Can Botox injections really slim the face?

Generally speaking, "瘦脸针" (slimming needle) refers to Botulinum Toxin Type A for injection. Botulinum Toxin Type A achieves facial slimming by blocking the nerve signal transmission between nerves and muscles. The general reference price for Botulinum Toxin Type A injection ranges from 1500 to 6000 yuan per session. Noticeable improvement is usually observed within 7 to 14 days, although possible side effects may include facial hollowing and allergic reactions. Whether Botulinum Toxin Type A injection can slim the face depends on the individual situation. If the facial enlargement is caused by masseter muscle hypertrophy, Botulinum Toxin Type A injection generally can achieve a slimming effect. However, if the enlarged face is due to excessive facial fat, this treatment might not be effective. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If the masseter muscle hypertrophy is caused by frequently chewing hard foods, bruxism (teeth grinding), or naturally developed masseter muscles, the botulinum toxin in the injection can block the nerve impulses between the nerves and the masseter muscles, reducing the contraction activity of the muscles and achieving a noticeable facial slimming effect.

If the facial enlargement is due to excessive accumulation of facial fat, such as caused by long-term high-calorie diet, lack of exercise, or genetic predisposition to easily accumulate fat, Botulinum Toxin Type A injection may not achieve a slimming effect, as it acts only on muscles and cannot break down or reduce fat cells.

If required, it is recommended to visit a legitimate hospital and undergo the procedure under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure its effectiveness and safety. In daily life, patients should maintain healthy lifestyle habits and avoid excessive reliance on aesthetic medical treatments.