For jowls, Botox is injected into specific muscles like the Platysma (neck bands) to relax downward pull, the Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) (corners of the mouth) to lift downturned lips, and sometimes the Masseter (jaw muscle) to slim the jawline, all working to redefine the jawline and create a subtle lift for a less sagging appearance.
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.
Results from Botox for jowls are not as dramatic as a facelift. Still, it can make a visible difference for the right candidate, especially those with mild to moderate skin laxity. You can expect results within 5 to 7 days, with full improvement around 2 weeks.
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.
Injecting into the masseter muscles not only helps slim the face but also offers relief from TMJ and jaw pain. Moreover, injections beneath the jawline can effectively lift jowls, resulting in a rejuvenated appearance.
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.
The Best Areas to Inject Botox for Jowls
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.
On the other hand, Botox is more suitable for those with a well-defined jawline that's becoming less sharp over time, especially if strong neck muscles are pulling it down further. In such cases, Botox helps improve the definition rather than add volume like fillers do.
The riskiest areas for Botox involve locations with crucial blood vessels and delicate muscles, primarily the glabella (between eyebrows) due to arteries that can cause blindness if blocked, the forehead/brow area risking eyelid droop (ptosis) or unnatural brow shapes, and the perioral region (mouth area), where poor placement can affect speech, smiles, or cause puckering. The masseter muscle (jaw) and neck (platysmal bands) are also sensitive, potentially causing chewing difficulty or swallowing issues with improper technique, requiring expertise to avoid complications like necrosis or paralysis.
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 ...
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.
Typical amount: 2–4 syringes (1–2 per side)
Jawline filler can help masculinize or feminize the face depending on the desired outcome.
The "Botox 4-hour rule" means you should stay upright and avoid pressure or lying down for at least four hours after injections to prevent the neurotoxin from migrating from the treated muscles to unintended areas, which can cause side effects like drooping or uneven results. This helps the Botox settle precisely where it's needed for optimal wrinkle-smoothing effects, so avoid bending, rubbing, or strenuous activity during this critical period.
Results from Botox injections for jowls can be seen within a few days and typically last between 3 to 6 months. It's essential to have realistic expectations; while Botox can provide a noticeable lift, it won't offer the same dramatic results as surgical options.
Top 10 areas on the face to treat with Botox:
By targeting key muscles in the chin, jawline, and neck, Botox in the lower face helps address common concerns like chin dimpling, sagging jowls, and offers a more balanced, natural look.
Key Takeaways. A 40-unit treatment is a great starting point for a refreshed look: This common dosage is typically enough to smooth the forehead, soften frown lines, and ease crow's feet all at once. Expect your final, natural-looking results to appear in about two weeks.
Gen Z is saying "no" or "not yet" to Botox due to a desire for natural beauty, individuality, and healthy aging, rejecting the overdone "Instagram Face," fearing irreversible damage, and prioritizing serious skincare and non-toxic alternatives over the costly, repetitive nature of injectables, despite social media pressure to do them. They're focused on "skinimalism," collagen support, and avoiding the potential for unnatural or frozen looks often seen online, opting for treatments that enhance rather than mask their natural features.
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.
Botox works by temporarily relaxing the platysma muscle, which is often responsible for pulling the skin downward and creating the appearance of jowls. By reducing the activity of this muscle, Botox helps to lift and tighten the skin, smoothing out sagging areas and improving the jawline's contour.