Anti-Wrinkle treatment
Jaw Slimming
Soften an overdeveloped jawline caused by muscle tension or grinding.
- Treatment time
- Around 15 minutes
- Results
- Softer clenching in 1–2 weeks; visible slimming over 4–8 weeks
- Longevity
- Typically 4–6 months
- Downtime
- None
- From
- £300
About Jaw Slimming
The masseter is the large chewing muscle at the angle of the jaw. In some people it's naturally bulky, and in others it enlarges through clenching or grinding, giving the lower face a square or wide look. Jaw slimming places muscle relaxant into the masseter on each side; over the following weeks the muscle relaxes and reduces in bulk, softening the jawline into a slimmer, more oval shape.
Because the same treatment reduces clenching, many people also find relief from jaw tension, tension headaches and the wear that comes with grinding.
Key Benefits
- 01Slims a square or wide jawline for a softer facial shape
- 02Can ease clenching, grinding and jaw tension
- 03May help with tension-type headaches linked to clenching
- 04No surgery and no downtime
- 05Gradual, natural-looking change over several weeks
- 06Results that build with repeat treatment as the muscle stays relaxed
Is this treatment right for me?
This suits people with a square or wide lower face caused by a strong masseter muscle, and anyone who clenches or grinds their teeth and wants relief from the resulting tension. Where the width is mainly bone rather than muscle, John will say so at consultation.
You may be suitable if…
- Your jaw looks square or wide, especially when you clench
- You clench or grind your teeth, or wake with a tight, aching jaw
- You'd like a slimmer lower face without surgery
- You're not pregnant or breastfeeding
Your consultation will consider…
- How much of the jaw width is muscle versus bone — assessed by feeling the masseter as you clench
- Whether you grind or clench, and any dental advice you've had
- Facial balance, so slimming the jaw doesn't leave the cheeks looking hollow
- Your medical history and expectations
What to expect
Before treatment
Every course of treatment starts with a face-to-face consultation with John. He'll look at how your face moves, talk through what's bothering you and what a natural result would look like for you, and check your medical history. Because this is a prescription-only treatment, it is only offered after that assessment. There's nothing special to do beforehand, though it helps to arrive without heavy make-up on the area.
During treatment
The treatment itself is quick. John marks the points to be treated, then places a series of very small injections with a fine needle into the targeted muscle. Most people describe a brief pinch or sting rather than pain, and no anaesthetic is normally needed. The whole appointment, including a chat about aftercare, usually takes around 15–20 minutes. For jaw slimming, a few injections are placed directly into the masseter on each side, and the dose is higher than for fine facial lines because the muscle is much larger.
After treatment
You can leave straight away and carry on with your day. There may be small raised bumps at the injection points for 15–20 minutes and occasionally a little redness or a tiny bruise. The muscle starts to relax gradually over the following days, so you won't see a change immediately.
Watch
Results & longevity
Jaw slimming works differently from treating fine lines: because the masseter is a large muscle, the change is gradual. Clenching usually feels easier within a week or two, while the visible slimming develops over four to eight weeks as the muscle reduces in bulk. A peer-reviewed study of masseter treatment found measurable reduction in muscle thickness from around four weeks, with effects sustained for up to six months. Results typically last four to six months, and with repeated treatment the muscle tends to stay smaller for longer.
Recovery, side effects & aftercare
Anti-wrinkle injections are one of the gentlest treatments we offer in terms of recovery. There is no real downtime, and most people go straight back to work or their normal routine.
Side effects
Common temporary effects are a little redness, tenderness or a small bruise where the needle went in, and occasionally a mild headache in the first day or two. Less commonly the treatment can affect a nearby muscle — for example a temporarily heavier brow or, rarely, a drooping eyelid — which wears off as the product does. Very rarely people experience flu-like symptoms. Results are also temporary and can be slightly uneven at first; a review at two weeks lets us fine-tune if needed.
Aftercare
Stay upright and avoid lying down for around four hours after treatment. Don't rub, massage or apply pressure to the treated area for 24 hours, and skip make-up on the injection points for the rest of the day. Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot baths and alcohol for 24 hours, as these can increase bruising. You can gently cleanse the skin as normal.
Please contact the clinic if you notice a drooping eyelid, significant asymmetry, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or anything that worries you — we'd always rather hear from you.
- Downtime
- None
- Redness
- Mild, usually gone within an hour
- Swelling
- Small bumps for 15–20 minutes
- Bruising
- Occasional small bruise, fades within a few days
- Normal activities
- Immediately; avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I notice a change?
Clenching usually eases first, within a week or two. The visible slimming develops more gradually over four to eight weeks as the muscle reduces in size.
Will I still be able to chew normally?
Yes. At an appropriate dose the muscle relaxes rather than stops working; you may notice chewing very tough foods feels slightly different for a few weeks, which settles.
Does it help with teeth grinding?
Many people with bruxism find it helps — a clinical study recorded a significant drop in reported jaw pain and improved mouth opening after masseter treatment. Please mention grinding or clenching at consultation.
How long does jaw slimming last?
Typically four to six months. With repeat treatment, the muscle often stays smaller for longer so the interval can extend.
When will I see results?
The muscle relaxes gradually. Most people notice the first change after two to three days, with the full effect visible at around two weeks. We offer a review at that point if anything needs adjusting.
How long do results last?
Typically three to four months, after which movement gradually returns. Longevity varies with the area, the dose and your own metabolism; repeat treatment can be planned at consultation.
Does it hurt?
Most people describe a quick pinch. The needle is very fine and each injection takes a second or two, so it's over quickly. No anaesthetic is normally needed.
Is there any downtime?
No. You can return to work or your normal day straight away. We just ask you to avoid strenuous exercise, lying down and touching the area for the first few hours.
What happens at the consultation?
John assesses how your face moves, discusses what you'd like to change and checks your medical history. Because this is a prescription-only treatment, it is only offered after that face-to-face assessment. You'll leave with a clear plan and price before anything is booked.
Your Practitioner
John Dixon
Founder & Aesthetician
John founded Trusted Touch Aesthetics in Fulham and specialises in facial balancing, wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation. He is CPD-regulated and fully insured, and is known for taking the time to assess your face properly, explaining every option honestly and never over-treating — the aim is always a natural result that still looks like you. Clients regularly mention his calm manner, attention to detail and the aftercare follow-up that checks in on how you're healing.