A chiseled, well-defined jawline is considered an attractive facial feature. However, as we age, skin loses elasticity, and facial fat increases, causing the lower face and jawline to appear less sharp. While diet, exercise, and good skincare habits can help, Tox injections are an effective medical solution for sculpting and contouring the jawline.
How Tox Recontours the Jaw
Tox, also known as Botulinum toxin, is an injectable made from bacterium. It relaxes muscles by blocking nerve signals, which smooths wrinkles and lifts drooping skin. Along the jaw, Tox targets the platysma bands, masseter muscles, and mentalis muscles.
Relaxes Platysma Bands
Platysma bands are the vertical muscles that run down the front of the neck. As we age, these bands stretch out, causing wrinkling and drooping skin along the jawline called jowls. Tox relaxes the platysma bands, lifting the jowls and sharpening the angle of the jaw.
Slims Hypertrophic Masseter Muscles
The masseter muscles are located along each side of the jaw and control chewing. Some people have naturally enlarged masseter muscles or develop them by clenching or grinding teeth. Tox injections slim and relax overdeveloped masseter muscles, contouring a wide, square jaw into a slimmer V-shape.
Lifts the Chin and Corners of the Mouth
The mentalis muscle under the chin controls puckering and dimpling motions. When it weakens over time, the chin and corners of the mouth droop down. Tox lifts this area by relaxing the mentalis and giving a sharper profile along the jawline.
Improving Jaw Definition with Tox
There are a few key ways Tox improves the definition and appearance of the jawline:
Removal of Jowls and Sagging Skin
Tox smooths vertical neck bands and lifts sagging jowls that obscure the jaw. This reveals a clean, smooth jawline from the ear to the chin.
Reduction of Square, Wide Jaw Shape
Slimming enlarged masseter muscles reduces width through the lower face for a more oval, V-shaped jaw rather than a wide, square shape.
More Defined Jaw Angle and Chin
By lifting drooping muscles, Tox makes the jaw angle and chin appear more crisp and defined. This enhances the side profile.
Overall More Youthful Contour
Combined, these rejuvenating effects make the jawline appear tighter and more lifted like a youthful facial contour. It offsets the aging impacts of sagging skin and increased fat.
Who is a Good Candidate for Jawline Tox?
The ideal Tox for jawline candidates include:
- Adults in their mid-30s to 60s experiencing early to moderate signs of lower face aging
- Individuals with good skin elasticity and bone structure
- People with square, wide jawlines or wide masseter muscles
- Those with jowls, sagging chin skin, loss of jaw definition
- Patients wanting a temporary enhancement and maintenance treatment
- Individuals who are in good health without neuromuscular disorders
Tox works best on patients showing early to moderate facial aging skin. It is important to have good bone structure since Tox cannot dramatically alter the jawbone. Combining Tox with other procedures like chin fillers or an implant can maximize results.
What to Expect During Your Tox Jaw Treatment
Getting Tox to redefine your jawline is a quick 10-15 minute minimally invasive treatment with little to no downtime. Here is what to expect:
Consultation for Evaluation
During your consultation, your provider will evaluate your face, skin quality, bone structure, muscles, and problem areas to determine the optimal treatment plan.
Tox Injections Along the Jaw
The procedure involves using a fine needle to inject very small amounts of Tox in specific muscles along the jawline and chin. Most patients only feel minor pinching or stinging from the needle.
See Results in 3-10 Days
It takes 3-10 days to see improved muscle relaxation, skin lifting, and enhanced jaw definition. Maximal effects are visible at 2-3 weeks. Results last 3-4 months.
Potential Minor Side Effects
Temporary minor bruising, pain or numbness can occur but resolve in a few days. Difficulty chewing or facial asymmetry is possible if too much Tox is used.
Maintaining Your Jawline Definition
While one round of properly placed Tox can significantly improve jaw definition, maintenance is ideal for prolonged effects.
Repeat Treatments Every 3-4 Months
Schedule maintenance appointments every 3 to 4 months to refresh your results before they completely wear off. Consistent treatments reinforce muscle relaxation.
Combine with Other Facial Rejuvenation Options
Pair your Tox jawline treatment with other procedures like fillers, chin implants, neck liposuction, or laser skin resurfacing for improved overall facial contouring.
Support Effects with Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Eat a balanced diet, exercise, stay hydrated, stop smoking, and practice good skincare to help maintain your appearance between Tox appointments.
With continued Tox treatments every few months and healthy lifestyle choices, you can enjoy a more youthfully defined jawline and facial profile for years. Talk to your provider about sculpting your ideal jawline contour with Tox.