Jaw slimming
At a Glance - How can injections be used to slim jawlines?
Best Results
1 treatment
Best Results
1 treatment
Duration of Results
12 - 16 weeks
Duration of Results
12 - 16 weeks
Treatment recovery
None
Treatment recovery
None
Risks & complications
Low to moderate
Risks & complications
Low to moderate
Anaesthetic
None
Anaesthetic
None
Procedure time
20 minutes
Procedure time
20 minutes
Skin specialist
Medically qualified
Skin specialist
Medically qualified
Back to work
Same day
Back to work
Same day
Top Questions
Jaw slimming Overview
Botulinum toxin is commonly used to temporarily paralyse muscles of the face to soften wrinkles, particularly those that occur due to facial expressions.
The masseter muscle is the muscle which runs along your jawline near the ear. You can feel if you clench your jaw tightly. It is used to move your lower jaw up and down and side to side.
Some people have overdeveloped masseter muscles, which can present as a wide, square jawline, teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw pain.
If your primary concerns are of a cosmetic nature, an experienced, medically qualified aesthetic practitioner will be able to offer an appropriate treatment.
However, if jaw pain (e.g TMJ) or teeth grinding are your main concern, you should see your GP or your dentist first to rule out other problems and to explore other treatment options.
This Glowday Treatment Guide has been edited and medically verified by Andrew Rankin.
How does masseter muscle reduction work?
Botulinum toxin drugs are potent neurotoxins derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
Muscle contraction happens when nerves release a neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) onto muscle cells, causing those cells to contract. When Botulinum toxin is injected into a muscle, the release of acetylcholine from the nerves stimulating that muscle is prevented.
The muscle contractions are weakened, preventing the masseter muscle from contracting so much. Following the first treatment, the masseter muscle will atrophy (waste away slightly). This will result in the jaw line becoming more ‘v-shaped’ and less square.
A side effect is that you will experience a reduction in jaw clenching and/or teeth grinding.
Who is suitable for masseter muscle treatment?
If you are self-conscious about having an overly square jaw, masseter muscle, Botulinum toxin may be a potential treatment to narrow your jawline and produce a more v-shaped lower face.
Additionally, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching will also be reduced.
How should I prepare for a masseter reduction treatment?
A week before the treatment, avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E and fish oil supplements. These may increase bleeding and bruising. You can take paracetamol.
If you are taking any prescribed medication, including aspirin, do not stop taking it – consult your practitioner or your GP first.
Avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before your treatment, as this also increases the risk of bruising.
What happens during a masseter treatment?
Step One - Consultation and Consent
It is important to understand that Botox® is a prescription only medicine. It is a legal requirement that the consultation is performed by a prescribing practitioner and you should confirm this with them.
Step Two - The Masseter Reduction Treatment
Your jaw slimming treatment will take around 20 minutes. It should be performed by the prescriber who undertook your consultation.
Step Three - The Follow-up
It is a requirement that the prescriber is available to review the treatment if necessary.
This is usually done after 2 weeks but should be sooner if there are any problems.
This allows them to check that the dose administered was appropriate for the agreed outcome, and to adjust if necessary.
Step Four - The Repeat Jaw Slimming Treatment
A new course of treatment can be administered every 12 – 16 weeeks.
What should I/shouldn't I do after jaw slimming injections?
After your treatment, you can go about your normal day. It is important, however, that you follow the advice of your practitioner carefully. This will help you gain maximum effect from the procedure and reduce the risk of complications.
You may experience localised redness and pin-prick marks around the injection sites.
The treatment takes around 72 hours to begin working and 2 weeks for the effects to be fully realised, although you may feel most of the effect after 7 to 10 days.
Contact your practitioner if you have any unusual results such as prolonged bruising, swelling, irritation or infection
What are the side effects and risks of jaw slimming injections?
Most clients find botulinum toxin injections to be relatively painless and straightforward.
A small minority of clients choose to have a topical numbing cream applied to the area 20-30 minutes prior to the treatment.
If you feel you have a low pain threshold, be sure to put this on your medical history form, so your practitioner can apply the cream early in your consultation.
Some side effects include:
- Temporary bleeding/bruising
- Mild swelling
- Post-treatment headache
More serious side effects can occur for the treatment of other areas (e.g. double vision, drooping lip, difficulty swallowing or breathing, change of voice or difficulty pronouncing some words.
This list is not exhaustive and you should consult your practitioner if you are concerned in any way.
DO NOT have botulinum toxin injections if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You are trying to get pregnant
You will also need to let your practitioner know if:
- You have a muscular disease (e.g. Bell's Palsy)
- You have any blood or nervous system disorders
- You are taking any medications which affect blood clotting
- You are taking any medicines
- You have any psychological concerns
How much do jaw slimming injections cost?
Injections for masseter/jaw slimming costs from £250.
Glowday Disclaimer
All information in our Glowday Treatment Guides and blog articles is intended for reference and information. The information given here is to help you make informed decisions when considering the wide range of non-surgical aesthetic treatments available.
It is NOT intended as medical advice. Any reliance placed by you on the information contained within the Glowday Treatment Guides, Glowday blog articles or on any of Glowday.com is done by you at your own risk.
Before undergoing any non-surgical cosmetic treatment mentioned anywhere on Glowday.com, you should fully consult with an appropriately qualified and accredited practitioner who is properly trained in and fully insured to conduct the treatment you are interested in. Neither the author of the guides or blog articles, or the practitioner who has verified the guides nor Glowery Limited can be held responsible or liable for any loss or claim arising from the use or misuse of the content of Glowday.com.