Botox

A Guide to a Slimmer V Face: Jaw Reduction Botox and Chin Filler Review.

22 June 2022

 

Jaw reduction botox and chin filler.v shape face slimming

Fan Bingbing’s V shaped face can be obtained with jaw botox

The pursuit of a smaller and slimmer  face is another beauty trend that shows no signs of abating.  Numerous Asian celebrities like Fan Bingbing and Chaelin CL sport sharper visages that are regarded as the epitome of femininity and youth.

jaw botox face slimming

This beauty trend of a V shaped face has led to photo retouching apps like China’s Meitu, Japan’s Snow and South Korea’s Line Camera to jump on the bandwagon by including distinctly Asian filters and features that slim and sharpen one’s face; smoothen one’s complexion and enlarge one’s eyes, providing a lens on current beauty ideas and trends.

sharp slim v face jawline

What exactly constitutes a V shaped face? First of all, it is (1) a sharp, crisp and defined jawline that is slim in shape and; (2) a sharp, V shaped chin.

Contrary to popular belief, today’s Asian beauty standards of a sharp jaw is a recent phenomenon. Historical records from  Korea, Japan and China have shown that for centuries, a larger face was celebrated. Larger face were preferred because it represented prosperity and fertility. A good example would be the Four Legendary Beauties of China. These ladies who were regarded as the most beautiful women in the history of ancient China. These ladies, notably, Yang Gui Fei were noted in literature to be have plump faces- the conventional standard beauty of ancient times.

Today, the conventional beauty has evolved towards a preference for slimmer jawline and defined chin. These features are synonymous with most Korean celebrities.  The quest for a sharper, V shaped face has also created an interest in females seeking non-surgical options to slim the face.

JAW BOTOX/BOTOX JAW REDUCTION FAQ

botox bottle

One of the most popular ways to shrink a larger square shaped face due to large jaw muscles and jaw clenching is with Botox (Botulinum toxin) injection into the jaw muscles. Here is an FAQ to the most common questions about jaw botox for clenching and jaw slimming.

 

WHAT IS BOTOX JAW REDUCTION OR CLENCHING?

jaw botox for masseter hypertrophy

Botox jaw reduction refers to the injection of Botulinum toxin (Botox) into the masseter muscles. The masseter muscles lie at the sides of our jaw and are responsible for chewing and clenching the jaw. When the jaw muscles (masseter muscles) are enlarged in a condition called masseter muscle hypertrophy, these bulky jaw muscles can broaden the sides of our faces to look wider and square shaped.

 

muscles of mastication

 

One way to feel your jaw muscles is to put your fingers on the sides of your jaw and then clench your jaw. You should feel the jaw muscles tensing up. In people who have very strong and prominent jaw muscles, the jaw can look large and broad. An example would be patients who habitually grind their teeth in a condition called bruxism. Because of the grinding action of the masseter muscles- like how the muscles in a body builder become bigger from constant working out- the jaw muscles become bigger and bulkier over time. Bruxism or teeth clenching/ grinding is a medical condition that can cause headaches, dental problems, jaw aches and has been linked to obstructive sleep apnea.

 

For a comprehensive read on bruxism, please read my blogpost Bruxism: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments. It’s a fun read because my case study is my husband and I gave him jaw botox injections for his bruxism in the post.

HOW DOES BOTOX JAW REDUCTION WORK?

Botulinum toxin relaxes the jaw muscles. Over the time, the bulky masseter muscles shrink to give a sharper and slimmer face shape. Again, think of the body builder example I used earlier; when we stop exercising, our muscles lose their bulk and mass over time.

 

For more details on Botox works and the safety issues surrounding Botulinum toxin Is Botox Deadly? 5 Things You Need to Know About Botox Safety will explain these issues in greater detail.

 

HOW IS BOTOX JAW REDUCTION PERFORMED IN SINGAPORE?

Botox is injected with a fine needle into the masseter muscles on both sides of the jaw.

jaw botox reduction

Step 1:

First, I assess the patient’s face and the bulk of the masseter muscle.

masseter botox injection

Step 2:

Making markings on the patient’s face for jaw botox reduction injection

jaw botox reduction into masseter muscle

Step 3:

Injection of Botox into both sides of the jaw muscles.

