In the event you’re noticing early sagging across the jawline or neck however aren’t fairly prepared for filler or surgical procedure, there’s a brand new tweakment catching consideration: Gonial Angle Botox. Whereas it’s not precisely new to injectors, it’s lastly getting a reputation—and a viral second.
“‘Gonial angle Botox’ is part of a technique we’ve used for years called the Nefertiti Lift,” explains Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD. “We inject Botox into the upper part of the platysma muscle, which runs from the collarbone up the sides of the neck and can pull the lower face downward as it contracts. When we relax it, some patients get a subtle lifting and sculpting effect along the jawline.”
Featured Consultants Dr. Daniel Schlessinger is a board-certified dermatologist in Omaha, NE Dr. Tess Mauricio is a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego Dr. Kenneth Beer is a board-certified dermatologist in West Palm Seaside, FL What precisely is the gonial angle?
The gonial angle refers back to the sharp nook behind your jawline, the place the vertical and horizontal elements of your mandible meet. That time, also referred to as the mandibular angle, is the place injectors now goal Botox to strategically weaken the platysma’s downward pull.
“By softening that muscle tension in this specific area, you can define the jawline and even get some central facial lift without using any filler,” says San Diego dermatologist Tess Mauricio, MD.
How is that this completely different from masseter Botox?
Don’t confuse this with masseter Botox, which is injected into the chewing muscle tissue for facial slimming or jaw ache. “The masseter sits higher and deeper than the platysma, even though they’re close together near the angle of the jaw,” Dr. Schlessinger explains.
“Masseter Botox slims the face by shrinking the muscle, while gonial angle Botox lifts and defines by releasing tension from the platysma.” In brief, one is for shrinking, the opposite for lifting.
Who’s a very good candidate?
This method works finest for folks with gentle sagging who nonetheless have first rate jawline definition. “It’s ideal for early aging changes,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “People who start to see heaviness or downward drag in the lower face can benefit, especially if they have a very active platysma muscle—you can test it by saying ‘EEEE’ and watching for prominent neck bands.”
Dr. Mauricio agrees and provides that outcomes are particularly satisfying in sufferers who need definition across the jawline however wish to skip filler altogether.
However don’t anticipate dramatic outcomes. “I’d rate the changes as ‘meh,’” says West Palm Seaside, FL, dermatologist Kenneth R. Beer, MD. “You’ll get mild improvement in neck lines and maybe a small lift in the angle of the jaw. But the effect is subtle.”
Precision Issues
As a result of the neck is residence to many vital nerves and blood vessels, this isn’t a DIY or low cost remedy. “The neck contains major nerves and muscles involved in facial expression and swallowing,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “If Botox is injected too close to the midline or too deep, it can temporarily affect smiling or even swallowing.”
That’s why visiting an skilled injector is essential. “Understanding the anatomy of the platysma and using the right dose in the right spot makes all the difference,” provides Dr. Mauricio. Over-injecting or poor placement may also have an effect on neighboring muscle tissue or salivary glands, resulting in negative effects.
The Backside Line
In the event you’re on the lookout for a refined, low-commitment elevate—particularly within the early levels of getting old—gonial angle Botox may be your subsequent tweakment. It’s not dramatic, however for the proper candidate, it might ship simply sufficient of a elevate to delay the necessity for extra aggressive intervention.
As Dr. Mauricio notes, the approach can redefine the jawline and elevate the decrease face with no filler wanted.
