BLOG

column (e.g. in newspaper)

2026.10.26

Where Should Botox Be Injected? A Cosmetic Surgeon Explains the Effects and Injection Sites by Area—Face, Jawline, Shoulders, Underarms, and More

横山 歩依里
Supervising Physician
Ayori Yokoyama

My journey into aesthetic medicine stems from a desire to help enrich and beautify lives beyond simply treating illness. My specialties include hyaluronic acid, Botox, and thread lifts. I provide treatments that enhance each individual's unique qualities and bring out an elegant, natural beauty. For concerns around the eyes that are difficult to improve with dermatology alone, I also perform surgical procedures. By integrating dermatology and surgery, I holistically balance the entire face. With three periods of overseas study, I am also able to provide consultations in English.

ボトックスを打つ場所はどこ?顔・エラ・肩・脇など部位別の効果と注入位置を美容外科医が解説Doctors' Point

“Where on the face can Botox be injected?” “Does it work on areas other than the jawline and between the eyebrows?” “Even with the same Botox, does the result vary depending on where it’s injected?” When people hear the word “Botox,” many probably think of treatments to reduce wrinkles between the eyebrows or on the forehead, or facial contouring treatments to make a prominent jawline less noticeable.

 

In fact, botulinum toxin products are sometimes used not only on various facial muscles but also on the neck, shoulders, and underarms. However, Botox is not a treatment where you simply “inject it wherever you’re concerned about.”

 

Botox is a medication that temporarily blocks nerve signals to muscles and sweat glands. Therefore, even in the same area, the expected effects and side effects vary depending on which muscle is targeted.

 

What I prioritize most in Botox injections is **“identifying the underlying causes of wrinkles and changes in facial contours, and injecting the appropriate amount into the necessary muscles.”** For example, if you weaken the frontalis muscle more than necessary in an effort to improve horizontal forehead wrinkles, your eyebrows may droop or you may have difficulty opening your eyes.

 

Furthermore, if the cause of a prominent jawline is skeletal structure or fat, injecting Botox into the masseter muscle may not produce the desired change in facial contours. On the other hand, for expression lines caused by muscle movement, proper injection can make the lines less noticeable while preserving natural facial expressions.

 

In other words, the final results of Botox treatment depend not only on the amount injected, but also on the injection site, the target muscle, and the balance with the surrounding tissues.

 

In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the topic of “Botox injection sites” from a cosmetic surgeon’s perspective—covering which areas of the face and body can be treated, the effects by area, differences based on injection location, side effects, and tips for achieving a natural-looking result.

Before Consulting About Where to Get Botox Injections in Ginza, Tokyo

Botox is a treatment that temporarily modulates nerve transmission to suppress the contraction of facial muscles and sweat secretion. Therefore, if the injection site (target muscle or area) is incorrect, unwanted changes may occur, such as drooping eyebrows, a change in the appearance of your smile, or difficulty chewing.

 

At cosmetic surgery, cosmetic dermatology, and cosmetic internal medicine clinics in Tokyo and Ginza, doctors determine during the consultation whether the issue stems from muscles, skin, fat, or bone structure, and then customize the injection volume and placement for each individual. While plastic surgery clinics take a broad view of facial contours and the volume of the masseter muscle, cosmetic dermatology clinics excel at the concurrent management of expression lines and skin condition, and cosmetic internal medicine clinics are well-suited for consultations that include hyperhidrosis and adjustments to one’s physical constitution—these are the differences in their areas of expertise.

The Basics of Botox Injection Sites: From the Face to the Neck, Shoulders, and Underarms

The main areas under consideration are listed below. Since approval status varies depending on the specific medication used, please be sure to check with each medical facility in Ginza, Tokyo.

  • Between the Eyebrows, Forehead, and Outer Corners of the Eyes: Correction of Expression Lines

  • Nose (Bunny Lines) and Nostrils: Wrinkles and Nostril Movement When Smiling

  • Jaw (Masseter Muscle): Tightness in the facial contours due to muscle hypertrophy

  • Chin: The so-called "pickled plum wrinkles"

  • Corners of the mouth and area around the upper lip: Drooping corners of the mouth, gummy smile

  • Facial Contours and Neck (Sternocleidomastoid Muscle): Vertical Lines and the Appearance of the Contours

  • Shoulders (Trapezius): Tension Relief and Contour Adjustment

  • Underarms: Reducing Sweating

Even within the same area, the direction and development of muscles, as well as differences between the left and right sides, vary from person to person. Whether you consult a cosmetic surgeon, a cosmetic dermatologist, or a cosmetic physician, designing the injection plan while carefully observing your facial expressions and daily movements is the surest way to achieve a natural-looking result.

An Approach by Body Part | What Changes Depending on Where You Hit?

Between the eyebrows, forehead, and outer corners of the eyes

The area between the eyebrows is primarily influenced by the corrugator supercilii muscle, the forehead by the frontalis muscle, and the outer corners of the eyes by the orbicularis oculi muscle. Since the frontalis muscle is responsible for raising the eyebrows, over-restricting it can cause the eyebrows to droop. To maintain a natural look, the key is to design the procedure so that “some movement is preserved.”

