Simple, non-surgical treatment, to slim the lower face, producing a more feminine appearance.
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As we get older, the face can change shape, from a heart or oval shape to a more square appearance. This can be down to several factors, from the loss of volume in the temples and the cheeks beginning to sag down, to conditions such as bruxism (teeth grinding) or jaw clenching. A square-looking facial appearance can also be down to simple genetics, where the masseter muscles are naturally over-developed. When we think of a feminine face, we think of the upper region being the widest part when we look at it head on. Then, from the cheekbones, we expect to see a graduating slant towards the chin. However, in cases of teeth grinding or jaw clenching, where the masseter muscles are enlarged, the face can take on a more masculine appearance, widening in the jawline area.
At Rosie Cooper Aesthetics in Leamington Spa, we offer a very simple, non-surgical treatment, to slim the lower face, producing a more feminine appearance. For this treatment, we use Botox® injections.
Botox® (Botulinum Toxin Type A) is a medically-prescribed neurotoxin, which has been used for many years to treat a myriad of medical concerns. When we inject Botox® into the masseter muscles (the muscles at either side of the jaw), it blocks the nerve receptors, responsible for these muscles and how active they are. This means that the muscles become temporarily relaxed and less active; helping to stop issues such as jaw clenching or teeth grinding. Of course you can still move your jaw and there is no visible difference in your facial movements. As the muscles become less active, they reduce in size, thus slimming the jawline for a more feminine contour.
Before any injectable treatment is carried out here at Rosie Cooper Aesthetics, we will conduct a no obligation consultation, to discuss your concerns and to examine you, as well as check your medical history to ensure that there are no contraindications, preventing or restricting the use of Botox® such as pregnancy and breast feeding. Once we are certain that this treatment will be both safe and effective for you, you can book in for your treatment. It may be that you can have the treatment on the same day, as this is a very quick, virtually pain-free treatment with no need for prior anaesthetic or downtime. However, we will never pressurise you in to having this treatment straight away if you would prefer some time to think about it.
Jaw slimming is a non-surgical treatment for a wide or square-looking lower face caused by enlarged chewing muscles. The masseter muscles sit at the angle of the jaw. When they’re large, they can make the face look broad or heavy at the bottom. Rosie injects a prescription muscle-relaxing medicine into these muscles. Over the following weeks, they become less active and gradually reduce in size, giving a softer, slimmer jawline.
The medicine temporarily blocks the signals from the nerves to the muscle, so the muscle can’t contract as strongly. A muscle that’s used less gradually gets smaller, much like any muscle you stop exercising. The jaw muscles become less bulky, and the lower face looks slimmer and more tapered. You can still eat, talk and smile normally.
Most people find it quick and very tolerable. Rosie uses a very fine needle and places a few small injections into each side of the jaw. You’ll feel a brief scratch and some pressure. The whole appointment, including your consultation, takes about 30 minutes, and you can go straight back to your day.
The muscle starts to relax within the first one to two weeks, and you may notice less clenching or jaw tension first. The visible slimming takes longer, because the muscle needs time to shrink. Most people see a difference from about four weeks, with the full effect at around two to three months. Rosie will review you to check how the muscles have responded.
Typically three to six months, after which the muscle gradually regains its strength and size. Many people find that with repeat treatments the muscle stays smaller for longer, so treatments can be spaced further apart over time. Rosie will recommend the right interval for you.
The most common are mild tenderness, small bruises or a slight headache in the first day or two. Some people notice their jaw tires more quickly when chewing tough foods, such as steak or chewy sweets, for a few weeks. This settles as you adjust. Less commonly, the treatment can briefly affect the smile or cause a small bulge in the muscle when clenching. Both are temporary and can usually be corrected at your review.
Yes. Because the treatment relaxes the same muscles responsible for clenching and grinding, many people find their grinding, jaw ache and morning headaches improve too. If grinding is your main concern, see our teeth grinding treatment page. Treatment for grinding should sit alongside advice from your dentist, who can check your teeth and recommend a mouth guard if needed.
Jaw slimming starts from £300. The amount needed depends on the size and strength of your jaw muscles, so you’ll get a clear quote at your consultation before any treatment.
