For jowls, Botox is injected into muscles pulling the skin down, primarily the Platysma muscle in the neck/jawline and sometimes the Masseter muscle (jaw muscle) for slimming, along with the Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle at the corners of the mouth to lift them and smooth marionette lines, aiming for a subtle lift and defined jawline rather than a full facelift.
Treating the mid-face to soften jowling
Dr Janine explains, “Restoring volume loss to the mid-face will indirectly soften the jowls. This is achieved by injecting hyaluronic acid-based fillers into the cheeks, to add volume and create a more lifted appearance.
By relaxing the masseter muscles, Botox can reduce their size and prominence, resulting in a slimmer and more defined jawline. Overall, Botox works by temporarily inhibiting muscle contractions, which in turn helps improve the appearance of sagging jowls and tightens the jawline for a more youthful and sculpted look.
Botox injections are placed in the masseter muscle which relaxes the jaw and stops the constant grinding.
Thus, even though this muscle is called the superficial masseter, it is wise to inject botulinum toxin deeply, near where it attaches to bone. This often requires a ½” needle. One unintended outcome is migration to the risorius muscle, which can affect the appearance of the patient's smile and mouth movement.
If it's right for you, The Look of 3® is an opportunity to be treated in 3 areas, with 64 units, at least 3 times a year. For moderate to severe forehead lines, frown lines, and crow's feet in adults. *Treatments should be spaced 90 days apart.
7 Botox Danger Zones: Where Not to Inject Botox. Botox danger zones are specific areas on the face and neck where injections must be administered with particular care due to the risk of complications. These zones include the forehead, between the eyebrows, around the mouth, around the eyes, the nose, neck, and jawline.
The 4-hour rule for Botox refers to the recommendation that you remain upright and avoid lying down for at least 4 hours after your injection. This means no napping, bending forward excessively, or lying flat. Why? Because Botox needs time to settle into the targeted muscles.
To address jowls, we usually administer about 20 to 30 units of BOTOX per side, but this varies depending on the severity of the sagging.
We also recommend stopping retin-A two days before your Botox appointment because it makes your skin sensitive and may increase your risk of a skin reaction. You also must avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to your Botox treatment. Alcohol may increase risk of post-procedure redness and bruising.
While Botox is primarily used to relax muscles, it is not typically recommended for treating sagging jowls. Instead, dermal fillers offer an effective solution. By adding volume and support, fillers can lift and redefine the jawline, helping to smooth the appearance of jowls.
Most individuals start to see noticeable improvements in the appearance of their wrinkles or treated areas within three to five days. However, it can take up to two weeks for the full effects of Botox to be completely visible.
The ideal Botox candidate for sagging jowls typically falls within the 35 to 55 age range, when collagen production begins to decline and the first signs of facial sagging appear. These patients often have: Mild to moderate sagging along the jawline. Good skin elasticity, meaning the skin can still snap back when ...
The Best Areas to Inject Botox for Jowls
Meanwhile, the angular artery coursing over the jawline provides circulation to lower facial structures. Injecting filler into any facial artery can obstruct blood flow to surrounding tissues fed by downstream vessels. Skin fed by the blocked artery rapidly becomes ischemic and eventually necrotic if left untreated.
Fillers injections are another option and are an easy in-office procedure. Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are popular choices to camouflage bulges and shadows in the jowl area. Fillers are not without risks, however, and they do not cause any actual lifting of the soft tissue.
However, in rare cases, this loss of volume or muscle support may result in:
Ideal Age and Skin Condition
While there's no magic number, the best candidates for treating jowls with Botox are typically between 35 and 55. This is often when people first notice the downward pull of the platysma muscles and the early signs of sagging along the jawline.
Avoid alcoholic beverages at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to treatment. Alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising. Discontinue Retin-A two (2) days before and two (2) days after treatment.
If you are aged between 30-50 your facial muscles tend to be strong enough to have Botox injections and for them to be effective. Having Botox in your 50s is always a good idea, as when you get to the age of 65 and above, the facial muscles tone might end up being too weak to achieve your desired results.
Most people start to see Botox results within 3 to 5 days, while full results typically appear between 7 and 14 days. The exact timing depends on factors like muscle strength, treatment area, and individual response.
“This reflects a broader shift towards proactive skin health,” De Souza says. “People are taking charge of their skincare journey with long-term regeneration and vitality in mind.” Perhaps it's not that Gen Z don't want Botox, it's that they actually don't need it.
Average Botox Treatment Cost: A standard Botox cosmetic treatment involves 20 to 40 units, translating to a cost between $325 and $600.
Tips to Speed up Your Botox Recovery Process
A good price to pay for Botox typically ranges from $10 to $20 per unit, but the total cost depends on how many units you need. Most people require 20 to 60 units for common treatment areas like forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines.