Is Botox effective in reducing submandibular gland size?

Question

I am a thin 35 year old man with large protruding submandibular glands ruining my jawline. They occasionally ache but I have had imaging done and there was no issue. I have two questions regarding shrinking my submandibular glands with botox. Is this effective and will it require additional injections a few times a year indefinitely? Also is it safe to administer botox to the gland without ultrasound guidance? A local plastic surgeon told me the ultrasound was unnecessary. Does that sound ok?

Anna Avaliani, MD · Answer

You have asked a few good question and have done everything correct to ensure there is nothing else going on.1. Botox can definitely help2. Yes it will require at least 2 injections a year or as often as you need. It is patient preference based on necessity. Not a requirement. You sat and stop at your wish.3. You may consider surgical removal if you want permanent results4. No Ulthasound is needed for this injection
It this greatly bothers you, Botox is an easy solution with minimum to no recovery .
Best, Dr.Anna Avaliani, NYC

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Botox, or botulinum toxin, has been used in various medical conditions due to its ability to cause temporary muscle weakness. It is often used in cosmetic procedures to reduce wrinkles, but it has also been used to treat conditions like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and bruxism (teeth grinding). Some studies have suggested that Botox might be effective in reducing the size of salivary glands, including the submandibular glands.

However, this is not a commonly performed procedure, and the evidence is not as strong as for other uses of Botox. It would be essential to have a thorough discussion with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks.

Regarding the need for repeated injections, Botox's effects are temporary, so if it did reduce the size of your glands, you would likely need repeat injections to maintain the effect. The frequency of these injections would depend on how quickly your body metabolizes the Botox, but generally, they might be needed every 3-6 months.

As for the use of ultrasound guidance, it can help ensure the Botox is injected directly into the gland, reducing the risk of complications. However, some experienced practitioners might feel comfortable performing the injection without ultrasound guidance. This is something you would want to discuss further with your doctor to understand their reasoning and comfort level with the procedure.

Please note that this advice is general in nature, and individual health circumstances can vary. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personal medical advice.

Is Botox effective in reducing submandibular gland size?

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Is Botox effective in reducing submandibular gland size?

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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