When most people think of Botox, the first image that comes to mind is smoothing out forehead lines or softening crow’s feet. And while it’s true that Botox has earned its place as a go-to treatment for wrinkles, that’s only part of the story. In the hands of an experienced injector, Botox can be used in ways that go far beyond wrinkle reduction—refining facial features, creating better balance, and even relieving discomfort caused by muscle tension.
Over the past two decades, the medical aesthetics field has refined techniques for using Botox to target specific muscles in the face and neck. These treatments are quick, require no downtime, and can have effects that are subtle yet powerful. Below, we’ll explore five of the most popular areas where Botox can be used beyond traditional wrinkle treatment: the gummy smile, masseter muscles, chin, jawline, and neck.
1. Gummy Smile – Softening and Balancing the Smile
A “gummy smile” occurs when the upper lip rises higher than desired while smiling, revealing a larger portion of the gums above the teeth. For some, this is simply part of their natural smile anatomy.
The key muscle involved is often the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, which pulls the upper lip upward when smiling. By carefully injecting Botox into this muscle, the pull is relaxed just enough so that the lip covers more of the gumline without affecting the natural expression. The goal is a balanced, proportionate smile—not a frozen or altered look.
Treatment benefits include:
- Fast results within a few days
- Minimal discomfort
- No impact on speaking or eating
While the effect is temporary, typically lasting three to four months, it can make a noticeable difference in smile confidence. Another favorite area to treat with Botox is a lip flip, find our lip flip results, here.
2. Masseter Muscles – Slimming the Jawline and Relieving Tension
The masseters are the large chewing muscles located at the back of the jaw. In some people, these muscles naturally have more bulk, leading to a square-shaped jawline. In others, repeated clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism) over time can cause the masseters to grow larger.
Botox in the masseters serves two purposes: reducing muscle activity to prevent clenching, and gradually slimming the jawline by decreasing muscle size over several weeks. Patients seeking a softer, more tapered facial shape often notice improvement within six to eight weeks.
Additional benefits include:
- Relief from jaw discomfort and tension
This is one of the most requested non-wrinkle Botox treatments, especially among patients looking for both aesthetic and functional improvements.
3. Chin – Smoothing Texture and Improving Profile
The chin plays a major role in facial balance. Overactive mentalis muscles in the chin can cause dimpling or a bumpy “orange peel” texture, particularly when speaking or smiling. This texture can distract from the overall symmetry of the face.
Botox works by relaxing these overactive muscles, creating a smoother surface and a softer appearance. In some cases, it also subtly elongates the chin, which can improve the overall facial profile—particularly when viewed from the side.
This treatment is quick, requires no downtime, and can be combined with dermal filler in the chin area for patients looking to enhance projection or correct a receding chin. The combined approach can have a dramatic effect on profile balance.
4. Jawline – Creating Definition and Lift
The jawline is of our most requested treatment areas. As the skin and underlying tissues change over time, the jawline can lose some of its crispness, with early signs of jowling appearing in the lower face.
Botox can help by relaxing the platysma muscle, which extends from the collarbone to the jawline. When this muscle becomes overactive, it can pull downward on the lower face, softening the jawline. Strategic injections along the jawline can reduce this pull, allowing the skin and tissues to lift slightly, an effect sometimes referred to as a “Nefertiti lift.”
Benefits include:
- Non-surgical improvement in jawline definition
- Subtle lifting effect for early jowling
Results are visible within two weeks and typically last three to four months.
5. Neck – Softening Vertical Bands
The neck is often one of the first areas to show visible signs of aging, and for many, it’s also one of the most difficult to address without surgery. Vertical neck bands, caused by the platysma muscle contracting over time, can make the neck appear tense or aged.
Botox can relax these bands, softening their appearance and creating a smoother, more elegant neck profile. For treatment, small amounts of Botox are injected along the length of the visible bands. While the results are temporary, they can be maintained with regular sessions and are often paired with treatments that address skin texture and pigmentation for a more comprehensive neck rejuvenation.
Why Botox Works in These Areas
The effectiveness of Botox in all of these treatments comes down to its ability to temporarily relax targeted muscles. By reducing the pull or activity of specific muscles, the overlying skin smooths out, and the balance between different parts of the face improves. Because each face is unique, the precise dosage and placement need to be customized for every patient to avoid overcorrection and ensure natural-looking results.
Treatment Experience and Expectations
Each of these Botox treatments is performed in-office and typically takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Most patients describe the sensation as a quick pinch, and no downtime is needed afterward. Results begin to appear within a few days to two weeks, depending on the treatment area.
Aftercare is minimal: patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous exercise, lying flat, or rubbing the treated area for several hours after the procedure. Side effects are rare but can include mild redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, which usually resolve quickly.
Botox is far more versatile than its reputation as just a wrinkle treatment. From balancing a smile to defining a jawline or softening neck bands, it offers targeted, minimally invasive solutions for both aesthetic and functional concerns. When administered by a trained professional with an understanding of facial anatomy, Botox can produce subtle yet transformative results that enhance natural beauty without changing the your appearance.
For those considering Botox, the most important step is finding a qualified provider who can evaluate your unique anatomy and goals, and create a tailored plan that ensures both safety and the best possible outcome.
References:
- Carruthers, J. A., & Carruthers, J. D. (2005). Botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of masseter hypertrophy. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 115(6), 1713–1717.
- Hexsel, D., et al. (2013). Botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of platysmal bands: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Dermatologic Surgery, 39(3 Pt 1), 379–386.
- Polo, M. (2008). Botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of excessive gingival display. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 133(2), 195–203.
- Kim, H. J., et al. (2003). Anatomical considerations regarding the location and function of the mentalis muscle. Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 25, 182–188.
- Klein, A. W. (2004). Complications with the use of botulinum toxin. Dermatologic Clinics, 22(2), 197–205.
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Peer Reviewed by Chelsea Delgado, RN
Chelsea brings nearly seven years of experience in Medical Aesthetics, specializing in injectable and laser treatments. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Chelsea began her nursing career with a focus on Aesthetic Medicine and quickly realized her passion for helping others feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.
