Quick answer:
Salivary gland Botox involves injecting botulinum toxin into enlarged parotid glands (in front of the ears) or submandibular glands (under the jaw). It can reduce gland size and lower-face fullness in selected people, especially when jaw Botox alone has not achieved the desired contour. Correct diagnosis and precise injection are essential.
Why can salivary glands make the face look wide?
Some people have naturally prominent salivary glands, or glands that enlarge with certain dietary or health factors. Enlarged parotid glands can widen the angle of the jaw, while enlarged submandibular glands can create fullness under the jawline.
How does it work?
Botulinum toxin reduces the nerve signals that stimulate glandular activity. Over several weeks the gland can become smaller, softening the contour. In medicine, botulinum toxin injected into salivary glands is also used to manage excessive drooling, which supports its mechanism of action.
Who might benefit?
- Fullness behind or below the jaw angle not explained by muscle or fat
- Persistent width after jaw (masseter) Botox
- Under-jaw fullness that remains despite a healthy weight
Assessment matters
Swelling of salivary glands can also be caused by infection, stones, autoimmune conditions or tumours. A doctor should examine you, and imaging such as ultrasound may be used to confirm gland size and guide injection. Sudden, painful or one-sided swelling needs medical evaluation, not cosmetic treatment.
What to expect
- Results develop over several weeks and typically last a few months.
- Mild dry mouth is possible.
- Bruising, tenderness or temporary chewing changes may occur if nearby structures are affected.
Parotid vs submandibular glands
- Parotid glands
– sit in front of and below the ears, over the back of the masseter. Enlargement widens the area behind the jaw angle.
- Submandibular glands
– sit under the jawline. Enlargement can look like a fullness or "drop" under the jaw that does not change much with weight loss.
How the procedure is done
The doctor marks the gland, often confirming its outline with ultrasound. A small number of injections are placed into the glandular tissue, avoiding nearby nerves and muscles. It takes only a few minutes per side.
Results timeline
Glands shrink gradually over several weeks. Results tend to last a few months, after which treatment can be repeated. Some people need only occasional maintenance.
Side effects to know about
- Mild dry mouth, usually temporary
- Tenderness or bruising at injection points
- Rarely, difficulty chewing or swallowing if surrounding muscles are affected
Drink water regularly and tell the doctor if symptoms persist.
When not to treat
Recent swelling, pain, infection, a hard lump, or swelling on one side only should be assessed medically. Cosmetic treatment is only appropriate once other causes have been excluded.
Frequently asked questions
Is it the same as jaw Botox?
No. Jaw Botox targets the masseter muscle; salivary gland Botox targets glandular tissue.
Can both be done together?
Sometimes, if assessment shows both contribute to width.
Is ultrasound guidance necessary?
It is commonly used to improve accuracy; ask the clinic about their technique.
References
- American Academy of Otolaryngology – Salivary gland disorders overview
- Clinical use of botulinum toxin for sialorrhea (FDA-approved indications for certain products)
This article is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Suitability, recovery and results vary from person to person. Please consult a qualified doctor before any procedure.
