Which helps slim sides of face better, lower chin liposuction or Botox?

Question

I have both a wide stereo typically "Asian" face (flat droopy cheeks, temples as wide as jaw) and a soft one with little bone structure in my cheeks. I would like a slimmer jawline and face. Is lower face liposuction, buccal fat reduction or Botox in the jawline the best, safest route?

Thomas P. Sterry, MD · Answer

The answer to your question depends entirely on your personal anatomy.  There is no way that a physician in this forum can tell you for sure without at least a photograph - but we would all prefer to see you in person.  I have had great luck with both injectables and liposuction for these purposes.

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

All of the procedures that you mention may be necessary in your situation.  Without an examination or photographs it is impossible to tell.  I have had many patients that underwent the combination of neck liposuction, buccal fat reduction and masseter muscle botox with great results.  Liposuction of the face generally isn't performed.  For a permanent result, the jaw bone (mandible) can be contoured by removal of bone, which permanently slims the lower third of the face.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Typically botox can be used -- if the masseter (muscle used for chewing) is enlarged -- to help slim the jawline.  Fillers can be used as well if in the right proportion.  Do you have photos?  Best,  Dr. Emer.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Irsi,The injection of Botox into the masseter muscles is an effective treatment for slimming the lower face.  It is a very common procedure on Asian faces.  Liposuction of the neck helps to define the jawline.  I would not advise removing buccal fat pads as invariably, as one gets older, the face needs that volume and appears haggard.  As with all facial aesthetic treatments, it is most important that you take the time to choose your physician very carefully based on their skill, experience, and natural artistic vision.  Good luck and be well.Michael Persky, MDEncino, CA

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

I am certainly not a fan of buccal fat removal but that treatment combine with liposuction of the chance is much better than Botox. Botox may be helpful in the masseter (jaw muscles)

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your
question and we recommend that you have a consultation with a board-certified
dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine what the best options are for
you. In many Asians, the use of Botox in the masseter regions of the face can
make a major difference in making the skin more oval. Other procedures can also
be done, but usually this is a good place to start and see what kind of natural
and nice results can be obtained by just doing this.

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Traditional Asian faces, though considered very beautiful in the eyes of many, may benefit from different interventions for reshaping. Using a neurotoxin like Botox to reshape the jaw may be a good place to start since it is minimally invasive. Bee sure to have your face evaluated by a board certified facial plastic surgeon with expertise in Asian cosmetic produces.

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS · Answer

A consultation in person is needed to answer this question adequately.  That said, botox is VERY effective in my experience in Asian faces when there is a strong massetter muscle.  If you clench down hard with your mouth closed and feel the muscle protrude, this might be a sign that you can benefit greatly from weakening the muscle with Botox.  In young patients, this has been shown to actually reduce the bone formation in the jaw and result in a permanent narrowing of the lower face and jawline, which is fascinating.  Most patients have repeat injections a few times per year and tend to need fewer injections over time.  Jaw liposuction can be frought with complications and you need to make sure you're a good candidate.  I have found ThermiTightRF to be a wonderful device to tighten the jawline and melt fat with little downtime and few adverse events.  See a board certified oculofacial or facial plastic or plastic surgeon with is also an experienced injector of botox and fillers to explore your options.  I almost always recommend to start with the least invasive procedure and get the best bang for your buck.Best of luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Slimming of the lower face is treated by identifying the cause of the fullness. Botox can soften  master hypertrophy. Fillers can potentially cause more angulation. Liposuction or buccal fat pad excision can narrow certain aspects. You would need to be seen in person.

Karen Stolman, MD · Answer

If you are looking at which is safer.  It's hard to argue that a permanent change with liposuction and buccal fat surgery is more invasive and inherently riskier than a needle injection for temporary improvement (3-6 months) with Botox.  Surgery carries a higher $$$ price, higher risk of scar, infection, and disfigurement.  If your masseter muscles are prominent and you can identify their presence by clenching your teeth, then I would recommend trying the less invasive, temporary approach first to be sure that you like your more slender face and that you are ready to commit to something more.  If you try the Botox first, and it fails to slenderize your face to your liking then you can reconsider the surgery.

Which helps slim sides of face better, lower chin liposuction or Botox?

Answers (12)

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