Are hollows in my mid face a result of masseter botox? (photo)

Question

I had botox a month ago to slim my jaw but I thought itd slim the lower part of my face where my jaw bone is. Now I look weird and my jaw more prominent because there seems to be a dent-look in the mid part of my face. Is this likely caused by the botox I did or am I tripping?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Botox injected into the masseter muscle can slim the appearance of the jaw.  It does not cause hollows to the mid face, but with a slimmer jaw other features may become more noticeable to you.  The effects of Botox are temporary so you should find gradual restoration of your previous look as the product wears off.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If you noticed indentations on both sides after receiving BOTOX for jawline slimming, that could be the culprit. The good news is that this should autocorrect within the next several months without further effort on your part. Hope this is helpful. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

It's unlikely that Botox injections in the masseter muscle (the muscle that moves the jaw) would cause hollows in the mid-face area. Botox injections work by blocking nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected, causing a temporary reduction in muscle activity. When injected into the masseter muscle, the goal is typically to reduce the size of this muscle, which can create a more oval or heart-shaped face.

However, Botox injections do not directly affect the mid-face area, which is primarily composed of fatty tissue and other facial muscles. Any changes in this area are more likely due to age-related volume loss, weight loss, or other factors.

That said, everyone's facial anatomy is unique, and it's possible that changes in one area of your face may indirectly affect the appearance of other areas. If you're noticing unwanted changes in your facial appearance, it's important to discuss these concerns with your provider. They can help determine the cause of these changes and suggest appropriate treatment options.

Please note that this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your personal medical circumstances. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information.

Daphney Gracia Antony, MBBS, DipDerm, MScSurg(Ed) · Answer

Although Botox is injected into the lower half of the masseter and the target is the reduction of volume at the jaw angle, botox works on the entire muscle. Overall muscle volume decreases and the upper half of the muscle could have slimmed down too. More botox units injected in the left masseter will slim down the slightly hypertrophied masseter, making the contours smoother and hollows less prominent.

Are hollows in my mid face a result of masseter botox? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Botox reduces the girth of the entire Masseter

Answer: Botox reduces the girth of the entire Masseter

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Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Are hollows in my mid face a result of masseter botox? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Botox reduces the girth of the entire Masseter

Answer: Botox reduces the girth of the entire Masseter

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.