Among the wide range of aesthetic medicine procedures available today, if we had to pick one of the most popular treatments, it would undoubtedly be the highly sought-after 瘦脸针 (facial slimming injection). It’s especially loved by younger people, as it can quickly and easily help achieve the coveted “small V-shaped face.”
So how do we say 瘦脸针 in English?
In fact, as a non-surgical procedure, the English expressions for 瘦脸针 are quite diverse. Some aesthetic clinics use “toxin for masseter slimming”, referring specifically to Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections targeting the masseter muscle. Others directly use the term “Botox” to represent injections that reduce facial volume or muscle size. Botox is actually a well-known brand name of Botulinum toxin from the U.S., produced by Allergan. The name “Botox” derives from Botulinum (BO) Toxin (TOX) and has become widely recognized and commonly used.
Terms like “face-lift with needle injection” or simply “facial slimming Botox” are also frequently used to describe this treatment.
As one of the most basic and widely performed micro plastic injections, the key ingredient of 瘦脸针 is Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A). This neurotoxin blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, causing temporary and reversible inhibition of cholinergic nerve conduction. This leads to localized muscle relaxation or paralysis, thereby achieving the slimming effect on the face.
The commonly referred-to “toxin” (毒素) here is Botulinum Toxin (BTX), a high-molecular-weight neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. While inherently a protein with toxic properties, the medical and cosmetic formulations are highly diluted, rendering them extremely safe for use. BTX was approved for human medical use by the U.S. FDA as early as 1992. There are eight types of Botulinum toxins, but the ones used in aesthetic medicine are Type A and Type B, which have been proven effective and safe for reducing facial wrinkles (皱纹, wrinkles) and slimming masseter muscles (咬肌, masseter).
When applied to other body areas, BTX can relax muscles and inhibit movement, making it suitable for shaping the shoulders (for a “right-angle shoulder” effect) and calves (for “model legs”).
It’s important to note that 瘦脸针 only works on the masseter muscle. It functions by causing the muscle to gradually shrink, thereby slimming the lower face. It does not work on baby fat or general facial fat, for which Lipodissolve Injection (溶脂针) might be a better option. The simplest way to check if you have enlarged masseters is to press the area below your earlobe and clench your back teeth—if the muscle feels large or firm, you may benefit from this treatment.
In general, 瘦脸针 is ideal for individuals with a good facial bone structure and bulky masseter muscles, but not much facial fat. After treatment, the jawline (下颌缘, jawline) and chin contour will appear sharper and more refined. It is also effective in correcting facial asymmetry when injected into the more prominent side of the face.
At Ai Beauty Clinic, we use three internationally renowned brands of botulinum toxin A:
-
Bocouture / Xeomin from Merz Pharma Group, Germany – FDA-approved in 2011, popular in the UK.
-
Azzalure from Ipsen, UK – known for high diffusion, suitable for larger muscles like shoulders and calves.
-
Botox from Allergan, USA – the pioneer and most recognized brand in the industry.
All three are safe and effective Type A Botulinum toxins, widely used across the globe with distinct advantages, allowing clients to choose the most suitable product for their needs.
In London and many parts of the world, 瘦脸针 (facial slimming injections) are already a highly mature and refined technique. As long as you choose a reputable clinic and an authentic brand, achieving your dream of a slimmer face can be easy and worry-free.