“Why does my face still look so square after getting facial slimming injections?” This is a question many people who have undergone treatments like Botox ask. In fact, a square face isn’t necessarily caused solely by enlarged masseter muscles. If the root cause isn’t identified correctly, even with an adequate dosage, noticeable results may not be achieved. This article will explain the common causes of a square face, the proper way to administer these injections, and why some people feel they “got no results” after treatment. Straight answer: The effects of facial slimming injections aren’t very noticeable, usually due to insufficient dosage, inaccurate injection sites, or overly developed Masseter muscles. The right dosage can only be determined through a personal evaluation by the clinic director.

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Does a square face always mean enlarged Masseter muscles?

Straight answer: Not necessarily. A square face can be caused by an enlarged Masseter, a wide lower jawbone, or a combination of both. Botox only works for “muscular” types of square faces; it’s very difficult to see significant changes even after multiple injections for those with a skeletal-based square face.

Many people assume that a square face is always caused by overly developed Masseter muscles. In reality, clinically it can be categorized into three types: pure muscular type (enlarged Masseter muscles), pure skeletal type (naturally wider jawbone), and mixed type (both issues present). Botox works by blocking nerve signals, causing the Masseter muscles to gradually atrophy and thin out, but it has no effect on the skeletal structure. For those with a square face of the skeletal type, no matter how many times this treatment is administered, there won’t be any significant change in the facial contours—this is also the main reason why many people claim it’s ineffective.

What is the principle behind facial slimming needles?

The main ingredient in these treatments is botulinum toxin. When injected into the masseter muscles, it blocks signal transmission between nerves and muscles, causing the muscles to gradually lose their ability to contract excessively. Over time, as these muscles are used less frequently, they shrink and thin out, resulting in a slimmer face appearance. The effects aren’t immediate—usually, it takes 2 to 4 weeks for changes to become visible, with the full results often appearing after 6 to 8 weeks.

It doesn’t work even after treatment? 3 common reasons

• Incorrect cause assessment:Botox has limited effects on those with a bone-shaped square face; other solutions should be considered.
• Insufficient dosage:The degree of masseter hypertrophy varies from person to person, and a too-conservative dosage may not show significant improvement.
• Insufficient number of treatment sessions:Masseter atrophy develops over time, and some people need to receive 2 to 3 repeated injections before achieving the desired results.

If you don’t notice significant results after the treatment, it’s recommended to return to your original clinic for a follow-up appointment. Let the doctor reassess the situation before considering increasing the dosage on your own or frequently changing clinics, as this could actually increase the risk of side effects.

How do I figure out the right dosage?

The dosage depends on the degree of Masseter hypertrophy, gender, and muscle thickness—there is no fixed “standard dose” that works for everyone. Doctors typically assess the thickness of the Masseter through palpation and adjust the injection points and dosage based on your desired outcome (whether you want it completely eliminated or to retain some curvature). During the consultation, feel free to clarify what level of result you’re aiming for to avoid any disappointment due to poor communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many times does one need to get this injection to achieve permanent results?

The effects of botulinum toxin are not permanent, typically lasting around 4 to 6 months, requiring regular injections to maintain the results. After repeated injections over time, some people experience relatively stable atrophy of their Masseter muscles. However, even if injections stop, the chewing muscles still have the potential to gradually recover—results vary from person to person.

Q2: Will I have weak chewing strength after getting a masseter injection?

At regular doses, it generally does not significantly affect daily chewing function. However, if the dose is too high or the injection site is incorrect, it could theoretically lead to weak chewing—this is also why it’s important to choose an experienced doctor to perform the procedure.

Q3: Are there any other options for those with a bone-shaped square face?

For those with a bone-shaped square face who wish to refine their facial contours, they may need to consider non-surgical options such as ultrasound or radiofrequency treatments combined with fat management, or surgical procedures. The most suitable approach varies from person to person, so it’s recommended to consult a doctor in person for an assessment of the facial structure before making a decision.

