When we think anti-wrinkle treatments (commonly referred to as Botox), we often only think frozen foreheads and line-free frowns. But actually, the treatment can be used in lots of places and the jawline is one of them. Having toxin injections here, can help reduce clenching and slim down the jaw too, here's how...
Jawline Slimming with Wrinkle Relaxers...WHAT?!?
If you're interested in finding out which treatments can help your jawline, then why not book in for a consultation with a qualified, insured and trusted medical practitioner near you.
We all know that botulinum toxin is a superhero when it comes to getting rid of dynamic wrinkles. And if you’ve read our article 8 ways to use wrinkle relaxers, you’ll know that it can be used for loads of medical purposes too. But jawline slimming? So, how does that work then? When we think of 'slimming' we often think of fat reduction and body contouring techniques, like fat freezing or EMSculpt, not botulinum toxin. But, actually, when it comes to slimming the jawline, masseter relaxing is a pretty good option.
Do you clench your jaw or grind your teeth?
Lots of people grind their teeth, many without even realising - it can be particularly bad when you're stressed - jaw clenching and teeth grinding become intensified. Not only can it give you problems with your teeth and cause a lot of pain, when you clench your jaw repeatedly and consistently, your masseter muscles are overworked.
What is the masseter muscle?
To understand why you might get this treatment, first, it’s important to understand the muscle that is injected - the masseter muscle. Masseters are the muscles on either side of the face that are responsible for chewing. So, it’s thanks to them that we can enjoy steak and chips with a side dose of garlic bread.
However, for people who grind their teeth or clench their jaw, the pressure that is put on the masseter muscle, as a consequence, causes it to get one hell of a workout. Think about it. When you go to the gym, the more you work on your biceps, the bigger and stronger they grow. Constantly working out your masseter muscle through clenching and grinding has the same effect and can cause the muscle to grow, which can have several not-so-great impacts. The first is that the jaw can become painful and uncomfortable - and it’s not only the jaw either. People who suffer with jaw pain (or TMJ) often complain of headaches too, which are caused by excessive clenching.
The second effect of a clenched masseter is a square jawline, which some see as being a more masculine shape. And this makes sense when we think of the gym analogy from earlier. Overworking muscles makes them bigger, so of course our masseters change the shape of our face and jawline if we keep on clenching. But, fortunately, botulinum toxin injections into the masseters can help reduce this effect.
Suzy Green, 47, a nurse from Carephilly knows all too well the issues with teeth grinding, which is also known as Bruxism. Suzy says: I suffer with bruxism, which has resulted in crumbling teeth, and it's given me a masculine jawline which I dislike. The toxin has cured this and totally softened my jaw line, it's made such a difference.
Suzy feels her jawline is overly masculinized due to her issues with teeth grinding
How does masseter relaxing work?
So, masseter relaxing (AKA jawline Botox) simply works by a medically qualified practitioner, ideally a dentist, injecting tiny amounts of botulinum toxin into multiple areas of the masseter muscle. In small doses, it relaxes the muscle.
The treatment takes several days before it begins to kick in, and it might be around ten days before you see the full effect. This should then last until the body starts to metabolise it, which could be between 3 and 6 months - but that varies from person to person.
What’s the overall result of jaw relaxing?
When the results begin to take effect, you should start to notice that your jawline doesn’t contract as much, and the masseters should start to atrophy (waste away) slightly. This results in a slimming of the jawline, giving the face more of a V shape.
Added benefits of jawline slimming are reduced clenching, and, for some, fewer headaches.
At the moment, masseter relaxing is not an FDA-approved treatment, so the drug is used "off-licene" but it is widely used by practitioners. If you decide to go ahead with the treatment, it’s really important that your practitioner takes the time to offer a full consultation, explaining the process, the side effects and more.
Suzy's jawline has been softened thanks to botulinum toxin treatment in her masseter muscles.
Get even more information on jawline treatments in our treatment guide, and if you think this is the treatment for you, you can now use the Glowday booking tool to search for a medically qualified practitioner offering this treatment in your area.
