Can I get Botox in the geniohyoid muscle? (Photo)

Question

Whenever I speak or sing, under my chin the muscle bulges out so much it's been bothering me a lot. It makes it look like I have a double chin or looks like a frog. I already had chin lipo so it's not due to fat it's caused by the muscle. Can I get botox in this muscle to reduce the effect?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Botox (botulinum toxin) is often used to manage muscle hyperactivity or spasticity in various parts of the body, including the face and neck. However, the geniohyoid muscle is not a commonly targeted muscle for botox injections. This muscle plays a role in swallowing and speaking, and injecting it with botox could potentially impact these functions.

If the muscle bulging under your chin is significantly bothersome, here are a few steps you should consider:

1. **Consult a Specialist**: It's crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon, otolaryngologist (ENT specialist), or a facial plastic surgeon who has experience with botox and the anatomy of the neck and chin. They can assess your specific situation and determine whether botox or another treatment might be appropriate.

2. **Comprehensive Evaluation**: The specialist will likely perform a physical examination and may request imaging studies to understand the anatomy and function of the muscles involved.

3. **Alternative Treatments**: Depending on the evaluation, the specialist might suggest alternative treatments. These could include:
   - **Physical Therapy**: Exercises to strengthen and balance the muscles in the neck and chin area.
   - **Surgical Options**: In some cases, surgical intervention might be considered to address muscle hypertrophy or other anatomical concerns.
   - **Other Injectable Treatments**: There might be other injectable treatments or techniques better suited to address your specific concerns.

4. **Potential Risks**: It's important to understand the potential risks involved with botox injections in the geniohyoid muscle, including difficulty swallowing, changes in speech, and other unintended effects.

In summary, while botox is a versatile treatment, its use in the geniohyoid muscle is not standard practice and should be approached with caution. A thorough consultation with a specialist will help determine the best course of action for your specific needs and ensure that any treatment plan is safe and effective.

David Yew, MD · Answer

Botox in the platysmal bands (Nefertiti lift) can help reduce the appearance of these muscles when singing.   It should not have any effect on your singing but I'd make sure you find an experienced provider that has done this on at least 20 patients.  Please see the attached video for an explanation and demonstration.

Can I get Botox in the geniohyoid muscle? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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