As someone who’s been practicing medicine for decades — first in OB/GYN and now in medical aesthetics — I’ve had hundreds of conversations with clients about Botox. Most people know it’s great for softening forehead lines and crow’s feet, but there’s still a lot of curiosity (and sometimes hesitation) when we start talking about treatments in the lower face.
Recently, more of my patients here in Powell — from ranch moms and local business owners to teachers and grandmothers — have been asking me about Dysport, especially for things like jaw tension or softening aging lines around the mouth and chin. So, let’s walk through why Dysport is becoming a go-to option for the lower face, how it compares to Botox, and how I help clients decide what’s best for their unique features and goals.
Understanding Dysport vs. Botox: What’s the Difference?
Botox and Dysport are both forms of botulinum toxin type A. They work by temporarily relaxing specific muscles, which smooths the overlying skin. But they’re not identical twins — they’re more like close cousins.
Dysport has smaller protein molecules, which means it may diffuse a little more broadly after it’s injected. It also tends to kick in a bit faster — some people notice softening in 2–3 days compared to Botox’s 5–7 day average.
This difference in diffusion and onset is what makes Dysport particularly useful in certain lower face areas, where we want a gentle, even effect and not a stiff or frozen look.
Lower Face Areas Where Dysport Shines
Let’s talk about where I commonly use Dysport in the lower face — and why it’s worth considering, especially if you’ve only had upper face injections before.
1. Masseter Muscles (Jawline Sculpting & Bruxism Relief)
This is probably the most common request. The masseter is the muscle at the angle of your jaw — it’s what you feel when you clench your teeth. In people who grind at night or carry tension in their jaws, this muscle can become overdeveloped, creating a square, bulky look.
Injecting Dysport into the masseters helps:
- Slim the lower face over time
- Relieve jaw tension, clenching, and headaches
- Improve facial balance
Clients often tell me they didn’t even realize how tight their jaw had felt until it relaxed. That’s a win.
2. Corners of the Mouth (Marionette Lines)
As we age, the muscles around the mouth start to pull downward — creating that sad or tired expression, even when we feel just fine inside. A touch of Dysport can help gently lift the corners of the mouth, softening marionette lines without altering your natural expressions.
3. Chin Dimpling (Orange Peel Texture)
The mentalis muscle in the chin can become hyperactive, especially in leaner faces, causing a dimpled or pebbled appearance. A few precisely placed units of Dysport smooth this out while preserving natural movement.
4. Submental Area (Under the Chin)
While not a primary target, Dysport can be used as a supportive treatment in the submental region to help with neckbands or early laxity, especially when paired with other treatments like filler or OPUS Plasma.
Why Dysport is Often the Better Fit for the Lower Face
When we’re treating the lower face, subtlety matters. These muscles are smaller, more complex, and they interact with things like your smile, chewing, and speech. That’s why the broader spread and slightly softer onset of Dysport can be a real advantage.
Here are a few benefits I often see in my practice:
- More even distribution in wider muscles like the masseter
- Less stiffness around delicate areas like the mouth
- Lower cost per unit, depending on the dose and area
- Faster onset, which some clients prefer before events or photos
That said, this doesn’t mean Botox isn’t appropriate. It just means we have options — and that’s where thoughtful, individualized treatment planning comes in.
Safety, Technique, and What to Expect
Let’s address what everyone’s thinking: “Will this make me look frozen?”
Short answer: Not if it’s done right.
I personally perform all injections at Ageless Perfection Medical Aesthetics, and I spend a lot of time mapping each face before I ever pick up a syringe. The lower face requires extra care because tiny changes can make a big impact — and not always a good one if you’re not careful.
Important safety considerations:
- Proper dilution and technique is essential — Dysport spreads more than Botox, so it must be placed with intention.
- Risks include temporary smile asymmetry, especially if too much is used or the wrong area is treated.
- I always schedule follow-up about two weeks later to assess results and tweak as needed.
The good news? When Dysport is used correctly, it’s incredibly well-tolerated and delivers beautiful, natural results.
When to Choose Dysport Over Botox
Let’s make this simple. Here are situations where I often lean toward Dysport:
- You’re treating large or strong muscles, like the masseters
- You want a softer, more diffuse effect (e.g., around the chin or mouth)
- You’ve had Botox but didn’t love the “feel” of it
- You’re prepping for an event and want results to kick in quickly
And remember — this isn’t an either/or forever. Many of my clients use a blend of Botox and Dysport depending on the area. The key is customizing it to your anatomy and goals.
Client Stories from Powell
I’ve had local women come in for help with jaw clenching. They’re not looking for Hollywood glamour; they just want their headaches to stop or to feel more confident in photos.
One client (we’ll call her Lisa) had nightly teeth grinding that left her sore and exhausted every morning. We did Dysport in her masseters, and two weeks later she told me, “I didn’t realize how bad it was until I finally slept without pain.” Her face also looked subtly slimmer — not different, just refreshed.
That’s the kind of result I aim for: natural, functional, and confidence-boosting.
How We Use Dysport in the Lower Face at Ageless Perfection
This isn’t a chain or a med spa with rotating injectors. At Ageless Perfection, it’s just me — a physician with 30 years of experience, treating every face like it belongs to someone I care about (because it does).
Here’s how I approach lower face treatment:
- Assessment: I take time to understand your history, habits (like clenching), and goals.
- Facial mapping: We look at muscle pull, volume loss, and movement patterns.
- Blended injectables: Sometimes Dysport alone is enough; other times we combine with filler or OPUS to smooth, lift, and restore balance.
- Follow-up care: I check in and adjust. This is never a one-and-done.
I also want to emphasize: you never have to feel guilty about wanting to look a little fresher or to take care of yourself. Whether you’re a mom, a retiree, or a cattle rancher — feeling good in your skin matters. And you deserve a space where that’s respected.
Want to Learn More?
If you’ve been curious about lower face injectables — whether for jaw tension, chin smoothing, or just a little rejuvenation — let’s talk about what’s right for you.
You don’t have to commit to anything. I’m always happy to walk you through the options, answer your questions, and help you decide if Dysport (or any treatment) fits into your goals.
Final Thoughts
Dysport has earned its place in my aesthetic toolbox — not just for forehead lines, but for targeted, thoughtful use in the lower face. If you’re curious but cautious, you’re not alone. Many of my patients feel the same way at first.
But when we approach treatment as a partnership — with honesty, education, and a light hand — the results can be beautiful.
Let’s talk about what’s right for you.