Botox/Dysport Jaw Reduction: What Is It, How It Works and Benefits

Botox or Dysport jaw reduction is a minimally invasive treatment for those looking to enhance their facial profile. It targets the masseter muscles to achieve a slimmer, more contoured jawline. With additional benefits such as improved facial symmetry and relief from temporomandibular dysfunction, Botox/Dysport jaw reduction has become a preferred choice for individuals who wish to enhance their facial shape.

This blog will explain this treatment and how it works while highlighting its key advantages, suitability and expected outcomes.

What Is Botox/Dysport Jaw Reduction?

Botox and Dysport are injectable botulinum toxin-based treatments that relax specific muscles. When used for jaw slimming, these injectables target the masseter muscle. The masseter is a large, rectangular jaw muscle situated at the side of the face that is responsible for chewing.

According to Dr. Justin Boey, excessive activity or overdevelopment of the masseter muscle can result in a wider-looking jaw. By injecting Botox or Dysport into these muscles, the reduced activity causes the jaw muscle to relax and gradually shrink over time, leading to a slimmer jawline and enhanced facial proportions.

How Does It Work?

Botox and Dysport work by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that trigger muscle contractions, which reduces muscle activity where the injection is administered. It is injected directly into the masseter muscles. Over time, this causes the jaw muscles to weaken and atrophy slightly due to decreased use.

• Targeted impact. The relaxing effect is localised in the masseter muscle, ensuring that only the injected area is affected. This technique allows for precision in shaping the jawline.
• Gradual changes. Results develop slowly over weeks as the muscle reduces in size, creating a more contoured facial appearance.

Benefits of Botox/Dysport Jaw Reduction

The advantages of Dysport or Botox jaw reduction extend beyond aesthetics. Here’s what you can expect:

Aesthetic Benefits

• Slimmer jawline. By relaxing and reducing the masseter muscles, the jawline appears slimmer.
• Enhanced facial symmetry. The treatment can improve overall facial balance and create a V-line or triangular shape.

Functional Benefits

• Relief from bruxism. Chronic teeth grinding or clenching may lead to headaches or jaw pain. This can be alleviated when the masseter muscles gradually relax.
• Reduced jaw tension. Individuals experiencing discomfort or tightness in the jaw may find relief after treatment.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate?

Not everyone benefits equally from Botox/Dysport jaw reduction, so it’s vital to understand who this procedure is best suited for.

Ideal Candidates

• Individuals with visibly enlarged or overactive masseter muscles that result in a squared jawline.
• Those seeking a non-surgical, minimally invasive solution to slim their jaw or improve face shape.
• People who experience discomfort or functional issues from excessive jaw tension or teeth grinding (bruxism).

Before considering Botox/Dysport jaw reduction, it is important to be aware of certain contraindications that may make this treatment unsuitable for some individuals. These include:

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not recommended to undergo this procedure while pregnant or breastfeeding, as the effects of Botox or Dysport on the fetus or infant are not yet fully understood.
• People with neuromuscular disorders. Individuals with neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, should avoid jaw Botox/Dysport treatments due to potential complications.
• People with allergies to botulinum toxin ingredients. If you have a known allergy to any components of jaw Botox treatment or Dysport, it is important to avoid these treatments to prevent adverse reactions.

It is crucial to consult with a qualified aesthetic practitioner to determine your eligibility for Botox/Dysport jaw reduction based on your medical history and circumstances. 

Botox vs Dysport: Which One Is Better for Jaw Reduction?

In this section, we’ll discuss the differences between Botox and Dysport to help you choose which one’s ideal for you. While both use botulinum toxin, their formulations and effects can vary.

