Masseter Botox involves injecting botulinum toxin into the large masseter muscles connecting the cheekbone to the lower jawbone. These muscles are used for chewing and clenching. This non-surgical procedure is used for both aesthetic and medical purposes, offering a way to alter facial shape or find relief from certain conditions.
Cosmetic and Medical Applications
Aesthetically, the procedure is sought by individuals who feel their jawline is overly square or wide. This can be due to genetics or habits like frequent gum chewing that lead to hypertrophy, or an increase in the size of the masseter muscles. By injecting botulinum toxin, the nerve signals that cause these muscles to contract are temporarily blocked, causing the muscle to relax.
Over several weeks, this relaxation leads to muscle atrophy, where the masseter gradually shrinks. This reduction in muscle mass results in a softer, more tapered jawline, creating a slimmer, V-shaped facial profile that appears natural. Many seek this treatment as a non-surgical alternative to more invasive jaw reduction procedures.
Medically, masseter Botox is an effective treatment for conditions related to muscle overactivity. It is used to manage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which cause pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. The injections alleviate symptoms by reducing the force of involuntary jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism). This eases jaw tension and associated headaches and protects teeth from premature wear caused by the pressure.
The Procedure Explained
The process begins with a consultation where a provider assesses your facial structure and discusses your goals. They will feel the masseter muscle while you clench your jaw to determine its size and strength. This evaluation helps in planning the precise injection sites and dosage to tailor the treatment to your anatomy and desired outcome.
On the day of the treatment, the skin over the jawline is cleansed to prevent infection. The provider marks the injection points, typically two to three per side, within the masseter muscle. Using a fine-gauge needle, the botulinum toxin is injected directly into the muscle. Most people describe the sensation as a quick, slight pinch that lasts only for a moment.
The appointment is fast, often completed in 15 to 20 minutes. The number of units administered varies based on the individual’s muscle mass and bite strength, but a treatment may involve 20 to 30 units per side. After the injections, patients can return to most daily activities immediately.
Timeline for Results and Recovery
There is no significant downtime, but aftercare instructions are provided. To prevent the neurotoxin from migrating to unintended muscles, patients are advised to avoid rubbing the treated areas for at least four to six hours. They should also remain upright for several hours and refrain from strenuous physical activity for the rest of the day.
Mild side effects can occur, including tenderness, minor swelling, or bruising at the injection sites that resolve within a few days. Less common effects include a temporary change in chewing strength or an uneven smile if the toxin spreads to nearby muscles. These effects are often related to the injector’s technique.
The timeline for results differs by purpose. Therapeutic relief from TMJ pain and teeth grinding often begins within one to two weeks as the muscle’s contractions are reduced. Cosmetic slimming takes longer, with visible changes to the jawline appearing after four to six weeks as the muscle decreases in size. The effects last for three to six months, and repeat treatments are needed to maintain the results.
Finding a Qualified Provider
Selecting the right professional is important for both safety and the quality of the outcome. The procedure requires a deep understanding of facial anatomy to place the botulinum toxin precisely within the masseter muscle. An experienced injector minimizes risks like affecting adjacent muscles and helps achieve a balanced, natural-looking result.
The treatment should be performed by a licensed and trained medical professional. Qualified providers include:
- Board-certified dermatologists
- Plastic surgeons
- Highly trained registered nurses working under medical supervision
- Physician assistants working under medical supervision
When searching for a provider, schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and ask questions. Request to see before-and-after photos of their previous masseter Botox patients. A trustworthy provider will conduct a facial analysis, explain the procedure, and discuss potential risks and realistic expectations.