Salivary Gland Botox: Effective for Facial Volume and Line Refinement?
Salivary gland Botox is a procedure that can help reduce the size of the parotid glands (ear glands) or submandibular glands (jaw glands) to improve unnecessary facial volume and create a more slender jawline. If the lower face appears wide or asymmetrical despite underdeveloped jaw muscles (masseter), salivary gland hypertrophy may be the cause, and salivary gland Botox can be considered in such cases.
What is Salivary Gland Hypertrophy?
Salivary glands are organs in our body that secrete saliva, and there are three major salivary glands: the parotid glands (ear glands), submandibular glands (jaw glands), and sublingual glands (under-tongue glands). Among these, the parotid and submandibular glands are located in positions that can affect the facial contour. Salivary gland hypertrophy refers to a condition where these salivary glands become larger than normal, which can cause not only cosmetic issues but also dryness and pain. The causes of salivary gland hypertrophy are diverse, and frequent alcohol consumption, binge eating, vomiting, certain medication use, eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa), and stress are known to be contributing factors.
How Does Salivary Gland Botox Work?
Salivary gland Botox is a procedure that involves directly injecting botulinum toxin into the salivary glands to reduce their size. Botulinum toxin works by inhibiting the secretion of neurotransmitters, thereby paralyzing muscle movement. When injected into the salivary glands, it can inhibit the secretory function of the glands and reduce the activity of the cells that constitute the glands, thereby contributing to a reduction in salivary gland volume. As a result, unnecessary volume in the lower face is reduced, and a smoother, more slender jawline can be achieved.
Salivary Gland Botox Procedure and Effects
The salivary gland Botox procedure typically takes a relatively short time, usually around 5 to 10 minutes. Before the procedure, consultation with medical staff is essential to accurately diagnose the presence and degree of salivary gland hypertrophy and to determine the appropriate dosage and injection sites. Daily activities can be resumed immediately after the procedure, and while swelling or bruising may occur, they usually subside naturally within a few days. While individual results may vary, effects generally begin to appear around 2 to 4 weeks after the procedure and reach their maximum over 2 to 3 months. The duration of effects is typically known to be around 3 to 6 months, and periodic re-treatment may be necessary for sustained results.
Precautions for Salivary Gland Botox Procedure
- Specialist Consultation: Since the causes of salivary gland hypertrophy are diverse, it is crucial to consult with a dermatologist before the procedure to obtain an accurate diagnosis and establish an appropriate treatment plan. If salivary gland hypertrophy is due to another medical condition, Botox treatment may not be suitable.
- Potential Side Effects: While salivary gland Botox is known as a relatively safe procedure, rare side effects such as dry mouth due to reduced salivary gland function, temporary facial asymmetry, or difficulty chewing food may occur. If such symptoms appear, contact a medical institution immediately.
- Post-Procedure Care: Avoid excessively rubbing or irritating the treated area, and it is advisable to refrain from alcohol consumption and smoking for a certain period as they can cause inflammation.
Salivary gland Botox can be an effective procedure for improving facial lines, but results may vary depending on an individual's condition and health status. Therefore, if you are considering the procedure, it is crucial to consult thoroughly with experienced medical professionals to establish a treatment plan suitable for you. This article provides general medical information and does not replace individual diagnosis and treatment.
Clinics with Registered Procedure Information
- Hosuiwon (Hanam-si) — Registered Procedure: Salivary Gland Botox
Listed in alphabetical order and not a ranking or medical recommendation. Procedure information is based on content registered by each clinic. (Source: K-Dermzip)