Reduction in the appearance of a square jawline by slimming the lower face.
Relief from teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or TMJ pain.
Smoothing of jaw tension, which can reduce headaches or facial pain.
Masseter Botox is a non-surgical treatment that involves injecting BOTOX® (botulinum toxin) into the masseter muscles, which are the large muscles located at the back of the jaw responsible for chewing and clenching. This treatment is commonly used for two primary purposes: reducing jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism) and contouring the jawline for a slimmer, more defined appearance.
What Are the Masseter Muscles?
The masseter muscles are one of the main muscles responsible for jaw movement and play a key role in chewing. These muscles can become overactive, especially in people who grind their teeth (bruxism) or clench their jaws due to stress or sleep disorders. Over time, excessive muscle activity can cause the jaw to become more prominent and lead to discomfort, pain, or even tooth damage.
How Masseter Botox Works
Targeting the Masseter Muscle:BOTOX® is injected directly into the masseter muscles on either side of the jaw. The botulinum toxin works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that tell the muscle to contract.
Effect on Muscle Activity:By relaxing the masseter muscle, BOTOX® reduces its ability to contract forcefully. This leads to a decrease in jaw clenching and grinding (bruxism), which can help alleviate symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and tooth wear.
Results:
After the BOTOX® injections, the masseter muscles weaken, causing them to become less bulky and tight. This can lead to a softer jawline and reduced facial width, giving the face a more oval or "V-shaped" appearance. Jaw pain, headaches, and discomfort caused by clenching or grinding are also significantly reduced within a few days of the treatment.
Benefits of Masseter Botox
Teeth Grinding & Bruxism Relief: One of the main reasons people seek masseter Botox is to help stop teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which can cause headaches, earaches, and facial pain.
Jawline Contouring: For those seeking a more slender or defined jawline, BOTOX® can reduce the size of the masseter muscle, resulting in a more sculpted appearance.
Non-invasive & Quick: Unlike surgical jaw reduction procedures, BOTOX® for masseter muscles is minimally invasive and can be done in a short office visit (usually around 10-20 minutes).
No Downtime: Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure with minimal side effects.
Consultation: A trained healthcare professional will assess your jaw and masseter muscles to determine if BOTOX® is the right treatment. They will also discuss your goals (such as pain relief or aesthetic changes).
Injection: BOTOX® is injected into the masseter muscles using a very fine needle. The number of injections and the amount of Botox will vary based on the size of the muscles and the desired outcome.
Post-Treatment Care: The procedure requires no recovery time, but patients are typically advised to avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area immediately after the injection.
Results
Jaw Clenching Relief: You should start noticing a reduction in jaw tension, pain, and grinding within 3-5 days, with maximum relief usually achieved within 1-2 weeks.
Jawline Contouring: It can take 3-4 weeks for the reduction in muscle size to become fully noticeable, with results lasting for about 3-6 months.
Side Effects
While BOTOX® for the masseter is generally safe, there are a few possible side effects, including:
Mild swelling or bruising at the injection site.
Temporary weakness in the treated muscles (such as difficulty chewing if the injection affects surrounding muscles, but this is rare).
Asymmetry: In rare cases, if the Botox isn't evenly distributed, one side of the jaw may look different from the other, but this can typically be corrected with follow-up treatment.
How Long Do Results Last?
The effects of Masseter Botox typically last between 3 to 6 months. After this period, the muscle gradually regains its function, and additional treatments are required to maintain results.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
People with Bruxism: Individuals who suffer from teeth grinding or jaw clenching, especially at night, may benefit from this treatment to relieve pain and protect their teeth.
People Seeking a Slimmer Jawline: Those looking for a more defined or oval jawline without undergoing surgery can benefit from the aesthetic effects of Masseter Botox.
Those Who Experience Jaw Pain or Tension: If you experience jaw discomfort or tension from clenching, Botox can offer significant relief.
Before & After