We get this question a lot here at MD Aesthetica by Dr.Lyos so here we answer!
A defined jawline can be an attractive sign of fitness, youth, and vitality. As you age, it can be harder to attain such a profile through diet and exercise alone. Some people struggle with wrinkling skin and drooping jowls which can be addressed with skin tightening, injectables or fat destruction.
But what about a squared jawline when it’s not desired? Although most men want a more square shape, it’s not always what women desire. A lesser known culprit which affects your jawline by adding bulk and width is the masseter muscle.
With BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dr. Lyos offers his Houston and The Woodlands patients a non-surgical treatment to create a more sculpted jawline by addressing the problems the masseter muscle may sometimes create.
What is the Masseter Muscle?
The masseter is one of the strongest muscles in your body. It is connected to your jawbone and cheekbone, and it controls your jaw’s upward movements. Clench your teeth and feel the bulge at the back of your jaw — that’s the masseter muscle. When it becomes enlarged through repeated use, it can give your jawline an unsightly, squared look.
The most common causes of an enlarged masseter muscle are teeth grinding and jaw clenching, so people who suffer from stress and anxiety may be at additional risk. Frequently eating hard foods and chewing gum can also contribute. These actions, essentially, are giving your masseter muscle a good workout and making it get bigger.
During your consultation, Dr. Lyos will examine your masseter muscle and determine if it’s a cause of your suboptimal jawline, then design a treatment plan to help you attain the outcome you desire.
How Can BOTOX® Cosmetic Help?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a neuromodulator. When it’s injected into a muscle, it interferes with the signals from your brain that tell the muscle to contract. When those signals can’t reach the muscle, it relaxes. This is the mechanism BOTOX® Cosmetic uses to remove forehead lines, crow’s feet, and laugh lines; by relaxing the muscles that cause those wrinkles, they go away.
The injectable will have a similar effect on your masseter. By relaxing the muscle, BOTOX® Cosmetic will prevent the unconscious teeth grinding and jaw clenching that enlarged it in the first place. This will not interfere with your normal chewing functions. As with BOTOX® Cosmetic wrinkle treatments, there is no downtime, and you’ll be able to resume your routine immediately.
How Long Will My Results Last?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is used at a different concentration for masseter treatments than it is for facial wrinkles. Because of this, results manifest on a different timetable and have a different longevity.
Whereas wrinkles treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic may improve in as little as one week, you might have to wait as long as six weeks to see improvement in your masseter. However, the results from your masseter treatment can last from six months to one year, compared to three to four months for a wrinkle procedure.
Schedule Your Houston BOTOX® Cosmetic Consultation Today
Dr. Lyos has more than three decades of experience helping his patients improve their appearance and their self-confidence. He serves Houston, Piney Point, and surrounding areas of The Eoodlands. Call (713) 799 8989 today to set up a consultation.