Face slimming treatments are a topic of interest for those seeking to either medically or cosmetically relax their jaw. As we age, factors like genetics, weight fluctuations, medications, stress, and loss of muscle tone can contribute to a lack of facial definition, leading many individuals to explore face-slimming techniques. Understanding the concept of facial slimming and its importance in facial features is essential for those seeking to relax their jaw.
What is Face Slimming?
Facial slimming refers to the process of reducing excess fat, water retention, or puffiness in the face to achieve a more reduced facial structure. It involves various techniques and approaches aimed at firming the face, working with its biological shape, and creating a slimmer jawline.
The purpose of face slimming goes beyond mere cosmetics. While many individuals seek a slimmer face for cosmetic reasons, it is important to recognise that a facial structure can also be associated with medical issues.
With face slimming, individuals can address concerns such as cheeks, excess chin fat, or tightness. It can make facial features more prominent and highlight features such as higher cheekbones, a tighter jawline, and a more firmer chin.
Jaw Slimming: Refining the Jawline
Jaw slimming is a specialised technique within the broader concept of face slimming, focusing on refining the jawline and creating a more structured lower face. By specifically targeting the masseter muscle, jaw slimming treatments help reduce the appearance of a widened jawline, resulting in a more structured jawline.
Jaw Slimming Treatment
The masseter muscle is one of those muscles that contract when we clench our jaw or chew food. It’s located in the lower cheek area and connected to the jaw. If this muscle continues to be contracted for long periods of time, it becomes enlarged. This may be a result of genetic predisposition or because of tooth grinding and clenching.
Treating the masseter muscle can be a great way to reduce the size of the jaw and face. The jaw slimming treatment uses muscle relaxant treatments to temporarily block nerve signals in the masseter. As a result, the masseter muscle becomes unable to move and no longer contracts as often or tightens up as much, when it does contract. This can help to relax the jaw and to slim the lower face.
Benefits of Jaw Slimming Treatments
As well as helping to structure a square jaw and create a more relaxed face shape, jaw slimming treatments have various other benefits. These may include:
- Manage Teeth Grinding – Grinding your teeth, also called bruxism, is a common problem that affects the jaw joints and muscles of the face. Masseter muscle relaxant treatments may assist you in managing this issue by relaxing these overactive muscles!
- Reducing Jaw Tension, Pain and Clenching – As this treatment relaxes the masseter muscle, it prevents you from clenching your jaw. Consistent clenching of the jaw can lead to pain and damage to the teeth and surrounding tissues. Jaw slimming treatment can help to ease common tooth-grinding side effects like headaches, soreness in the face or neck, muscle fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
- Non-Invasive Procedure – Masseter muscle relaxant involves a series of treatments for the masseter muscle. It is a non-surgical means of reducing a wide jaw and lower face.
- Fast Treatment Results – Generally, it may take up to two weeks for the effects to be evident, the results of this treatment typically last around 4 – 6 months.
Suitable Candidates
You may find jaw-slimming treatments suitable for you if you wish to:
- Reduce teeth grinding
- Manage jaw tension, pain, and clenching
- Relieve tension headaches
- Structure a square jaw
You may prefer to have jaw-slimming treatments for cosmetic or medical benefits. A suitable candidate for facial slimming treatments is someone who has a wide and tight jaw. Otherwise, this may be a good treatment if you grind, clench or have chronic pain or discomfort from chewing and opening your mouth.
Facial Slimming Treatment Process
Your treatment begins with a consultation. In this appointment, you’ll be invited to share what you expect to achieve with jaw muscle relaxant treatments. Your Gold Coast Plastic Surgery registered nurse will then assess your masseter muscle and determine if you are suitable and if so, the appropriate amount of product to use.
The products used will be explained to you in detail and you will get to choose which is suitable for you. The risks of this procedure and any downtime and specific aftercare instructions will also be explained to you in detail.
Once the consultation is complete and you have decided to continue with the treatment, you will have your photos taken. These will be stored privately for our registered nurse to assess your progress. Then, your treatment can begin.
First, the area under your cheek will be cleaned thoroughly with a medical-grade cleaning solution. Then, your registered nurse will administer a few small strategically placed muscle relaxant treatments into the masseter muscle. Once your treatment is complete, you will receive specific aftercare instructions and a complimentary follow-up appointment will be arranged within the next fortnight.
Facial Slimming Treatment – Surgical Option
For individuals seeking a surgical solution to face slimming, chin liposuction may be a suitable option. Chin liposuction may be recommended for individuals who have excess fat deposits in the area under the chin and along the jawline. It is generally suitable for cases where the excess fat is localised and resistant to diet and exercise.
During the procedure, a small incision is made, through which a thin tube, called a cannula, is inserted to suction out the excess fat. This surgical technique allows for reducing the chin and jawline, generally, resulting in a more reduced and slimmer face. Chin liposuction recovery time is typically minimal. However, it is important to consult with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon to determine if chin liposuction is the right option for your individual anatomy and surgery goals.
Masseter Relaxant Frequently Asked Questions
Are jaw-slimming treatment results immediate?
You will generally be able to notice the results of your jaw slimming treatment 2 weeks following your treatment.
How long does it take?
Masseter muscle relaxant treatment takes approximately 10 minutes to administer, making it suitable for those who may be time-poor. However, please allow at least 30 minutes for your appointment to discuss your concerns and expectations.
How often will I need this treatment?
The results of your jaw slimming treatment will generally last between 4 – 6 months, to maintain your results it’s recommended that you have follow-up appointments every six months.
Do I need a consultation?
Yes, this is a prescription treatment and you will need confirmation from a doctor to proceed. You will first consult with your registered nurse and they will liaise with a doctor to authorise treatment. All muscle relaxant consultations at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery are free of charge.
What are the risks?
During consultation, you can discuss possible side effects which may include:
- Occasional bruising and temporary redness
- Muscle weakness or slight ptosis
- Possible mild discomfort, such as headaches
Does jaw slimming hurt?
You may feel a slight pinch as the muscle relaxant product is administered, but it is reported as fairly tolerable by patients. If you are concerned about the pain, you can ask your registered nurse to apply a topical anaesthetic or use vibrational therapy to make your experience more comfortable.
What’s the recovery period like?
Jaw-slimming muscle relaxant treatment generally requires little downtime, allowing you to resume your daily tasks almost immediately after treatment. You may experience slight bruising of the treatment site but this will generally resolve within a few days.
What products do you use?
Due to TGA guidelines, we are unable to advertise the brand names of muscle relaxant treatments on our website. However, we stock the leading brands of muscle relaxants and are able to discuss these freely during your consultation.
How much does it cost?
This depends on you as an individual and how strong your masseter muscle is. Please enquire below for a complimentary consultation and quote.
How do I book?
You can book your muscle relaxant appointment by calling us on 07 5598 0988 during clinic hours or by submitting an enquiry form on our website.
