Botulinum toxin is a biological product that can be mass-produced through genetic engineering. Due to its nerve-blocking properties, it is widely used in neurology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, and cosmetic procedures. Although it is a toxin, the dosage currently used in cosmetic applications is only one percent of its maximum safe dose, making it highly safe.
1. How long has botulinum toxin been used?
Only products that stand the test of time prove their worth. The use of botulinum toxin for cosmetic injections has a history spanning over 20 years.In 1986, while treating blepharospasm with botulinum toxin, the Canadian Carruther couple unexpectedly discovered its remarkable wrinkle-reducing effects. Subsequently, they applied botulinum toxin to treat forehead lines, glabellar lines, and crow's feet. After a series of trials, they first reported their findings in 1992. The Carruther couple thus became the inventors and pioneers of this technique.
Botulinum toxin is a biological product that can be mass-produced through genetic engineering. Due to its nerve-blocking properties, it is widely used in neurology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, and cosmetic surgery. Although it is a toxin, the dosage currently used in cosmetic procedures is only one percent of its maximum safe dose, making it extremely safe.
2. Why use botulinum toxin for masseter hypertrophy?
Women often seek facial contouring to achieve an oval face shape, frequently due to enlarged mandibular angles. In 1994, Smyth et al. reported using botulinum toxin to treat bilateral masseter hypertrophy, hailing it as a revolutionary new approach.Smyth recommended adopting this technique as the standard treatment for "masseter hypertrophy." Botox injections induce atrophy and reduction of the masseter muscle through denervation, achieving more thorough results and resolving this challenge. This enhancement significantly increased patient satisfaction and the number of individuals seeking treatment.Combining botulinum toxin injections with mandibular angle surgery achieved superior results (11 greater than 2) for treating round faces. Integrating facial liposuction, zygomatic bone reduction, and narrowing procedures can yield substantial improvements in facial contouring.
3. How is botulinum toxin administered?
Typically, 1–2 injection sites are selected per side.Injections should be administered as slowly as possible. No local massage or special post-injection care is required; normal chewing motion allows the solution to gradually diffuse within the muscle tissue. 4. When does Type A botulinum toxin take effect? How long does the effect last? Visible changes in masseter muscle atrophy and facial contour typically appear within one month after Type A botulinum toxin injection. The effect generally lasts approximately one year.
5. What other comprehensive treatments are available for a round face?
Beyond botulinum toxin injections and mandibular angle arc osteotomy, options include facial liposuction and zygomatic bone contouring. Combining these treatments can significantly improve a round facial appearance.