The list of benefits commonly attributed to Botox is extensive. Botox has received FDA (Federal Food and Drug Administration) approval for use in various medical and cosmetic procedures. Since its initial approval in 2002 by FDA as a temporary cosmetic treatment for moderate to severe frown lines, the number of Botox procedures performed each year has climbed into the millions. Botox injections were the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure in 2020 with 4.4 million procedures.

Most people know that Botox injections help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Many do not realize that Botox injections can help you achieve a slimmer facial appearance without painful surgical interventions. So how do Botox injections make this possible?

What are Botox Injections?

Botox cosmetic (or Botox injections) is a type of injectable neurotoxin. The injection uses botulinum toxin A to temporarily paralyze the muscles at the injection site. Although the procedure can treat many medical conditions such as chronic migraines, Botox was first introduced to the cosmetic treatment market to address a specific type of facial wrinkle called dynamic wrinkles. These are the type of wrinkles that form around your mouth and eyes and on your forehead from repetitive facial movements.

Interestingly, BOTOX® was the world’s first FDA approved botulinum toxin type A treatment. Initially approved in 1989 to treat two rare eye muscle disorders.

How Botox Slims Your Face?

Historically, the only way to slim and contour the face and jaw was to reduce overall size through diet and exercises. Or to undergo invasive and unpleasant surgical procedures such as facelifts and other similar treatments. Botox injections are a minimally invasive way to slim and contour the face without surgical intervention. A trained and experienced professional at Upkeep Med Spa will use Botox to target the masseter muscle at the back of the jaw.

What is the Masseter Muscle?

The masseter is a powerful muscle that connect the lower jawbones to the cheekbones. The muscle plays a significant role in chewing. When tight and tense, the muscle can give the face a square appearance. The masseter muscle can increase in size if you grind your teeth at night or clench your jaw frequently, as people often do when nervous or stressed. Injecting Botox into the masseter muscles helps to reduce activity, which can significantly affect the contours of the cheek and jawline.

What to Expect from Botox Injections?

Before injections are performed, your Upkeep Med Spa professional will assess the area to be treated. The professional will also ask questions about your skincare and face goals and how you hope Botox will help. As with most procedures involving Botox, the treatment process is short. Most patients report minimal discomfort. Another benefit to Botox injections over other surgical procedures is minimal recovery time.

It typically takes two to five days for the effects of Botox injections to become visible, with full slimming effects seen in a few weeks. The results of Botox injections wear off in three or four months (sometimes as long as six months). So to maintain a slimmer appearance, it is necessary to continue to visit Upkeep Med Spa regularly throughout the year. Your Upkeep Med spa professional will help you determine ways to continue caring for your skin and face at home.

If you are interested in learning more about all of the potential ways Botox injections can help you achieve your skincare and appearance goals, contact us at Upkeep Med Spa today to schedule a consultation appointment with a member of our skilled, experienced treatment team.