Can botox injections to the masseter muscle really give drastic results? Smaller jaw choices? (photo)

Jaw reduction surgery (also known as V line surgery) has become very popular in Asia, and is quickly gaining popularity in the US. There are several options to try to achieve the results you want. You can try masseter injections with botox which does work but takes time and is not permanent. I usually use 25 units on each side. The muscle atrophies over time which gives the appearance of a narrower jawline. This is also a good option for people who have issues with clenching their teeth or migraines.

The surgical technique I use involves making incisions on the inside of the mouth to gain access to the bone of the jaw. I can then precisely sculpt the bone using a powered rasp. The masseter muscle swells quite a bit after surgery but subsides over the course of several months. This is a permanent option of course and runs less risk of complications compared to making actual cuts in the bone. This also does not require hardware being placed which always runs the risk of extrusion and infection.

Best of luck to you,

Sarah Saxon, MD