A wide jaw creates a squarer shape of the face. While the square jaw may be desirable in men, it is not easily accepted or desired for a feminine appearance.
Wide, or square, jaws can be caused by overactive muscles in the sides of the face. This jaw masseter muscle can grow in size, leading to a heavier-set jaw, and in turn, more masculine appearance.
The size of the masseter muscle, can be congenital or acquired. An acquired wide jaw is caused as the muscle increases in size as it is exercised, whether that be through chewing gum, clenching teeth, or bruxism (excessive teeth grinding). A congenital wide jaw is apparent throughout life, but can get worse with exercise.
If the bone contour of the face contributes more to the square appearance, this may not improve with non-surgical treatment alone, although if the muscle is also oversized, it can be partially treated using our methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
At London City Skin Clinic, we use precise amounts of Botox to slim the jaw. This is a safe, clinically proven alternative to invasive surgery. Botox temporarily relaxes the overworked masseter muscle to achieve a softer silhouette to the jaw, with a redefined contour.
Suitability for treatment can only be determined following a consultation. The most important criterion to decide if you are a good candidate is the activity of your masseter muscle (jaw muscle). The relative thickness of the masseter can easily be determined by biting down hard and feeling the outer jaw line. If the muscle appears to be hard and enlarged in appearance when you clench your teeth, you may be a good candidate to have this procedure done.
The procedure is relatively painless, and involves a few injections on each side of the face.
Generally, it takes about 2-3 weeks before you see the desired results. This will last between 4-8 months, depending on the individual and the size of the muscle.
The benefit is the lower jaw looks slimmer, leading to a heart shaped face and more delicate jaw. Regular treatments every 4-6 months will generally provide longer lasting and more effective results as the muscles will become less active.
There really is no recovery period, with only occasional slight swelling or bruising. The treatment takes only fifteen minutes as a clinic procedure. At the end of the first week, you may notice that your jawline muscle feels softer when you bite down.
Most patients do not have this problem. However, you may experience some tiring after chewing for a short while. This phenomenon is only temporary and will go away within 10 days.
The cost of the treatment is dependent on the size of the jaw muscle as well as the amount of product required to achieve the desired result.
Prices start from: £295
