Masseter botox is a noninvasive and safe treatment for jaw slimming and TMJ relief. Board-certified practitioner Kathleen Hoops performs masseter botox injections for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes in her med spa in Huntington Beach.
Prior to treatment, she will cleanse the skin and mark the injection sites. She may then use a topical anesthesia to numb the area.
Table of Contents
- 1 Understanding the Masseter Muscle
- 2 How Does Masseter Botox Work?
- 3 Benefits of Masseter Botox: Cosmetic and Therapeutic Uses
- 4 Botox vs. Alternatives:
- 5 Who is a Good Candidate for Masseter Botox?
- 6 The Procedure: What to Expect
- 7 Results and Recovery: When Will You See Changes?
- 8 Risks and Side Effects of Masseter Botox
- 9 Masseter Botox vs. Jaw Surgery: Which is Right?
Understanding the Masseter Muscle
The masseter muscles are the two largest and strongest jaw muscles in your face. Located on either side of your lower jaw, they are responsible for opening and closing your mouth during chewing and talking. When overused, they can cause teeth clenching and jaw pain (TMJ).
The muscle can also become enlarged in some people who chronically clench or grind their teeth, a condition known as bruxism. This can lead to facial asymmetry, making one side of the jaw look larger than the other. Jaw Botox reduces these enlarged masseter muscles by temporarily blocking nerve signals, which causes them to relax and shrink in size. The result is a slimmer, more feminine V-shaped jawline that exudes femininity and a more balanced facial profile.
Many patients who receive masseter Botox for cosmetic reasons also experience a reduction in TMJ symptoms, such as jaw pain and soreness, headaches, and difficulty eating or speaking. Because the procedure is safe, effective, and quick, it has become a popular treatment for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.
How Does Masseter Botox Work?
Masseter Botox for slimming the face and jawline is a safe, noninvasive procedure. It relaxes the jawline muscles to create a more angular and defined chin and jaw. It also reduces discomfort from teeth clenching or grinding, which can cause jaw pain and headaches.
Botox works by blocking nerve signals to the muscle. It can decrease bulk in the jaw muscle, which makes the chin and jaw more angular, but it does not affect biting or chewing ability. In some cases, if the masseter muscle is overworked from bruxism, Botox can help to relieve TMJ pain.
Many people who seek masseter Botox do so for both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. The treatment can help give the coveted V-shape to the chin and jaw that exudes femininity, while also relieving TMJ symptoms like jaw pain and migraine headaches caused by clenching and grinding the masseter muscle. Masseter Botox results last for 3-4 months and can be repeated as needed to maintain the desired result. Some patients find that with regular treatment, they can start to extend the time between touch-up treatments over time.
Benefits of Masseter Botox: Cosmetic and Therapeutic Uses
Masseter Botox is an excellent choice for anyone seeking to slim and contour the jawline or reduce teeth grinding and TMJ symptoms. It is also highly effective at reducing the size of overly large masseter muscles to help correct an imbalanced face shape. While the results are temporary, follow-up treatments may be necessary to maintain aesthetic and therapeutic benefits over time.
The procedure itself is relatively quick and involves minimal discomfort. A practitioner cleans the skin before injecting a series of tiny Botox injections into the targeted muscle. The process typically takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on the individual and the number of injections needed.
After treatment, patients can resume normal activities. However, it is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise and refrain from touching or rubbing the injection sites to prevent displacement of the neuromodulator. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure that the botulinum toxin is effectively positioned and distributed. Patients should also begin eating soft foods to minimize jaw movement and allow the treatment to settle.
Botox vs. Alternatives:
Botox isn’t the only option, but it offers a gentle, effective approach compared to other options:
Treatment | Pros | Cons |
Masseter Botox at House of Aesthetics Med Spa: | Minimally invasive, fast results, subtle and natural look, long-lasting effects, potential TMJ relief, expert injectors | Temporary solution, potential side effects like temporary bruising or muscle weakness |
Jawline surgery: | Permanent results, more comprehensive correction | More invasive, longer recovery time, higher cost |
TMJ therapy: | Can address joint dysfunction, non-invasive | May require multiple sessions, results can take time to appear, not always effective for jawline shaping |
Who is a Good Candidate for Masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox is a noninvasive treatment for jaw pain, teeth grinding and headaches. It also helps slim and shape the lower face for a more feminine V-shape when injected into the masseter muscle. The ideal candidate for Masseter Botox is someone who is suffering from overuse of the masseter muscles (masseter hypertrophy), which typically happens in people who clench and grind their teeth or chew on hard objects often.
