Can Botox help my face muscle hypertrophy?

Question

After years of bad oral habits (chewing lips and nails) I noticed the muscles around my lips have grown significantly. I have a very large tooth structure to make matters worse, so fillers would make the area appear even larger. My closed mouth looks very tense and protrudes from the rest of my face- I never look relaxed. Could Botox help soften these muscles for a more relaxed look?

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Botox is a neuromodulator that works by relaxing facial muscles to treat signs of aging and create a softer contour. In your case, Botox injections around the jawline may be very helpful. This treatment relaxes the masseter or chewing muscle, which is likely the muscle that has enlarged from overuse. It is located in the outer lower face and you can feel it when you bite down. In addition to relaxing the muscle, Botox will reduce the size to create a subtle slimming of the jawline. 
  
However, only the most experienced injector should place Botox anywhere near the mouth, as the wrong placement could create an asymmetrical or drooping smile. Another factor in your lip area looking larger is the volume loss of the face. The cheeks are somewhat flat and there is shadowing in the chin area. The lip area can look too large when the volume is lost around the lips. Placing fillers correctly along with a little Botox will give you the right facial balance. Make sure you work with a board-certified dermatologist who is also an expert injector to ensure the best possible results from your treatment. Through an in-person examination, your doctor should be able to design a treatment plan to meet your needs best.

Muhammad Mirza, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Thank you for your question and for providing pictures. Botox can help soften the muscles in the area. I suggest scheduling a consultation with an experienced physician for best results.  All the best.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Botox can be injected into these areas to create a softer look. The botox will essentially relax the muscles creating the appearance of atrophic muscles. The results will last up to 3-4 months hence you will have to re-inject roughly 3x per year. When administered by an expert injector you shouldn't have an issue with too much laxity. The biggest issue will be muscle weakness if you inject too large doses, which will be required in larger muscles (as compared to cosmetic forehead/face injections) See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Botox is a good choice to help soften activity of the muscles in the chin.  Around the lips extra caution is needed as Botox can affect your smile.  I encourage you to meet with an experienced injector near you to discuss your concerns and treatment options.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photo's.  I would recommend some filler in your chin to protrude a bit more , and botox in the chin as well to soften muscles.

Can Botox help my face muscle hypertrophy?

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Can Botox help my face muscle hypertrophy?

Answers (8)

Answer: Botox

Answer: Botox

Answer: Can botox help face muscle hypertrophy ?

Answer: Can botox help face muscle hypertrophy ?

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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