Jawline slimming targets the big, bulky masseter muscle which is responsible for helping us chew. You can find this muscle either side of your lower jaw. You can easily feel them when clenching your teeth as this movement activates the muscle. Enlarged masseters muscles can also be caused by genetic factors. Masseters can also increase in size due to overuse or can be related to a condition called Bruxism. Bruxism is the involuntary or habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth. When this muscle enlarges, it can cause the appearance of a square-like jaw.
Through the use of wrinkle-relaxing treatments, we can selectively weaken and relax the muscle. In time, this will lead to an overall reduction in the size of the muscle. Reduced use of the masseters results in a more oval, slimmer jawline. It also helps reduce your ability to grind/clench your teeth!! So no more horrible TMJ pain.
Prior to your Jaw Slimming treatment, your Clinician will discuss the goals of procedure. We will develop your treatment plan based upon whether you are undergoing treatment for aesthetic purposes or medicinal to reduce clenching/grinding of your teeth. It is important to note that you may need several treatments to completely relax this muscle and slim your jawline to the desired result. Your practitioner will then clean your face with an alco-swab and begin mapping out the borders of the masseter muscle. The treatment itself takes no more than five minutes.
After your appointment, we recommend to use this muscle as MUCH as possible to work the product into the muscle. Over the next few days, you may notice that you become ‘tired’ from chewing. You may also experience a ‘horning’ effect on activating your muscle while chewing. If this happens, do not be alarmed! It is a sign that the product is working. Rest assured this feeling and bizarre ‘horning’ effect will not last forever – and you will definitely still be able to chew your food!
Maximal results will be seen at 8 weeks, with a noticeable improvement within 6 weeks. In some patients, we often see one side better treated than the other. This can be due to natural asymmetry of the face to start with. It can also be caused by one masseter being bigger and stronger than the other (often on the side the client favours chewing on). Re-treatment of this area can occur at 8 weeks at your follow up appointment. The longevity of the treatment does depend on the individual and the reasons behind you getting the treatment. However, to ensure continued results, we recommend having this procedure every 6-9 months.