How can I slim down the bottom portion of my square-ish face? (Photos)

Question

How can i slim down the bottom portion of my face? What kind of procedure can I look into like Masseter Botox ? Or buccal fat removal or what kind of specialist can I look into

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

This is a very common concern, and I want to start by saying that the lower face can look “heavy” for several different reasons — muscle size, fat distribution, bone structure, or skin laxity — and the right solution depends on which of these is contributing most in your case. A thoughtful approach gives the most natural and satisfying results.

Here are the main options and how they differ:

Masseter Botox (jaw muscle slimming)
If the lower face looks wide because of strong or bulky jaw muscles — often seen in people who clench or grind their teeth — relaxing the masseter muscles with neuromodulator injections can gradually slim the jawline.

Results develop over 4–8 weeks

Best for muscular fullness, not fat

Also helpful if you have TMJ symptoms or jaw tension

Effects are temporary and require maintenance

Buccal fat reduction
This is a surgical procedure that removes part of the buccal fat pad inside the cheeks. It can create a more sculpted, hollowed lower cheek look.

Permanent change

Best for people with naturally fuller lower cheeks

Not ideal for already lean faces (can look too hollow over time)

Requires careful patient selection

Chin and jawline contouring (non-surgical)
Sometimes the issue is not excess width but imbalance. Subtle contouring with fillers in the chin or jawline can create a more tapered, V-shaped appearance without removing tissue. Strategic balance can visually slim the lower face.

Skin tightening treatments
If there is mild looseness contributing to heaviness, energy-based tightening treatments (radiofrequency or ultrasound-based devices) can help firm the lower face and jawline gradually.

Weight and fluid factors
Changes in weight, salt intake, sleep, and inflammation can also affect lower-face fullness more than many people realize.

Which specialist to look for
You would typically look for:
A board-certified dermatologist with cosmetic experience
A facial plastic surgeon
An oculofacial plastic surgeon
A maxillofacial or facial contouring specialist

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Do you grind your teeth? Based on your photos, you may have enlarged masseter muscles. If this is the case, Botox or another neuromodulator may be considered for a slimming effect. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

The masseter muscle is one of four paired muscles that are involved in chewing. The masseters add bulk to the angles of your mandible, and relaxing them and reducing the size of this muscle will create a more tapered appearance to your jawline. Buccal fat removal targets a specific fat pad within your cheek, and based on your photos is probably not the best procedure to create slimming your face.

How can I slim down the bottom portion of my square-ish face? (Photos)

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