 

When combined with a skincare regimen at a cosmetic dermatology clinic, it becomes easier to address fine lines caused by dryness.

Nose (Bunny Lines) and Nostrils

Wrinkles caused by muscle contractions around the bridge of the nose can affect your smile and the movement of your upper lip if the injection site is incorrect. If the widening of the nostrils is caused by bone or cartilage, other options should be considered instead of Botox. At cosmetic surgery clinics in Ginza, Tokyo, dynamic assessments are sometimes performed using videos of the patient smiling.

Jaw (Masseter Muscle)

For people with thick masseter muscles due to a habit of clenching their teeth, the width of their facial contours tends to become more defined over time, whereas those with less facial fullness may appear thinner. To avoid difficulty chewing, a gradual adjustment starting with small amounts is often considered. At cosmetic surgery clinics in Tokyo, it is common practice to provide explanations that take into account any coexisting dental factors.

Jaw, Corners of the Mouth, Gummy Smile

Several muscles are involved in the mouth area, including irregularities caused by excessive tension in the chin, the strength of the muscles that pull the corners of the mouth downward, and the degree to which the upper lip is lifted. To avoid asymmetry in the smile, adjustments may be made with very slight differences in the amount of filler injected.

 

We carefully evaluate whether to combine lip moisturizing treatments at a cosmetic dermatology clinic with volume-enhancing procedures at a cosmetic surgery clinic.

Facial Contour and Neck (Sternocleidomastoid Muscle)

We take into account vertical neck lines and stiffness in the facial contours caused by tension in the sternocleidomastoid muscle. To avoid affecting swallowing or speech, we take a conservative approach to defining the treatment area. At our cosmetic surgery clinic in the Ginza area of Tokyo, we also ask about your daily posture, teeth grinding, and smartphone usage habits, and provide lifestyle advice to help prevent recurrence.

Shoulder (Trapezius)

This approach is considered with the goal of reducing the appearance of shoulder stiffness and bulging. For those who participate in sports or strength training, it is safest to take functional aspects into account and coordinate this with your training plan. From a cosmetic medicine perspective, incorporating sleep and stress management can help prevent recurrence.

Underarms (Sweating)

We target areas prone to excessive sweating and administer microinjections across those areas. While some people find that sweat stains on their clothes become less noticeable, the effectiveness and duration of results vary from person to person. Please consult a cosmetic internal medicine or cosmetic dermatology clinic to confirm whether the treatment is covered by insurance and to learn about the specific medications used.

How to Choose a Cosmetic Surgery, Cosmetic Dermatology, or Cosmetic Internal Medicine Clinic (Ginza, Tokyo)

Even for the same Botox treatment, the recommendations you receive may vary depending on which medical department you consult. Here are some tips for choosing a medical facility in Tokyo or Ginza.

  • Cosmetic Surgery: Comprehensive planning that includes a three-dimensional assessment of facial contours, bones, fat, and skin. Areas where dynamic balance is key—such as the jawline, chin, neck, and mouth—are particularly well-suited for consultation. At cosmetic surgery clinics in Tokyo, you can also receive explanations of surgical procedures as needed.

  • Cosmetic Dermatology: We work with you to manage skin-related concerns such as expression lines, skin texture, dryness, and enlarged pores. These clinics tend to excel at identifying even subtle skin reactions, making it easy to incorporate skincare into your treatment plan at a cosmetic dermatology clinic in Ginza.

  • Cosmetic Internal Medicine: Consultations covering underarm sweating, the underlying causes of stiff shoulders, and internal factors such as sleep, hormones, and nutrition. Receiving advice tailored to your lifestyle at our cosmetic internal medicine clinic in Ginza, Tokyo, can help prevent recurrence.

It’s not a matter of which is better or worse; what’s important is choosing the option that best suits your specific concerns and lifestyle. If you’re unsure during your initial consultation, choose a cosmetic surgery, cosmetic dermatology, or cosmetic medicine clinic in Tokyo or Ginza that will carefully explain your various options.

The Differences in the Roles of Botox, Liposuction, and Breast Augmentation

Understanding the different treatment objectives is just as important as choosing the right injection site. Botox is a treatment that temporarily modulates the function of muscles and sweat glands. In contrast, liposuction is a surgical procedure that physically reduces fat volume, while breast augmentation is a procedure designed to enhance the volume and shape of the breasts.

  • If the width of the jawline is caused by muscle, consider Botox (for the jawline) first. If it is primarily caused by fat, liposuction is an option.

  • Neck and Shoulder Tension: The idea is to use Botox to relax muscle tension. Liposuction focuses on subcutaneous fat.

  • Breast Appearance: Botox cannot address this. Desired changes in shape or volume fall within the scope of breast augmentation.

At cosmetic surgery clinics in Ginza, Tokyo, we use palpation, visual examination, and movement assessment to determine whether Botox or liposuction is the more appropriate treatment. Cosmetic dermatology clinics specialize in recommending treatments that improve skin texture, while cosmetic internal medicine clinics also take weight fluctuations and hormonal influences into account.

