The list of cosmetic advantages of botulinum toxin (Botox) is extensive.
You undoubtedly already know that it can treat several medical ailments as well as smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.
Did you know that Botox can also help you have a smaller face without the need for a gym membership or makeup?
The cost, process, and where to locate a skilled doctor will all be covered in this article’s discussion of using Botox to create the appearance of a thinner face.
Read on to learn more.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Just a few Botox injections could give you a face that is smaller and more defined.
✅ It has also been claimed that a masseter decrease can mimic a 5- to 10-pound weight loss.
✅ It is crucial to select a board-certified physician to carry out the treatment.
✅ They hold your face, so make an informed decision.
✅ Finally, be mindful of any potentially harmful side effects. If any of these occur, make sure to contact or see your doctor as soon as possible.
What actually is Botox?
One common kind of injectable neurotoxin is Botox Cosmetic. Muscles are momentarily paralyzed using botulinum toxin type A. Medical disorders including hyperhidrosis and recurrent migraines can be treated with it.
According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, Botox was initially used as a cosmetic procedure, primarily to treat the muscles that control facial expression.
The “11 lines between your brows, crow’s feet around your eyes, and horizontal forehead lines” are included in this.
Can your face be slimmed and contoured using Botox?
The face can be slimmed and contoured with Botox in addition to wrinkles being smoothed. The masseter muscles in the back of the jaw are the ones that doctors target to do this. The face may appear square as a result of these muscles.
Masseter reduction is the name of this procedure.
According to Dr. Gary Linkov, a facial plastic surgeon in New York City, “the masseters are a collection of muscles that span the mid to lower face and are responsible for chewing.”
These muscles may enlarge if you unintentionally grind your teeth at night, a condition known as bruxism. “Botox injections help to lower the activity of these muscles, which can have a profound impact on facial form. “The use of Botox on the lower face is now regarded as “off-label,” which means the Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved it. However, research indicates that this approach is both secure and efficient.
How does the process work?
Dr. Will Kirby, chief medical officer at LaserAway, claims that Botox Cosmetic facial slimming is surprisingly easy. The medical practitioner will first perform a quick visual examination of the area to be treated, palpate the area, physically isolate the muscles, and then administer a series of two to three injections to each side of the lower face.
The process should just take a few minutes, and there won’t be much discomfort. The majority of patients, he claims, “don’t even really perceive much discomfort at all.” A numbing cream is offered for people who cannot handle much pain.
Due to the rapid in-and-out process, recovery time is quite low. However, following the surgery, patients are urged to refrain from the following:
Massaging the area where the injection was made.
Sitting down
Exercise
Bending over
Using painkillers or consuming booze
The normal Botox start-up time is 2 to 5 days, and full slimming results appear after a few weeks. You will require ongoing injections several times a year to maintain your thinner appearance because this treatment wears off after 3 to 4 months.
Exist any possible negative effects?
Botox facial slimming is a generally low-risk technique, however, there are still some possible adverse effects.
These side effects, in addition to bruising or soreness, comprise:
HeadacheRedness
Muscle tremor
Tense muscles
A momentary distorted smile
Difficulty swallowing or speaking
A brief lapse in strength when chewing
Possible difficulties
You should contact your doctor right away if you notice any of the following symptoms, or go see one if you can:
Facial edema
Fever
Profound pain
Hives or shortness of breath, which are symptoms of an allergic reaction
Although it’s extremely uncommon, Kirby continues, “in theory, a bacterial infection can occur any time a needle enters the skin.”
What is the price of Botox?
Since Botox is not covered by insurance, you will need to pay for it out of pocket if you want to receive it. For treatment on both sides of the face, the surgery usually costs $400 to $600 on average. However, this quantity fluctuates based on your location and the surgeon you select.
For instance, according to Zeichner, the cost of a masseter reduction procedure performed in New York City by a facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist might range from $600 to $1000 for each treatment.
According to Kirby, prices also differ depending on how much product is actually injected. Botox Cosmetic can be priced by the “area” or by the quantity utilized, according to healthcare professionals.
Depending on a practice’s pricing policy, the typical cost per Botox injection ranges from $10 to $15.For reference, Linkov stated that 20 units of Botox are often required on each side to produce the desired result.
How to locate a medical expert that is qualified to carry out the process
It’s crucial to locate a skilled healthcare professional to carry out the process. After all, it might make a difference in whether you like the results. Due to their expertise in facial structure, it is always advised that you select a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
You can use social media and the websites of doctors to find the kind of outcomes you’re searching for when choosing a physician. A personal recommendation is always the best though.
7 questions to ask your doctor
Making an appointment with a doctor who satisfies your requirements is the next move. Following is a list of possible inquiries to make at your first appointment:
- How frequently do you carry out this action?
- Can I view any before-and-after pictures you have?
- How long will my results last and what kind of results can I expect?
- Must I reach a healthy weight before receiving treatment?
- Will losing weight have an impact on my fillers?
- What will the price be?
- How frequently will I need to have the procedure repeated?