Will injecting Botox into the Buccinator muscle make my face appear slimmer?

Question

I've already had botox injected into the masseter however my face is really chubby and i would like it to slim down even more

Mabrie Facial Institute | San Francisco · Answer

Hi rcdivina, thank you for your question! Botox to the buccinator muscle would not give you the slimming effect you would like to achieve. To best achieve this look botox should be placed to the masseter muscles. Multiple treatments may be needed in order to see desired results. 
The buccinator muscles are deep muscles that assist muscles of mastication, smiling, and whistling. Injecting Botox to these muscles will effect your ability to properly carry out those vital functions. 
I've created  a video that reviews treating masseter muscles with Botox to slim the face. I hope you find this helpful in your research!

Jeanine B. Downie, MD · Answer

I think what you mean is should you get botox injected into your masseter muscle. If that alone does not slim your face down, you may have to actually get your buccal fat pads removed by a facial plastic surgeon. Good luck, Dr. Downie

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

You will end up will problems smiling after injection in this area. If you want slimming after having the masseters appropriately injected, then consult a surgeon to consider buccal fat removal.

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

Without pictures it is difficult to tell what is making your face chubby. I doubt that it is the buccinator muscle. There is a fat pad in that area called the buccal fat pad and that may be the cause of your chubby appearance. I would talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon about this and they may suggest excision of that buccal fat pad.Good luck!

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

You have posted no pictures to indicate why your face is "really chubby". If its fat, then Botox will do nothing. If its Bone, then Botox will do nothing. If if excess facial volume is due to masseter muscle hypertrophy then longterm proper injection of Botox will atrophy the muscle and reduce the volume. Buccinator muscle hypertrophy is not the reason for "chubby" face and should not be injected with Botox as it will cause problems with oral competence.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

It is really best just to inject the masseter muscle to slim the face with Botox.  Please consult an expert with Botox for the best cosmetic results.  Best, Dr. Green

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear rcdivina,

Thank you for your clinical post and question.  If you actually meant buccinator muscle, this
is a deep muscle in the cheek and behind which the buccal fat pad resides.  The buccinator helps during mastication and
phonation and injecting it with Botox will not change your facial appearance at
all.

However, if you meant the masseter
muscle injecting this with Botox can definitely decrease the transverse width
of your lower third of your face.

This is more common in certain races
such as a Japanese and Korean faces who have large hypertrophy masseters and
injecting them can provide a much more oval look.  Generally, 60 or more units is required in
each masseter and this will soften the mandibular border and angle in those
individuals with wide lower faces.

I hope this information is of some
assistance and best of luck.

To find out more, please visit the
link below.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Masseter injection often provides a dramatic narrowing of the angle of the jaw however if your face is rounded buccal fat pad removal can result in narrowing and flattening of your cheeks as well as highlighting of your cheek bones.  For appropriate full faced individuals the results can be very rewarding.Good luck and best wishes.Jon A Perlman MD FACSCertified American Bd. of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)ABC TV Extreme Makeover plastic surgeonBeverly Hills, Ca.

Will injecting Botox into the Buccinator muscle make my face appear slimmer?

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