HOW SOON CAN I SEE RESULTS AFTER INJECTING MY JAW/MASSETER MUSCLES?

It can take 4-6 weeks to see the results of botox jaw slimming injection. The masseter muscle is a relatively large muscle compared to the muscles around our eyes and forehead.

 

HOW MANY UNITS OF BOTOX ARE USED FOR BOTOX JAW/ MASSETER MUSCLE SLIMMING?

This is a question best answered by your doctor as it varies from person to person. There are a few variables, one of which is the size of your jaw/ masseter muscles or severity of clenching. If there is any pre-existing asymmetry between both your jaw/ masseter muscles; that too will affect the dose of Botulinum toxin given. In Singapore, the 3 brands of Botulinum toxin that are approved for use are: Botox; Dysport and Xeomin. The dosage will also depend on the brand of botulinum toxin used as the conversions are different. In short, it will depend on your jaw muscles and your doctor’s clinical judgement.

 

WHAT IS THE COST OF BOTOX JAW REDUCTION IN SINGAPORE?

The cost of Botox jaw reduction is $800-1000 in Singapore.

 

HOW LONG CAN BOTOX JAW SLIMMING LAST? HOW OFTEN SHOULD I DO BOTOX JAW REDUCTION?

Botox of the jaw muscles can last for 4-6 months. After the botox effects wear off, the jaw muscles may return to their bulky size and make the face look square again. However, with consistent injections to maintain the relaxation of the masseter muscles, these muscles can gradually lose their grinding habit.

 

Is Jaw Botox Permanent?

The effects of Botox or botulinum last 4-6 months. When the effects of masseter muscle relaxation from jaw botox injections wear off, jaw clenching can return again. Jaw clenching or bruxism is a difficult habit to correct and can increase during periods of stress. If jaw clenching or bruxism recur, the masseter muscle that has slimmed down or atrophied will bulk up again. If you remember my body builder analogy earlier; a bodybuilder that has stopped exercising will lose his muscles. However, if this bodybuilder (or any person actually) resumes working out again, the muscle mass will increase.

 

Hence, the results of jaw botox may not be permanent.

 

BEFORE AND AFTER BOTOX JAW/ MASSETER REDUCTION FOR SQUARE FACE RESULTS PICTURES AND REVIEWS

The results of botox jaw/ masseter muscle reduction for square jaws takes 4-6 weeks on average to be visible.

 

Do note that jaw/ masseter botox before- after photos can sometimes be misleading as results vary for individual depending on their anatomy. The shape of the jawline and face is also affected by the bone shape, soft tissue and chin structure. See section ‘Why Is It That I Do Not See Results After Jaw Botox’.

 

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE OF BOTOX JAW REDUCTION/SLIMMING TAKE?

The actual jaw botox injection procedure takes just 1-2 minutes.

 

IS THERE DOWNTIME AFTER BOTOX JAW REDUCTION INJECTION? WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF BOTOX JAW SLIMMING FOR V FACE?

Similar to botox injections of the wrinkle lines, there is almost no downtime or recovery time required for botox jaw slimming. There may be only one or two small injection needle marks. Bleeding or bruising is not common.

Rarely, botox injections into jaw muscles can cause smile asymmetry due to the botox affecting the nearby smile muscles. When selecting your doctor, choose an experienced doctor who has a good experience to minimise your risk of complications.

Asymmetry of the both sides of the jaw muscles may also occur after botox jaw injection; and this might be due to pre-existing asymmetry of the masseter muscles before the the botox masseter injection. This can be easily corrected with slightly more botulinum toxin to the bigger masseter muscle at your follow up.

 

WILL MY SMILE BE AFFECTED BY MASSETER BOTOX?

No, your smile should not be affected by botox/ botulinum toxin injection to the masseter muscles. This is because the masseter muscles do not control the smile muscles.

 

However, one of the side effects of neurotoxin injections is unwanted diffusion of Botulinum toxin to surrounding muscles. One of these muscles is the nearby risorius muscle that control the expressions of the mouth. If this muscle is affected, a lopsided smile can occur.

   

WILL MY CHEWING BE AFFECTED AFTER BOTOX JAW INJECTION?

