BOTOX JAW REDUCTION FAQS
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) are intended to answer a lot of the most commonly asked questions that you may have about a specific procedure. By dividing the sections into procedural categories, you may be able to find the answer to the question you are seeking more easily. Please remember that what you read in this section is only intended to provide you with a general answer to a question and should not be considered in any way a substitute for a personal consultation with Dr. Lam.
What is the Botox jaw reduction procedure all about? This technique is to reduce the flare and width of a wide jawline. Reducing the appearance of a wide jawline can help establish improved facial harmony and thereby elevate one's attractiveness. In particular, some races like Koreans tend to have a stronger masseter muscle (chewing muscle) and a wider outer face. Botox jaw reduction can be undertaken to create a more pleasing facial shape.
Who is an appropriate candidate to have this procedure done? The most important criterion to decide if you are a good candidate is the thickness of your masseter muscle. The relative thickness of the masseter can be easily determined by biting down hard and feeling the outer jawline. If the muscle appears to be almost rock hard and enlarged in appearance when you clench your teeth, you may be a good candidate to have this procedure done. Dr. Lam has performed this procedure in men and women and in most different races. Another important aspect to investigate relates to your habits that may predispose you to have a larger masseteric muscle and flared jawline. Excessive and frequent gum chewing can accentuate the size of the masseter over time. Also, chewing hard items like ice, cuttlefish, or other dried items may lead to an enlarged masseter muscle. You may not know it, but you may be grinding your teeth (known as bruxism) that can also lead to a larger masseter as well. If you suspect this condition (sore jaws in the morning, painful or worn down teeth or TMJ pain/clicking), you should also consider seeking dental consultation.
How does Botox reduce the size of my jaws? Botox weakens the injected muscle over time, which leads in turn to a reduction in the overall size. The aesthetic effect of reducing the flared nature of the jawline is only truly appreciated in the right candidate. That is why Dr. Lam must personally evaluate your face before deciding if you are eligible to have this procedure performed.
Will I have problems chewing my food? Almost all patients that Dr. Lam selects do not have this problem only because he carefully chooses the right candidate for this procedure. If you do experience some tiring after chewing for a while, this phenomenon is only temporary and will go away over time.
Does the procedure hurt? No. Dr. Lam has a specialized method of injection that virtually eliminates all discomfort without the need for an anesthetic.
I can get it cheaper in another country. Will Dr. Lam match that price? No, remember that Botox that is manufactured by Allergan is more expensive than versions sold in other countries, but in Dr. Lam's opinion Botox is a much safer product than what you may be getting in other countries. Also, Dr. Lam uses a very large amount of Botox in the masseter to achieve the result you desire and the longevity you expect. You get what you pay for.
I have had this done before and the result appeared uneven. Dr. Lam does not encounter this problem because he carefully marks out your face with precise caliper measurements and double checks his symmetry before he begins. This level of attention distinguishes his results from that of his colleagues.
What is the recovery like? There really is no recovery period. Dr. Lam has not witnessed bruising or significant swelling with his technique. You are done in 2 to 3 minutes as an office procedure and can then drive home thereafter. There really are no restrictions in your activity thereafter.
When will I see a difference and how long will the result last? Unlike regular Botox of the upper face with results that can be evident in approximately 7 to 10 days following treatment and lasts about 3 to 4 months in time, Botox of the masseter takes about 6 weeks before you see the difference and will last typically between 6 months to a year and a half. However, at the end of the first week, you may notice that your jawline feels a lot softer when you bite down and feel it. Although some Korean researchers have claimed that the procedure is permanent after 2 to 3 injection cycles, Dr. Lam does not want to make such promises, as Botox really should be considered a temporary product.
Does Dr. Lam perform any other methods for jawline reduction? No. The other major method of jawline reduction is shaving down the jawbone through a more invasive procedure, which is popular in Korea. Although Dr. Lam has trained to perform this procedure, he does not do this procedure for three reasons. He would not perform this procedure frequently enough to maintain facility with it. Second, he believes that there really is a significant recovery and some risk with this procedure. Third, reduction of the bony jawline can result in an unnatural appearance in which the angle of the jawbone is eliminated, making the face appear to resemble the jawline of an animal.
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