Facial Slimming with Botox in Portland, Oregon
There are many unique ways in which Botulinum toxin, AKA Botox and Dysport, can be used both therapeutically and aesthetically. Aesthetically, Botulinum toxin is commonly used to soften dynamic wrinkles. It can also be used as a facial slimming tool for those of us with larger masseter muscles. Like other muscles, the masseter muscles can get bigger with repetitive use through chewing and clenching. As the masseter muscle enlarges, the lower face widens, lending to a more masculine appearance.
Botox and Dysport, offer a non-invasive, easy and effective treatment for slimming the lower face. When injected into muscles, Botox and Dysport cause the muscles to temporarily relax. Relaxing the masseter muscles with these medicines leads to a reduction in the masseter muscle’s size, and gives a more refined and slimming lower face look.
In my practice, I treat the masseter muscles with Botox or Dysport to address clenching and to also slim the lower face. Because there are several muscles at play when we chew, it isn’t always a ‘slam dunk’ treatment for clenching because sometimes other muscles are at play in this disorder like the pterygoids or temporalis muscles. When it comes to facial slimming however, as long as the masseter muscle has bulk and we use an appropriate dose, results are expected. Sometimes it takes a couple of treatments to reach your goal.
Treating the masseter muscles with Botox or Dysport is a straightforward procedure. After consultation, pictures, and consent, we clean the area and inject directly into the masseter muscle at specific points. Results take a couple of weeks to take effect and it is my experience that the medicine lasts about four months. Longevity is based on the individual and dosing used.
No two faces are the same, nor is the dosage and placement of Botox or Dysport in the masseter muscle. The number of units used can vary widely and the dose is matched to meet your anatomy, goals, and finances. As mentioned above, it is reasonable for optimal results to happen over time.
Botulinum toxin injections for the masseter muscle remains a very safe treatment. Because we are using needles for injection, bruising is a risk. If the medicine gets into an unintended muscle, your smile can be temporarily affected (this will go away as the medicine goes away. The masseter muscles have layers to it and it is possible that not all the layers get relaxed, leading to a building appearance. This can be remedied by placing more medicine into the muscle.
If you’re considering lower face slimming with Botox or Dysport, schedule a consultation to talk about whether you are a candidate for treatment.
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