Facial slimming (jaw slimming or jaw reduction) and calf slimming (or calf reshaping) are among the lesser known cosmetic applications of Botox, Dysport and Xeomin. Given that these medications work by blocking the transmission of signals from nerves to the muscles making them more relaxed, it is not surprising that Botox and other similar medications can be used to reduce the tone and eventually, the bulk of muscles when injected skillfully by a physician into carefully selected spots.
Role of Muscles in Development of “Square Jaw”
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin may be considered for patients who are not happy with the width of their lower face and desire a slimmer looking face and jawline. These medications can also address asymmetries in the jawline to some extent. It is important to note that prominent and square jaw can be the result of a number of factors, including prominent jawbones, muscles and the connective and fat tissues under the skin.
The primary jaw muscle that helps us in chewing is the Masseter muscle. Like most other muscles in our body, continued use of this muscle can increase its tone and size (hypertrophy). Hypertrophy of Masseter muscle can be seen in patients with teeth grinding, gnashing and clenching (bruxism). Chewing too much gum may also play some role in increasing the tone and bulk of this muscle. Hypertrophy of other muscles in the jaw area may also contribute to bulkiness of jaw to some less extent and can be treated alongside with the Masseter muscle.
It is important to remember that as muscle relaxants, Botox, Dysport and Xeomin can only help with relaxing and reducing the size of the muscle, and they won’t directly affect the other components of square jaw. Nonetheless, while Botox and Dysport do not affect bone on their own, our bones are gradually shaped by the force our muscles exerts on them, and relaxing of the muscles with Botox and other similar medications may result in some levels of reshaping and limited remodeling of the jaw bone over time and following a series of treatments, which may further contribute to a slimmer and more proportional jawline and lower face.
How Is the Jaw Slimming Treatment Performed?
Your doctor will examine your face carefully to determine if muscle bulkiness is responsible for widening of the jawline and to identify the main culprit muscles. Depending on the tone and size of the muscles involved and desired results, the doctor will estimate the amount of Botox, Dysport or Xeomin needed and discuss that with you. During the treatment, the doctor will inject the medication in divided doses in carefully selected areas of the muscles. She may also ask you to press your jaws down and grind so she can better identify the locations for injection. The injection is done using very fine needles with minimal discomfort.
While the exact dose needed may vary from patient to patient, many patients typically need about 20 to 30 units of Botox on each side of face. Unlike Botox for wrinkle reduction which usually kicks in within a week, it takes longer for the Botox, Dysport or Xeomin injection for jaw slimming to kick in (as long as 6-8 weeks). However, the treatment results will typically also last longer, up to 6-12 months. As discussed above, with the reduced size and tone of muscles and remodeling of the bones, the dose needed to achieve results in further treatment may be lower.
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are highly effective medications for reducing the width of jaw and slimming the lower face in patients with a prominent or square jaw. This can help patients tremendously to achieve a more proportional, youthful and rounder face with a smooth and sharper jawline. It may also help the patients with chronic issues like teeth grinding to reduce the pressure and stress on their jaw and teeth.
What about Calf Slimming and Reshaping?
Some patients may not be happy with the look of their lower legs due to bulky calves and desire slimmer legs. Again, this can be in part due to bulkiness and hypertrophy of calf muscles, and this condition can be treated with an injection of Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin. As previously discussed, Botox and other similar medications can only affect the muscles, and they cannot help much with bulkiness due to excessive fat tissues or prominent bones.
Your doctor will examine you and make recommendations on the best course of action. Typically, patients with less fat and larger muscles in the calf area are better candidates for calf slimming and reshaping using Botox, Dysport and Xeomin. Other issues such as asymmetrical calf muscles and O-shaped calves can also be corrected to some extent with Botox injections.
For some, calf bulkiness is primarily the result of hypertrophy of calf muscles due to exercise, and many benefits of regular exercise may be well worth the slight bulkiness of calves. In some other patients, bulkiness of calf is more a genetic trait and calf slimming with Botox, Dysport and Xeomin can be considered to achieve a slimmer look. Given the larger muscles in the calf, the needed dose of Botox is higher (as much as 100 units or more in each side) and the injections must be done carefully to minimize interference with normal functioning. In cases of more prominent calves, calf reshaping surgery may be considered. Additionally, when the excessive fat tissue in calves is present, fat reducing treatments such as Venus Freeze radiofrequency may be considered. These and other options must be discussed between you and your doctor to choose the best course of action.
If you are interested in knowing more about jaw slimming for a rounder and rejuvenated face or calf reshaping for more beautiful and slimmer legs, call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and explore your options.
Real Results at Amoderm Cosmetic and Wellness Medical Center with Jaw & Calf Slimming Treatment
