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For many years, Botox appointments have mostly been all about the upper face.
Think forehead lines, the "11s" between the brows, and crow's feet. Those are usually the first places people notice changes. So it makes sense that they've traditionally gotten the most attention.
Lately, though, there has been more interest in the lower face. It tends to change in a different way, and not always in ways that are immediately obvious at first.
The lower face is more often affected by muscle movement and tension over time than by fine lines. Certain muscles start to pull downward more than they used to. That can show up in a few different ways, such as a softer jawline, a slight downturn at the corners of the mouth or visible banding in the neck. Even when the upper face looks smooth, those changes can alter how the whole face feels.
Lower face Botox works by relaxing specific muscles just below the cheekbones. It's a little different from treatments that focus on smoothing lines or those that add volume.
Here, the goal is to reduce some of that downward pull and help everything sit in a more balanced way. Using Botox to treat the lower face is more about changing how muscles in the face move. It's less about changing how the face looks.
Popular treatment areas include the corners of the mouth, the chin, the jawline and the neck. Each one plays a bit of a different role. So the approach is usually more customized rather than being treated all at once.
The results tend to be subtle. Most people are not looking for a dramatic change in their appearance. They just want something that feels a bit more aligned.
The muscles at the corners of the mouth are called the depressor anguli oris. These muscles are responsible for pulling the mouth downward. In some circumstances that can create a resting expression that looks more tense than the person intended.
A small amount of Botox can help soften that pull and tense appearance. Typically, this is a very light treatment, often around 2 to 6 units per side. The benefit is that people get the results they desire without affecting their expression.
The chin is affected by the mentalis muscle, which can create dimpling or a slightly uneven texture. This muscle also pulls upward, which can make the lower face appear a bit shorter.
Treating the chin with Botox can help smooth the surface. In some cases, it even creates a slightly longer appearance through the lower face. Dosing is usually in the range of 6 to 10 units, depending on how active the muscle is.
The masseter muscle sits toward the back of the jaw and is involved in chewing. When this muscle is stronger or more developed, it can give the lower face a wider or more square-looking shape.
Botox can be used here to relax the muscle, which may gradually soften that shape. It can also help reduce tension from clenching. Most treatments fall somewhere between 15 and 30 units per side.
The jawline and neck are often discussed together in consultations, but they are both treated a bit differently.
Along the jawline, small amounts of Botox can help counteract the downward pull and support a more defined outline. This area typically uses about 6 to 10 units per side.
In the neck, the platysma muscle can form vertical bands that become more noticeable over a period of time. Treating those vertical bands, usually with 5 to 10 units per band, can help smooth the appearance of the neck.
Altogether, treatment across the jawline and neck can range from around 30 to 60 units, depending on the individual's needs and preferences.
Lower face Botox is not something that just works the same way for everyone. As discussed earlier, many factors like muscle strength, facial symmetry and movement patterns can all vary quite a bit and impact what treatment options are best.
Because of that, even small differences in placement can change the outcome. That is why experience and a strong understanding of facial anatomy matter here more than anything else.
Most people prefer a more conservative approach that relaxes specific muscles while keeping everything else moving naturally.
People often consider lower face Botox when they feel the lower face looks slightly heavier or less balanced than before.
It comes up quite a bit for people who already treat the upper face but still feel like something is missing. Not necessarily a major concern, just a subtle imbalance they want to address.
Lower face Botox may also be an option for people noticing a slight downturn at rest, tension in the jaw or early changes along the neck. In some cases, it can help slow the progression of jowls by reducing repeated downward pull.
The best way to approach it is through a consultation, where treatment can be tailored to the individual.
Lower face Botox is about how everything works together. Small, well-placed adjustments can help maintain balance across the face without taking away a person's natural expression.
At clinics like Skin Pharm, the focus stays on natural results. The goal is to support what is already there in a way that still feels like you.
For anyone considering it, a personalized consultation is usually the first step in understanding what approach makes sense.
Disclaimer:
BOTOX® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc. Any references to Botox are for informational purposes only and do not imply affiliation or endorsement.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.
