Botox for Jaw Reduction: Edward P. Miranda, M.D. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Edward P. Miranda, M.D.

A Medical Corporation

Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery

San Francisco, CA

Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Botox ® for Jaw Reduction and Contouring

Jaw Reduction and Contouring - Techniques

To reduce the width and/or square appearance of the lower jaw, there are two options:

Reduce the masseter muscle overlying the jaw non-surgically with Botox ® to narrow the lower face, or
Reduce the size of the lower jaw bone (mandible) with an operation.

Non-surgical Jaw Reduction and Contouring with Botox ®

Botox® is a drug that is approved for the treatment of frown lines and other disorders. Botox ® works by relaxing the muscles that it is injected into.

In the jaw, Botox is administered to the enlarged masseter muscles. The masseter muscle is weakened by the Botox , and over time the muscle itself becomes smaller—improving facial appearance.

A widened lower jaw can be caused by a enlarged masseter muscle. Botox can reduce the width of the jaw by making the muscle smaller. Botox treatment for narrowing the lower jaw improves facial contour.

Improvement occurs gradually—no one will notice that “something was done” immediately after the procedure. Moderate improvement can generally be seen in 1-2 months, with maximal improvement noticed between 3 and 9 months after treatment. Improvement is generally moderate. There is no down time—patients can return to work the same day of treatment if desired.

As each masseter is only one of 8 powerful muscles that contribute to jaw contraction (chewing) it is highly unlikely that any noticeable weakness will be noticed when chewing. The normal workload of the enlarged masseter is shifted to the other muscles (temporalis muscles, pterygoid muscles, etc.) permitting normal chewing.

It is important to have the Botox ® administered by an experienced plastic surgeon who is familiar with the use of Botox® for jaw muscle reduction, because temporary weakness in the muscles used for lip movement can rarely occur—particularly if injected by someone who is not familiar with the anatomy.

It is also important to have a plastic surgeon who is experienced in surgical jaw reduction to perform an examination of the jaws to determine if the masseter muscle is causing the widened facial contour--as opposed to the bone. For if the jaw bone (mandible) is the primary cause of the widening, Botox ® is not likely to improve the appearance.

Other Treatment Options Include:

Edward P. Miranda, M.D.
A Medical Corporation

3838 California Street, Suite 404
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 379-9015

Info@MirandaPlasticSurgery.com

Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery