Whether you’re experiencing bruxism or you’re interested in minimizing your jawline, masseter Botox is a multi-functional treatment that can deliver pain-relieving and slimming results!
What to Know About Masseter Botox
“Masseter Botox is a treatment that relaxes the masseter muscles, which are responsible for jaw movement and clenching,” explains Wichita, KS Plastic Surgery Center nurse injector Brandy Brand, RN. “This can help reduce teeth grinding and jaw tension, slim the lower face for a more contoured appearance and relieve symptoms associated with TMJ.”
Outside of relieving bruxism and jaw pain, refined facial contour is the most sought-after goal for masseter Botox.
“For those seeking a more refined facial contour, masseter Botox works by gently relaxing these strong jaw muscles,” explains New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD. “Over time, as the muscle activity reduces, it naturally slims down, creating a more elegant and tapered jawline. This can beautifully enhance your overall facial harmony, bringing balance and definition to your features. Many patients are happy with the subtle yet significant difference it makes on their profile and how their face appears in photos.”
How long does it take to see results after masseter Botox?
The treatment itself is easy and quick to perform. “Using a fine needle, a precise amount of Botox is injected into the targeted masseter muscles on each side of the face,” Dr. Kung explains. “You may feel a slight pinch during the injections, but the process typically takes only a few minutes. There is usually no significant downtime, and most patients can resume their normal activities immediately.”
“Results typically develop gradually over two weeks and can last four to six months,” says Brand. “Ideal candidates are generally in good health, have realistic expectations and are seeking a non-surgical solution for either functional or aesthetic concerns related to the masseter muscles.”
Does masseter Botox get rid of your jawline?
No, masseter Botox does not eliminate your jawline. The effects are typically a subtle slimming of the jawline. New York dermatologist Anna Karp, DO explains that while you can slim your jawline with masseter Botox, the treatment is only effective for slimming the face if the masseter muscle is hypertrophic. “If you have a normal size masseter muscle, you might not notice much of a difference,” Dr. Karp says. “When relaxed with Botox, it can create a more V-shaped and defined jawline.”
What does masseter Botox treat?
If you suffer from bruxism, masseter Botox can be used to treat several associated effects. According to Dr. Kung, it treats jawline tenderness, headaches, ear aches, pain while chewing and TMJ disorders. “By carefully injecting small amounts of Botox into the masseter muscles, we can reduce their hyperactivity,” Dr. Kung explains. “This alleviates the tension and pressure on the jaw joint, leading to a noticeable decrease in pain and associated symptoms. Many patients report a significant improvement in their quality of life, including better sleep and reduced discomfort throughout the day.”