 

Since liposuction and breast augmentation require surgical consideration, be sure to thoroughly evaluate the downtime, risks, and how these procedures will fit into your daily life beforehand. As mentioned earlier, the results and recovery process for Botox, liposuction, and breast augmentation vary from person to person.

 

In urban areas, patients are more likely to receive comprehensive treatment plans. At cosmetic surgery clinics in Tokyo and Ginza, for example, doctors may suggest combining Botox with liposuction or work with patients to develop a full-body balance plan with an eye toward future breast augmentation.

 

One advantage is that collaboration with cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic internal medicine departments makes it easier to simultaneously manage post-operative skin care and overall health. Understanding how liposuction, breast augmentation, and Botox complement each other makes it easier to determine the optimal injection sites.

Estimated Results, Duration, and Downtime

You’ll likely notice a difference in expression lines (between the eyebrows, on the forehead, and at the corners of the eyes) within a few days to 1–2 weeks, while the appearance of your jawline may gradually change over the course of several weeks to several months. Some people find that underarm sweating subsides within a few days to 2 weeks.

 

The duration of results, the degree of sensation, pain, susceptibility to bruising, and downtime vary from person to person and depend on the volume injected, the treatment area, and lifestyle habits.

 

At medical facilities in Ginza, Tokyo, it is common practice to start with a conservative treatment plan and determine the optimal range over the course of one or two sessions.

What happens if you hit the wrong spot?

You may experience drooping eyebrows at the forehead and between the eyebrows, changes in the appearance of your smile around the outer corners of your eyes and mouth, difficulty chewing or sunken cheeks due to your jawline, or a loss of muscle tone in your neck and shoulders.

 

If you experience severe side effects, seek medical attention immediately. Cosmetic surgery clinics, cosmetic dermatology clinics, and cosmetic internal medicine clinics in Ginza, Tokyo, may use small, divided doses and monitor your progress to minimize risks.

FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which medical department should I consult in Ginza, Tokyo?

As a general guideline, cosmetic surgery is recommended for dynamic assessments such as facial contours and jawlines; cosmetic dermatology for expression lines and comprehensive skin care; and cosmetic internal medicine for consultations regarding underarm sweating and constitutional issues. You can start by visiting the department that best suits your needs and lifestyle.

Q2. Can I make the wrinkles on my forehead look natural without smoothing them out too much?

The procedure is designed to preserve some function of the frontalis muscle, allowing for a balance between facial expressions and wrinkles. Since individual responses vary, many people opt for a conservative approach during their first session to see how they respond.

Q3. Which is better for my jawline: Botox or liposuction?

If the cause is primarily muscular (masseter muscle), Botox tends to be more suitable, while if it’s primarily due to fat, liposuction tends to be more suitable. This is determined through physical examination and movement assessment. If you’re unsure, consult a cosmetic surgery clinic in Tokyo or Ginza to get explanations from both perspectives.

Q4. Is it possible to have Botox at the same time as breast augmentation?

Whether this is possible depends on the specifics of the surgery and the expected recovery time. Please consult with your plastic surgeon to ensure your schedule won’t interfere with your post-operative care for breast augmentation.

Q5. How often should I do this?

This varies depending on the treatment area and the response. For expression lines, we may consider repeat injections approximately every 3 to 6 months, but the duration of results and the amount needed vary from person to person.

How Consultations Are Conducted in Ginza, Tokyo, and Our Discreet Approach

During your initial consultation, we’ll carefully assess the cause of your concerns (muscles, skin, fat, or skeletal structure). In addition to Botox, we’ll candidly discuss whether liposuction or breast augmentation might be appropriate, or whether skin treatments in our cosmetic dermatology department or a holistic approach through our cosmetic internal medicine department could be beneficial. If you’re concerned about being pressured into a decision, feel free to take the estimate and treatment plan home with you to consider it at your leisure.

 

There are many cosmetic surgery, cosmetic dermatology, and cosmetic medicine clinics in Ginza, Tokyo, that provide thorough explanations. If you’d like to find out if one is right for you, feel free to schedule a consultation.

Summary

Botox is not a treatment where you simply “inject it wherever you want”; rather, it involves carefully assessing the function of facial muscles and sweat glands, as well as the balance of the skin, fat, and bone structure, to determine the injection sites and dosage. The objectives and precautions vary by area—such as the glabella, forehead, outer corners of the eyes, nose, jawline, chin, corners of the mouth, neck, shoulders, and underarms—and the concept of “leaving a little movement” is also helpful in achieving a natural-looking result.

 

When consulting in Ginza, Tokyo, be sure to understand the areas of expertise offered by cosmetic surgery, cosmetic dermatology, and cosmetic internal medicine clinics, and make a comprehensive decision—taking into account the differences between these procedures and liposuction or breast augmentation, if necessary. Results, duration, and downtime vary from person to person. The best way to ensure satisfaction is to work with a trusted doctor to develop a plan that fits your lifestyle, preferences, and body type.

 

▷Botox Injections Treatment Page

▷ Counseling Appointment Page

WEB Reservation
RESERVATION
24-hour reception
Click here for web reservation