Could I use Botox to reduce temple width & create a slimmer, more angular face? (Photos)

If you feel that your muscles in your temporal area are bulging and too large, Botox treatments may be a relatively easy way to reduce their prominence on front view. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

I’m not sure reducing the bulk of the temporalis muscle will decrease the amount of skin seen between the corner of the eye and the hairline. Also, I think your cheekbone is as much in play as the temporalis muscle, and that will not be affected by Botox.

That said, it’s pretty easy and low risk to try Botox, and it will wear off if you don’t like it. The only way to know if it’s going to work for you is to give it a go. Personally, I wouldn’t waste the money since I don’t think it has a high likelihood of success, but it depends on how motivated you are to try.

Botox, or botulinum toxin, is commonly used in cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and to contour certain areas of the face by relaxing muscles. While Botox is effective for reducing muscle activity and can help in slimming areas like the jawline by targeting the masseter muscles, its use in reducing temple width is less straightforward.

Botox for Temple Area
- **Temporalis Muscle**: The temporalis muscle is located on the sides of your head and helps in chewing. Botox injections here can potentially reduce muscle bulk, but this is not a common or widely-recognized use of Botox for facial contouring. The reduction in muscle size may not be as significant or long-lasting as desired.
- **Safety and Efficacy**: Injecting Botox in the temporalis muscle for aesthetic purposes is not as well-studied as other areas. The primary concern is that it might affect your chewing function and possibly lead to other complications.

Alternative Approaches
- **Dermal Fillers**: Sometimes, strategic use of fillers can help in creating a more angular face by enhancing other areas (like the jawline or chin), which may indirectly make the temples appear narrower.
- **Buccal Fat Removal**: This surgical procedure removes fat pads from the cheeks, creating a more contoured midface, which might balance out the appearance of the temples.
- **Cheekbone Reduction Surgery**: For a more permanent and significant change, cheekbone reduction surgery (zygomatic reduction) might be considered. This surgery alters the bone structure to achieve the desired contour.
- **Hair Transplant**: As you mentioned, another hair transplant might be an option to further narrow the appearance of your upper face by adjusting the hairline.

Consultation with a Specialist
Given your specific concerns and the complexity of facial aesthetics, it would be best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or a dermatologist who specializes in facial contouring. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend the most appropriate procedures based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

While Botox might offer some reduction in temporalis muscle bulk, it may not provide a significant or lasting change in temple width. A more tailored approach involving dermal fillers, buccal fat removal, cheekbone reduction, or additional hair transplant might be more effective in achieving your desired facial contour. Always consult with a specialist to explore your options and ensure the best and safest outcome.