If you suspect you have a bone-shaped square face, it’s recommended to get an X-ray or undergo a facial assessment first before deciding on the treatment approach.

For those with a muscular square face, it usually takes 3 to 6 months to see noticeable slimming results—effects aren’t immediate after the treatment.

Too low a dose may not yield noticeable results, while too high a dose can cause stiff facial expressions, which is why it’s crucial to find an experienced doctor.

Try to avoid chewing hard or massaging the injection site for a short time after the procedure, allowing the medication to take effect naturally.

If you still don’t see results after a few sessions, it might be time to reassess whether it’s caused by skeletal structure rather than simply increasing the dosage.

Dr. DAN-A at Myeongdong will first assess the causes of your square face and develop a treatment plan tailored to you.

Some people worry that their facial expressions might become stiff after the treatment, but as long as the dosage is properly controlled, daily expressions and chewing will not be affected.

If it’s your first time getting the treatment, it’s recommended to start with a milder dose and observe how your body reacts before gradually adjusting it.

Besides square faces, some people also use this treatment to address Masseter pain or jaw clenching issues.

The duration of the effects varies from person to person. It is generally recommended to get a follow-up treatment every 6 to 8 months to maintain the results.

Before the procedure, be sure to tell your doctor clearly whether you are taking blood-thinning medications or have any related medical history.

Choosing a highly experienced doctor to perform the procedure can significantly reduce the risk of side effects.

If you have any doubts about the results, feel free to reach out to the DAN-A team in Myeongdong for clarification and follow-up.

During the recovery period, stick to a light diet and avoid overly salty or hard-to-chew foods.

If you have concerns about the ingredients in the injection, feel free to ask your doctor for detailed information in advance.

Since everyone has a different face shape and muscle thickness, the actual dosage must be adjusted accordingly for each individual.

Try to avoid strenuous exercise within a week after the procedure to allow the medication to take full effect.

Make sure to understand the treatment process and post-operative precautions before scheduling your appointment.

I hope this article will help you better understand the causes of a square face and choose the right solution for yourself.

In short, identifying the root cause first and choosing the right treatment plan will yield more noticeable results.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the DAN-A team in Myeongdong for more details.

Wish everyone can find the best solution for themselves and achieve their goals smoothly.

Do your homework before you go — choose a clinic and doctor with a solid reputation to feel confident.

The DAN-A team in Myeongdong communicates entirely in Cantonese, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.

Some clients also opt to have their Nasolabial Fold Correction done along with other facial contour issues, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment in one go.

Be patient and let the results show gradually—don’t rush to increase the dosage or get additional injections on your own.

Maintaining a healthy routine before and after the procedure helps ensure a smoother overall recovery process.

If you still have doubts about the treatment, consider scheduling a consultation first to get all your questions answered before making a decision.

Located in the heart of Myeongdong in Seoul, DAN-A in Myeongdong offers convenient access, making it an ideal destination for international patients seeking consultations and treatments.

Book a consultation at DAN-A in Myeongdong now!

If you’d like to learn more about whether this treatment (botulinum toxin) is right for you, or if you’d prefer an in-person consultation with the clinic director for an assessment, feel free to contact DAN-A in Myeongdong using the details below:

WhatsApp：
Number search: +821072188830
WhatsApp link:https://wa.me/821072188830

Instagram： Private message @dana_clinickrProvide the appointment date, number of people, and the issues you’d like to address, and the clinic will help arrange a time slot for Chinese-speaking service.

Clinic Name: DAN-A Clinic / 단아의원 / Myeongdong Dermatology

Subway: Exit 6 of Seoul Metro Line 2, “Euljiro Entrance Station,” about 1 to 2 minutes on foot

Business hours: According to the official booking page and latest announcements on Instagram, clinics in South Korea may be closed due to national holidays or schedule changes by the clinic owners. It’s recommended to check in advance before heading there.

The content in this article is for reference only. Actual treatment results may vary depending on individual constitution and skin condition. For a detailed assessment, please refer to the evaluation by the clinic director in person.