Someone told you that Botox to the masseters gives you a model-sharp jawline. Sure, for people with naturally bulkier jaws, it can create the appearance of a slimmer, more tapered lower face. But, for people with drooping jowls that want to snatch their jawline? You may be surprised at how Botox to the masseters may actually make matters worse.
Before diving into the treatments that do work for creating a sharper, more chiseled jaw in most people, let’s first talk about Botox and why many people think it can create a more defined jawline.
Can Botox to the Masseter Muscle Define Your Jawline?
Botox to the masseters relaxes the muscle on the side of your jawline that you use to chew. People who clench, grind, or chew excessively may develop enlarged masseter muscles. Other people can simply be more genetically predisposed to having stronger jaw muscles. When overdeveloped, this muscle can give the lower face a square or bulky appearance.
Botox can help reduce its bulk and create the look of a slimmer, more tapered lower face. By making the lower face appear narrower, it can enhance the face’s aesthetics and create a more delicate, V-shaped appearance.
While this all sounds great, many people mistake the slimmer appearance of the jawline with a more defined and sharper jawline contour. Botox to the Masseters can certainly accomplish the former, but it would not do the latter. In fact, the opposite is more likely to be true.
When a balloon loses air, it essentially loses its structure and droops — the same thing can happen to your skin after Botox to the masseters. When the masseter muscle shrinks, it can cause the overlying skin and tissue to lose its support, which can, in many cases, result in excess skin that would make the jawline appear softer. This can also cause the appearance of drooping jowls in individuals who previously did not experience this issue.
What Will Likely Work For A Sharper Jawline
If you’re looking for sharper angles or definition in your jawline, you’ll likely need to explore options beyond Botox. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD, recently spoke with NewBeauty about the rise of jawline enhancements that people can opt into for sharper jawlines. “Fillers offer the best nonsurgical jawline enhancement result,” Dr. Konstantin tells NewBeauty, “while surgical treatments such as liposuction or a facelift are the most effective ways to achieve a sharper jawline.”
For many people, fillers can be enough to help add structure and definition. On the other hand, liposuction can help reduce fullness in the lower cheeks and neck, which can enhance facial angles and create more visible contour beneath the cheekbone or jawline. And finally, surgical options, like a facelift, go even further by lifting sagging skin and tissue.
In the case of bulky masseter muscles, Botox can create a more narrow appearance of the lower face. However, in some cases, Botox to the masseters can cause droopy jowls. If you’re ready to explore other non-surgical or surgical treatments for a sharper jawline, schedule a consultation with Dr. Konstantin to discuss the best route for you to take.