Below is a quick comparison:

Characteristics	Botox Injections	Dysport Injections
Onset of Effects	3-7 days	2-3 days
Diffusion Rate	Localised	Slightly broader spread
Dosage	Requires fewer units	Requires higher unit quantity
Longevity of Results	3-4 months	3-4 months
Cost	Slightly higher per unit	Lower per unit

The choice between Botox and Dysport will depend on factors such as facial anatomy, individual goals and the practitioner’s recommendation.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Botox/Dysport jaw reduction is a relatively simple and quick treatment that requires minimal downtime. Here’s a general outline of what the process involves:

1. Consultation. The process will begin with a discussion of your goals and medical history with your aesthetic practitioner.
2. Injection process. Your aesthetic practitioner will apply some topical numbing cream to the target area to ensure you experience minimal discomfort during the process. Next, small, strategic doses of Botox or Dysport are administered into the masseter muscles using a fine needle.
3. Post-treatment care. Minor swelling or redness may occur at the injection points, but these typically subside within hours.

The treatment itself is often well-tolerated, with most individuals reporting minimal discomfort.

Is Botox/Dysport Safe for TMJ Disorders?

Medical practitioners have used Botox/Dysport to alleviate symptoms of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. Relaxing the masseter muscles can help reduce jaw tension, pain and clenching associated with TMJ dysfunction.

While it isn’t the primary treatment for TMJ disorders, it is generally considered safe for managing milder cases when administered by a properly trained professional.

How Many Units of Botox/Dysport Do I Need for Jaw Reduction?

The amount of Botox or Dysport needed for jaw reduction typically depends on the size and strength of an individual’s masseter muscles. 

On average, this ranges from 20 to 50 units per side, totalling 40 to 100 units. The exact dosage is tailored by your aesthetic practitioner to the unique characteristics of your masseter muscles.

Masseter Size	Units Per Side	Total Units
Mild Hypertrophy	15-25 units	30-50 units
Moderate Hypertrophy	25-35 units	50-70 units
Severe Hypertrophy	35-50 units	70-100 units

A consultation is essential to determine the dosage needed for safe and effective results.

Risks and Side Effects

While Botox/Dysport is generally safe when administered by a qualified professional, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:

Common

• Swelling, redness, or bruising at injection sites
• Slight tenderness in the area

Rare

• Drooping or temporary asymmetry in facial appearance.
• Mild difficulty chewing.

Choosing a skilled practitioner significantly lowers the risk of complications.

How Long Do Results Last?

Results	Duration
Botox Injection	3-4 months
Dysport Injection	3-4 months

Repeat treatments at regular intervals will help maintain your results over time.

Factors Affecting Longevity

The longevity of Botox/Dysport jaw reduction results can vary depending on several factors. Metabolism, lifestyle habits and the frequency of treatments all play a role in determining how long the effects will remain noticeable. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Metabolism. Individuals with faster metabolisms may experience a quicker breakdown of the injected neurotoxin, potentially leading to shorter-lasting results.

• Lifestyle habits. Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and poor nutrition, can potentially reduce the longevity of the treatment’s effects.

• Dosage and treatment frequency. The precise dosage and treatment frequency can impact how long the results last. Following your healthcare provider’s recommended treatment schedule and dosage guidelines is crucial for optimal and long-lasting outcomes.

It’s important to note that results may also vary from person to person based on individual factors such as skin type, muscle strength and overall health. To maintain the best possible results, following up with regular treatments at the intervals suggested by your healthcare provider is recommended.

Comparison with Other Jaw Reduction Treatments

If you’re weighing your options, here’s how jawline Botox/Dysport compares to other jawline slimming treatments when it comes to recovery time, price and longevity.

Treatment Type	Recovery Time	Cost	Longevity
Dysport/Botox Injections	Minimal	Moderate	3-4 months
Surgical Jaw Reduction	Extended	High	Permanent
Radiofrequency Contouring	Minimal	Moderate-high	1-3 years

Conclusion

Botox and Dysport, often used for jaw reduction treatments, offer a safe, non-surgical way to achieve a slimmer jawline while also providing functional benefits like relief from bruxism (teeth grinding) and TMJ. 

Dr Justin Boey, medical director for Sozo Aesthetic Clinic, specialises in personalised aesthetic solutions to help you enhance the symmetry of your facial features. Whether you’re exploring masseter Botox treatment in Singapore or looking for acne scar treatments, these minimally invasive approaches are promising solutions to achieve your beauty goals.