology and Cosmetic Dermatology at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, answers questions about this method.

Who is a suitable candidate for jawline slimming Botox injections?

Botox (short for botulinum toxin) is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botox has been used in medicine for over 50 years for cosmetic purposes and to treat muscle or nerve disorders. In the cosmetic industry, it is used to treat excessive sweating in the hands and armpits, wrinkles on the forehead and eyebrows, and for slimming the jawline, shoulders, and calves.

Individuals aged 18 and older with a wide, square, or asymmetrical jawline who wish to slim down their jaw but do not want surgery or invasive procedures can opt for Botox injections.

Contraindications for jawline slimming Botox injections include: individuals under 18 years of age; pregnant or breastfeeding women; dermatitis, jaw infections, dental treatment; allergies to any component of Botox; mental disorders, etc.

How does Botox work to slim the jawline?

To slim the jawline, doctors use a small needle to inject botox deep into the masseter muscles on both sides of the jaw. The mechanism of action of botox is to inhibit nerve conduction (blocking signals transmitted from nerves to muscles), causing the muscles to relax, reducing their ability to contract.

After a week, the masseter muscle weakens, and after a month, the muscle decreases in size and atrophies, resulting in a slimmer jawline and a more defined jawline. The degree of jaw slimming varies depending on individual physiology and the amount of injection used in each case.

However, Botox only affects the muscle tissue and does not reshape the jawbone. Patients with a large jaw due to bone structure cannot benefit from Botox injections to reduce jaw size. In this case, only jawbone reduction surgery is an option.

Is getting Botox injections dangerous?

This method is not dangerous if performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon, using the correct injection technique, dosage, and injection site. Overdosing on Botox or using it in the wrong place can cause complications such as sagging jaw, masseter muscle swelling, dry mouth due to Botox spreading to the submandibular salivary glands, bruising at the injection site, etc. More severe cases may result in the inability to smile naturally, a distorted smile, jaw misalignment, difficulty opening the mouth, and facial muscle paralysis.

Typically, people experience side effects after jawline contouring injections because the procedure is performed at spas or medical facilities without proper business licenses; the injector lacks expertise in dermatology or cosmetic skin care; using botox of unknown origin; improper storage according to manufacturer's regulations; and non-sterile injection equipment can also cause side effects.

Botox injections can help slim down a wide, square, or asymmetrical jawline. (Image: Freepik) — Botox injections can help slim down a wide, square, or asymmetrical jawline. (Image: *Freepik)*

Are the effects of Botox permanent?

This method is only effective for a limited time. Two weeks after Botox injections, the masseter muscle mass decreases slightly. The jawline slimming effect can last up to 9 months. Naturally, the Botox gradually wears off, allowing the face to return to its normal state. Repeat injections are needed after 3-6 months to maintain the slimmer masseter muscle and create a lasting lower facial contour.

What foods should be avoided after undergoing this procedure?

There are no foods or drinks to avoid and no special diet to follow after jawline Botox injections. However, doctors advise avoiding alcoholic beverages, especially red wine, for 24 hours before and after the procedure, as this increases the risk of bruising at the injection site and can lead to dehydration. Dehydration negatively impacts the recovery process.

Consuming too much caffeine can also cause dehydration and increase heart rate. Similar to overtraining, increased heart rate and blood flow can accelerate the breakdown of botox before its effects become apparent.

Habits that affect the effectiveness of beauty treatments include staying up late, using cosmetics on the chin and jaw area after injections; using a hairdryer with excessive heat, wearing a mask that is too tight for two days after injections... If complications, excessive pain, or other problems arise, the patient should go to the hospital immediately.

Anh Thu

Readers can submit questions about cosmetic skin treatments here for the doctor to answer.

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