Jaw Botox: Your Guide to Non-Surgical Face Slimming in Singapore
Jaw Botox, commonly also known as Masseter Botox, is a popular non-surgical procedure sought for both aesthetic facial slimming and potential therapeutic relief from various jaw-related concerns. In Singapore, there’s an increasing demand for this treatment, driven by aesthetic preferences for a more defined, V-shaped facial contour, alongside a growing recognition of its potential benefits for jaw tension and related discomfort.
Why Jaw Botox? What Condition Does Jaw Botox Treat?
Medical Reasons
Beyond aesthetics, medical reasons are another compelling motivation for seeking jaw Botox. Overactive masseter muscles can create negative effects, leading to conditions like bruxism (involuntary teeth grinding), which often occurs during sleep. Jaw Botox may provide relief from bruxism, thereby reducing associated jaw tension, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort, and chronic clenching. This intervention may also help improve the quality of sleep and reduce headaches related to jaw stress, improving one’s overall quality of life.
Aesthetic Purposes
The desire for a slimmer, more refined V-shaped face is a significant aesthetic preference, especially in Singapore, where it’s often viewed as a hallmark of feminine elegance and facial harmony. Hence, for many, jaw Botox is chosen for aesthetic reasons, particularly when the jaw appears wide, square, or bulky due to overactive masseter muscles.
What Is the Masseter Muscle?
The masseter muscle is one of the primary muscles involved in chewing, located on either side of the face, extending from the cheekbone down to the lower jaw. Its main function is to elevate the mandible (lower jaw), allowing for powerful biting and chewing motions.
What Causes Jaw Muscle Enlargement?
Jaw muscle enlargement, specifically of the masseter muscle, can stem from various causes. A primary factor is the habitual overuse of the jaw muscle, often through activities such as frequent gum chewing, consuming excessively tough or chewy foods, or unconscious teeth grinding (bruxism), which commonly occurs during sleep.
Clenching due to stress or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction also contributes. An enlarged jaw muscle may also be due to genetics, as some individuals are naturally predisposed to having more prominent masseter muscles.
How Does Jaw Botox (Masseter Botox) Work?
Jaw botox addresses an enlarged jawline by targeting the masseter muscles. Botox, a brand name for botulinum toxin type A, is a neurotoxin that, when injected in precise, small doses, temporarily blocks nerve signals to specific muscles.
For jaw slimming, it’s injected into the masseter muscles, reducing their muscular contractions. Over time, the muscle becomes more relaxed and less active due to reduced stimulation. This causes the muscle to gradually shrink in size, leading to a softer, more contoured lower face and a slimmer profile.
How Long Does Jaw Botox Take to Work?
Patients typically begin to notice the initial effects of jaw Botox within a few days to a week after treatment, as the muscle activity starts to diminish. However, the full effects, particularly the slimming of the jawline due to muscle atrophy, generally take about two to four weeks to become fully apparent.
The exact timeline can vary depending on individual metabolism, the dosage administered, and the initial severity of the masseter muscle enlargement.
How Long Does Jaw Botox Last & How Often Should You Get Jaw Botox?
The results of jaw Botox typically last between three and six months. Similar to how long it takes for the treatment to work, the duration of the effects can vary significantly depending on several individual factors. These include your metabolism, the specific dosage of botulinum toxin administered, the initial size and strength of your masseter muscles, and your lifestyle habits, such as chewing tough foods. Due to these individual variations, follow-up treatments are often recommended to maintain the desired aesthetic outcome.
Jaw Botox Procedure at Become Aesthetic Clinic Singapore
Before The Procedure
Your jaw Botox journey at Become Aesthetics Clinic begins with a thorough one-to-one consultation. Our MOH-certified doctors will examine your masseter muscles and assess your facial structure. This detailed evaluation allows them to understand your aesthetic goals, identify the strength of your masseter muscles, and determine the optimal number of botulinum toxin units required for your personalised treatment plan.
During The Procedure
The jaw Botox procedure is carried out by our experienced MOH-certified doctors with the utmost precision and care. After cleansing the area, small, precise injections are strategically administered into the masseter muscles on both sides of the jaw. While some patients may feel a brief, mild discomfort, our practitioners prioritise your safety and comfort throughout, ensuring a swift and efficient treatment experience.
