Frequently asked questions about botox injections for jaw reduction

At what age can botox be injected to slim the jaw, how long does the effect last, what complications can occur… are common questions of many people.

Master, Doctor Vu Thi Thuy Trang, Dermatology - Cosmetic Dermatology specialist, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, answers questions about this method.

Who can get botox jaw reduction 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 a treatment for excessive sweating of the hands, armpits, forehead and eyebrow wrinkles, and injections to slim the jaw, shoulders, and calves.

People 18 years of age or older with wide, square, and unbalanced jaws who want to slim their jaws but do not want invasive surgery can get botox injections.

Contraindications for jaw slimming botox injections include people under 18 years old; pregnant or breastfeeding women; dermatitis, jaw infection, dental treatment; allergy to any ingredient of botox; mental disorders...

How does Botox slim the jaw?

To inject the jaw, the doctor uses a small needle to inject botox deep into the masseter muscle on both sides of the jaw angle. The mechanism of action of botox is to inhibit nerve conduction (block signals transmitted from nerves to muscles), causing the muscle mass to relax, reduce its ability to function, and not contract.

After a week, the masseter muscle weakens, after a month the muscle reduces in size and atrophies, helping the jaw to be slimmer, creating a jawline. The degree of jaw slimming depends on the body and the amount of drug injected in each case.

However, botox only affects the muscle area, it has no effect on adjusting the jaw bone area. Patients with large jaws due to bone structure cannot apply botox injection to slim the jaw. In this case, jaw bone reduction surgery is the only option.

Is botox injection dangerous?

This method is not dangerous if performed by a doctor with aesthetic expertise, correct injection technique, correct dose and injection area. Using too much or incorrect botox causes complications such as sagging jaw area, swelling of the masseter muscle, dry mouth due to botox spreading into the salivary glands under the jaw, bruising in the injection area... More seriously, the patient cannot smile naturally, the smile is deformed, the jaw is misaligned, difficulty opening the mouth, facial muscle paralysis.

Usually, people experience side effects after jaw reduction injections because they are performed at spas or medical facilities that do not have a business license; the person performing the injections does not have expertise in dermatology or skin aesthetics. Using botox of unknown origin; not storing it according to the manufacturer's regulations; and non-sterile injection tools can also cause side effects.

Botox injections can help slim down a square, unbalanced jaw. Photo: Freepik — Botox injections can help slim down a square, unbalanced jaw. Photo: *Freepik*

Are botox injections permanent?

This method is only effective for a certain period of time. Two weeks after botox injection, the masseter muscle volume is slightly reduced. The jaw slimming effect can last up to 9 months. According to the natural mechanism, botox gradually reduces the effect so that the face returns to normal. It is necessary to do it again after 3-6 months to maintain the slimmer masseter muscle and create long-term contouring of the lower face.

What foods should I avoid after doing this method?

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

Too much caffeine can also cause dehydration and increase your heart rate. Like over-exercising, increased heart rate and blood flow can cause the botox to break down faster before it can take effect.

Habits that affect the beauty effect include sleeping late, using cosmetics on the chin and jaw area after injection; blow-drying hair too hot, wearing a mask that is too tight for two days after injection... If there are complications, too much pain or problems arise, the patient needs to go to the hospital immediately.

Anh Thu

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