No, your chewing should not be weakened after botox injection into the jaw muscle. This is because there are 3 other muscles that are also responsible for the chewing action. These 3 muscles are the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles and the temporalis muscles.

 

IS BOTOX JAW REDUCTION PAINFUL?

The injection feels like an ant bite. In my practice I numb the face before injecting and use a very fine needle for injecting botox into the jaw muscles.

 

WILL MY FACE LOOK FROZEN AFTER INJECTING BOTOX FOR JAW REDUCTION?

Botox for jaw reduction almost never results in a frozen looking or expressionless face. You should have a slimmer and sharper looking face that you are happy with!

 

WHY IS IT THAT I DO NOT RESULTS AFTER INJECTING MY JAW MUSCLES WITH BOTOX? WHY DOES MY JAW STILL LOOK BROAD OR SQUARE?

There are a few reasons why:

1) There other are facial structures that also contribute to a face looking broad

• Large, boxy bone structure; • Large buccal fat pad; and • Thick cheek fat

2) The chin is proportionately short and makes your face look square and stubby

• A short chin can also give the illusion of a broad or square looking face. Chin fillers can enhance the face slimming effect of jaw botox by lengthening the face to give longer, slimmer and sharper V shaped face. When done by an experienced doctor, the result can be very natural looking. Continue reading below to find out more about chin fillers!

3) Inadequate dosage of Botox

• This is why choosing an experienced doctor is important to give you the best results

4) Antibodies to Botox

• This rarely occurs and happens in patients who have had repeated Botox injections. All is not lost- simply switching brands of Botulinum toxin (e.g. Botox® to Dysport®) and this problem is fixed.

 

BOTOX JAW REDUCTION AFTERCARE: IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I NEED TO AVOID?

Remain in an upright position after injection of botulinum toxin to your jaw muscles for 4 hours and avoid massaging your face or facials for also 4 hours after botox jaw slimming injection. This is to avoid unwanted diffusion of botulinum toxin to unwanted face muscles e.g. the face muscles that would reduce the effectiveness of the results of botox to the jawline and cause smile asymmetries.

 

As with all botox and dermal filler injections and threadlifts; please also avoid consuming alcohol for 3 days after botox jaw slimming to minimise bruising.

AM I SUITED FOR BOTOX JAW SLIMMING/ MASSETER BOTOX? ?

 If you have bruxism (teeth grinding or teeth clenching) or if you desire a slimmer, sharper V face without surgery; botox jaw slimming is suitable for you, especially if you have masseter hypertrophy (big jaw muscles) and also, asymmetrical jaw/ masseter muscles. Botulinum toxin can correct the asymmetry of the jaw muscles.

 

CHIN FILLERS FAQ

One way to elongate short and stubby chins for a sharper face shape is with chin fillers. Chin fillers can be done alone or together with jaw botox in the same session to achieve a slimmer V shaped face. You can learn about the benefits of chin fillers and the indications in Chin Fillers: A Guide to Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation.

WHAT ARE CHIN FILLERS?

chin filler injection

Needle technique of injecting chin fillers

Chin fillers are injected into the chin to add volume and length to the chin. Chin fillers are a very effective and safe way to sculpt the shape of the chin without requiring surgery or recovery time for the patient. Chin fillers take less than 20 minutes.

 

WHAT ARE CHIN FILLERS MADE OF?

juvederm dermal filler syringe hyaluronic acid

Like most dermal fillers, chin fillers consist of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is present in our skin and face and is responsible for keeping our skin and looking and feeling young. Our bodies naturally lose hyaluronic acid as we age. One of the most obvious effects of loss of hyaluronic acid in the skin with aging is the thinning, wrinkling and dehydration of our skin as we age.

Hyaluronic acid is also a common ingredient in moisturisers and hydrating serums because of its ability to attract water molecules 100-200x its weight. Hyaluronic acid is also used in medical treatments like dermal fillers and Skinboosters to sculpt the face and hydrate the skin from within respectively.

To understand more about Skinboosters and their benefits to the skin, please read my post Skinboosters/水光针  All You Need to Know About It

When injected into the chin, chin fillers containing hyaluronic acid immediately add volume to the chin and allow for sculpting of the face for a slimmer and sharper face.