During a consultation, the practitioner will discuss your goals and examine your face and jawline to determine the right dose of botulinum toxin and injection points. They will also numb the area with a topical anesthesia to minimize any discomfort during the procedure. The practitioner will then inject botulinum toxin into the masseter muscle using a fine needle, which should take only a few minutes.
After the procedure, you will be able to return home and resume your normal activities immediately. However, you must avoid rubbing or massaging the injection sites to prevent inadvertent spread of Botox to unintended muscles. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments as recommended by the practitioner.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Masseter Botox is a minimally invasive treatment that takes place in a medical office. A trained, licensed medical professional will clean the injection site to reduce risk of infection and then use a topical anesthesia to numb the area.
Once the jaw and face are numb, the medical professional will use a small syringe to inject botulinum toxin into the masseter muscle. This is typically done in the form of four injections (two on each side) targeted directly into the jaw muscles.
It’s important that you find a highly experienced injector to perform your masseter botox injections. If the neuromodulator is not injected correctly, you may experience unwanted effects such as a crooked smile or drooling.
You should be able to resume your normal activities immediately following your treatment. However, it’s recommended that you avoid chewing gum or hard candy to prevent masseter muscle hypertrophy and that you return in 2-4 weeks for a touch-up to ensure optimal results. You should also be prepared to schedule regular maintenance treatments every three to six months to prevent pain and discomfort from returning.
Results and Recovery: When Will You See Changes?
The masseter Botox treatment takes a little over two weeks to show results. Many patients see a slimmer, more contoured jawline and a reduction in their TMJ pain levels. The effect is typically subtle, so it will look natural rather than “overdone.”
Some patients experience redness or swelling at the injection site, but this is only common in cases where a skilled injector does not target the muscle properly or when a patient experiences drooping in other areas of the face due to improper placement of the Botox. If this occurs, contact the practitioner immediately for treatment.
For the best possible results, avoid rubbing or massaging the area and avoiding facials or massages for a week after treatment to prevent displacement of the Botox from its intended location. It is also important to skip activities that increase blood flow to the area, like heavy exercise and intense workouts, as this can accelerate the movement of the Botox from its intended spot. It is also important to attend all recommended follow-up appointments so that the practitioner can monitor your progress and address any concerns promptly.
Risks and Side Effects of Masseter Botox
Masseter Botox is an effective, affordable option for those looking for a nonsurgical way to slim down their jawline and alleviate TMJ symptoms. However, it isn’t for everyone. This off-label injection isn’t yet approved by the FDA and may not be covered by insurance. It also requires re-ups every six to eight months.
A skilled practitioner will clean your skin and apply a topical anesthetic to reduce discomfort. They will then use a syringe to prepare botulinum toxin and inject it into your masseter muscles. Depending on your goals, you might require several syringes to achieve your desired results.
Once injected, the Botox blocks the release of a chemical called acetylcholine from muscle nerve endings. This prevents the muscles from contracting and relaxes them. Over time, this reduces teeth grinding (bruxism) and protects the lower jaw from excessive wear. It also reduces the size of the masseter muscles and reshapes the jawline. Masseter Botox is a popular treatment option for both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes, but it’s important to choose an experienced practitioner to minimize the risk of side effects and complications.
Masseter Botox vs. Jaw Surgery: Which is Right?
Masseter Botox is a safe, non-invasive option for jawline slimming that delivers dramatic results. Injections of a neuromodulator like Botox, Dysport, Daxxify, Jeuveau, or Xeomin relax the large masseter muscle on either side of the face and shrink its size over time, giving a more oval or V-shaped appearance to the lower face. In addition, this facial cosmetic treatment can help reduce teeth grinding or clenching and jaw pain caused by TMJ disorders.
Although a popular aesthetic option, masseter Botox is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be the best solution if you have significant loose skin at the chin or jawline, as the muscle shrinking can accentuate this condition.
A skilled medical professional can advise you if masseter Botox is an effective option for you. It is important to find a practitioner who has experience injecting this area of the face and understands how to deliver natural-looking results. You should also be aware that the effects of masseter Botox are temporary and require repeat treatments to maintain your desired appearance and eliminate symptoms of bruxism or TMD.
Ready to trade a rounder face and TMJ discomfort for a sculpted jawline and pain-free days? Contact House of Aesthetics Med Spa today and schedule your botox consultation! Your California cool starts with a defined jawline and TMJ relief, and House of Aesthetics Med Spa has the key to unlocking your confident best!