The masseter muscles are a pair of large muscles on each side of the jaw. You activate these muscles when you chew and clench. When these muscles increase in size because of factors such as genetics, habitual clenching or grinding of teeth, they can significantly affect the shape of the face.
Consequences of enlarged masseters
- Square Jaw: When the masseter muscles bulk up, they add volume to the lower part of the face, particularly along the jawline. This can create a wider, more angular appearance that may not be in harmony with the overall facial proportions.
- Masculinisation: Enlarged masseter muscles can contribute to a more masculine facial contour. The increased width and definition of the jawline can give the face a more angular and squared-off appearance. This may be undesirable for some individuals, seeking a softer or more feminine aesthetic.
- Facial Symmetry: Enlarged masseter muscles can also affect facial symmetry. When one masseter muscle is significantly larger than the other, it can create asymmetry in the lower face, leading to an uneven or imbalanced appearance.
Overall, the size and prominence of the masseter muscles play a significant role in shaping the lower face. By reducing the size of these muscles through techniques like anti-wrinkle injections, it’s possible to achieve a more balanced, harmonious facial contour better aligns with an individual’s aesthetic goals.
This treatment is quick and minimally invasive, requiring only a series of small injections administered by a trained medical professional. There is minimal downtime associated with the procedure, allowing individuals to resume their daily activities immediately afterward.
Results from anti-wrinkle injections for facial slimming typically become noticeable within a few months as the targeted muscles gradually relax and reduce in size. The effects are temporary but often last up between 4 and 6 months. Maintenance treatments are required to sustain the desired outcome, many individuals find the convenience and effectiveness of this approach to be highly appealing.
It is essential for individuals considering facial slimming with anti-wrinkle injections to consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as those at Shellharbour Skin, who can assess their suitability for the procedure and discuss their aesthetic goals. With proper evaluation and personalised treatment planning, facial slimming using anti-wrinkle injections can offer a safe and effective way to achieve a more contoured and harmonious facial appearance.
Table – Facial slimming at a glance
Indications: Improve facial symmetry, feminise the face, decrease clenching.
Treatment time: 15mins
Number of treatments recommended: 2-3 times per year
Duration of results: 4-6 months
Downtime and anesthesia: minimal downtime, no anesthesia
Cost: $$
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect?
Before starting your cosmetic injection treatment, the practitioner will discuss the process and take some before photos. The practitioner will request you to fill out a consent form. Following this, the clinical will clean the treatment area. With a fine needle, the clinician will inject the antiwrinkle product into the masseter muscle, usually with 4 points on each side.
What is the downtime?
Patients may experience bruising, but this is rare. Usually patients are fine to resume normal life straight after treatment.
What is the cost of a facial slimming treatment?
The cost of treatment varies from patient to patient and depends on the type of treatment recommended by your treating clinician to achieve the results you desire. The treating clinician can assess your problem areas and develop a customised treatment plan based on your goals, health, and concerns. Prices start at $400 per treatment.
What are the results and aftercare for a facial slimming treatment?
To ensure proper healing and best results, your clinician will provide you with a follow-up plan, which may include:
- Do not touch the skin
- Do not exercise for 4hours after treatment
- Stay away from extreme temperatures, such as saunas, hydrotherapy, ice baths, or hot yoga for 24 hours
Are there any risks or complications associated with a facial slimming treatment?
Patients may experience bruising and swelling, which usually resolves within a few days, but full recovery may take a week or two.
Regardless of the cosmetic or medical treatment, you should know the associated risks and complications before deciding on any treatment. PLLA treatments carry the following risks and complications:
- Facial asymmetry
- Allergic reaction
- Scarring
- Blisters
- Swelling
- Bruises
- Skin discolouration
- Itching
- Redness
Sounds great. Where do I start?
Before undergoing a treatment, you must register at our Shellharbour clinic for an initial consultation with our qualified clinical team. During your consultation, you will discuss your lifestyle and health, including medical history, allergies, and any medications or supplements you may be taking. It is important to mention any allergic reactions to drugs or skin care products you may have experienced in the past and any other recent beauty treatments you’ve had. These factors affect how your body responds and how the treatment recovers.
If you have any concerns, a consultation is when you ask questions about your treatment. Your clinician will ask about your current problems and reasons for wanting a cosmetic procedure and evaluate the treatment area. You should discuss what you hope to achieve with the treatment and your aesthetic goals. All the information you provide during the consultation is essential to developing a customised treatment plan that considers your health, concerns and expected outcomes to achieve the best possible result.
If you have a question, get in touch and one of our staff will be in touch shortly.