 

HOW ARE CHIN FILLERS PERFORMED?

Dermal fillers used for the chin are directly injected into the chin. There are 2 main techniques of injecting chin fillers- (1) cannula technique; (2) needle technique. Both methods of injecting chin fillers have their strengths and benefits and I sometimes combine both technique of injecting fillers into the chin for the patient for best results.

chin filler injection using cannula technique

Cannula technique of injecting chin filler

MORE CHIN FILLER FAQS:

ARE CHIN FILLERS PAINFUL?

Chin fillers are not painful at all when done gently. The patient in the above photo was very comfortable with her chin fillers performed by me.

To keep any pain and discomfort to a minimum, I usually numb the skin of the chin for 20 minutes with numbing cream and use a dermal filler with lignocaine (a type of local anaesthesia) within so that the injection of chin fillers is as painless as possible.

 

HOW LONG DOES CHIN FILLERS LAST?

How long chin fillers or dermal fillers last will depend on the ingredient of the chin filler. Hyaluronic acid chin fillers can last for 9-12 months. My preferred material for chin fillers is hyaluronic acid dermal fillers because these dermal fillers are very safe for the chin and feel very natural.

WILL CHIN FILLERS BE UNNATURAL?

Chin fillers when done expertly can give you the V shape face and enhance your face shape without looking unnatural. A ‘less is more’ approach is my treatment philosophy for all types of facial enhancement. Just enough for you too look even better, but not enough to give it away or look unnatural. You can read all about chin fillers gone wrong in this blogpost Fillers Gone Wrong: Tell Tale Signs of Too Much Filler Injections.

 

witch chin

With dermal fillers, I find that more is not always the merrier. A good example of chin fillers gone wrong is the ‘witch chin’ look that can happen with excessive chin fillers.

 

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OR COMPLICATIONS WITH CHIN FILLERS? ARE CHIN FILLERS SAFE?

Chin fillers are generally very safe when performed by an experienced doctor and when the right choice of dermal filler material and consistency is made.

As with all dermal fillers, there are risks with injection of chin fillers. Most commonly, there may be transient discomfort, redness and very mild swelling. These are temporary and usually disappear within hours.

There is also a risk of inadvertent entry of the dermal filler into blood vessels that supply the face with injection of dermal fillers. If the dermal filler blocks up these blood vessels, the blood supply to the skin and tissues that are supplied by these blood vessels can be compromised and results in necrosis of the tissues. If this complication of fillers results, the dermal filler has to be dissolved immediately with a medication called Hyaluronidase. You can learn more about this procedure in How to Remove & Dissolve Fillers with Hyaluronidase.

There is also a chance that dermal fillers can move or migrate before their position stabilises. It can take 3 days and up to 2 weeks to ‘fix’ the position of the dermal fillers. Avoid facials and massages after dermal filler injections into the face.

 

what you should know about getting fillers by dr rachel ho

If you would like to learn more about dermal fillers in general; please read What You Should Know Before Getting Fillers. I answered FAQs to dermal fillers in Female magazine and you might find this read useful.

 

HOW DO I GET THE BEST JAW SLIMMING/JAW BOTOX/ CHIN FILLERS TREATMENT FOR MYSELF?

To understand if jaw botox and/or chin fillers best suit you; it is best for you to consult an experienced doctor with a good understanding facial anatomy and aesthetics. Also, convey your expectations and discuss your ideals with your doctor. Sometimes, what you might want may not necessarily what works best for you. I’ve had to turn away patients requesting for jaw botox because the cause of their broad jaw was not their masseter muscle.

 

CONCLUSION: V FACE AND FACE SLIMMING WITH JAW BOTOX AND CHIN FILLERS

Having a slimmer face (V shaped face) is a more feminine and elegant ideal. For most of us who are not genetically blessed with a V shaped face, there are now safe, non-surgical options to achieve a slimmer face.

Jaw botox with or without chin fillers is the classic and most commonly performed treatment to achieve this slimmer face or V shaped face. There are other non-surgical and non-invasive treatments available to for face slimming have been covered in this post V Face and Jaw Slimming.

I hope that you have found this post on face slimming or V face useful!

 

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