After Jaw Botox Treatment
Following your jaw Botox treatment, it’s common to experience some temporary and mild side effects, such as slight swelling or minor bruising at the injection sites, which typically subside within 1-2 days. Our doctor will provide all necessary aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. A follow-up appointment may also be scheduled to assess your results and address any concerns.
What To Do After Jaw Botox Treatment
Following your jaw Botox treatment, your doctor will typically advise you on certain practices to optimise your results and ensure proper healing. This may include:
- Keeping your head upright for at least 4 hours post-treatment.
- Gently clenching and unclenching your jaw for the first hour to help the product settle.
- Applying a cold compress if you experience any mild swelling or discomfort.
What Not To Do After Jaw Botox
Conversely, your doctor will typically advise against certain activities immediately following your jaw Botox injections to prevent potential complications or displacement of the product, such as:
- Rubbing or massaging the treated area for at least 24 hours.
- Partaking in strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours.
- Consuming excessively chewy or hard foods for 24-48 hours.
- Consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours.
- Lying flat for at least 4 hours after treatment.
- Visiting saunas or undergoing facials for 24 hours.
- Consuming blood-thinning medications (unless prescribed by a doctor).
How Much Does Jaw Botox Cost in Singapore?
The cost of jaw Botox can vary between clinics. At Become Aesthetics Clinic, jaw Botox treatments start from $300 per session.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Jaw Botox in Singapore
Aside from variations between clinics, the total cost of jaw Botox also depends on other factors. These include the specific number of botulinum toxin units needed to achieve your desired results, the initial strength and size of your masseter muscles, and the particular brand of botulinum toxin used.
Can I Stop Jaw Botox Once I Start?
Yes, you may stop jaw Botox treatments at any time. The effects of botulinum toxin are partially temporary, typically lasting 3-6 months, as the body gradually metabolises the product and nerve signals to the muscle are restored.
If you choose not to continue treatments, the masseter muscles will eventually regain their original size and strength, and your jawline will return to its pre-treatment appearance, typically without any long-term adverse effects.
Tips to Prolong the Effects of Jaw Botox
Avoid Excessive Chewing
To prolong the effects of your jaw Botox, it’s advisable to minimise activities that excessively engage your masseter muscles. This includes avoiding frequent gum chewing and limiting the consumption of very tough or hard-to-chew foods. Reducing the workload on these muscles can help to maintain their reduced size and activity for a longer period.
Stress Management
Stress often leads to unconscious jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism), which can overwork the masseter muscles and potentially shorten the duration of your jaw Botox results. Hence, incorporating stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or mindfulness can help reduce muscle tension and extend the effects of the treatment.
Learn how to maintain the effects of jaw botox for a lasting, refined jawline.
Are There Any Side Effects of Jaw Botox?
In general, individuals undergoing jaw Botox may experience mild and temporary side effects for 1-2 days, such as minor bruising at the injection sites. Jaw Botox is typically considered a procedure with minimal to no downtime. However, as with all medical aesthetic treatments, there are some rare potential side effects that patients should be aware of, including:
- Asymmetry in the jawline or smile
- Difficulty chewing tough foods (especially if overdosed)
- Muscle fatigue or weakness in nearby areas
- Unintended spread of the toxin affecting adjacent muscles (very rare)
- Headache or flu-like symptoms in the first 24 to 48 hours
These side effects are rare and are normally caused by incorrect dosage or poor injection technique. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional immediately.
Should I Get Jaw Botox?
Ultimately, the decision to receive jaw Botox is a personal choice. However, if you experience concerns such as a prominent or square jawline, teeth grinding, or facial asymmetry, jaw Botox may be a suitable solution for you. It can effectively slim the lower face and alleviate muscle-related tension. For a more comprehensive lower face contouring, it can also be combined with treatments like chin dermal fillers or a double chin removal.
If you are unsure, a consultation with a medical professional, such as one at Become Aesthetics Clinic, may help determine if jaw Botox aligns with your aesthetic goals and needs.