Masseter Muscle Botox injections
Masseter Botox is a popular way to slim and define the jawline. It also helps relieve pain and tension caused by clenching or grinding the teeth, known as bruxism. The results of Masseter Muscle Botox are usually visible within a week or two. But it’s important to find a qualified healthcare provider and follow their aftercare instructions to get the best results.
Before you get your Masseter Muscle Botox injections, a medical professional will clean the skin to reduce the risk of infection. They may apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area. Next, they’ll prepare a syringe containing botulinum toxin. Using a thin needle, they’ll inject the toxin into the masseter muscle on both sides of the face. It’s typically a quick and painless procedure that takes up to 30 minutes.
The injections cause the muscle to weaken over time, causing it to shrink. “It’s like the muscle is taking a vacation from your jaw clenching,” says Hibler. Most patients need between 20 and 30 units of Botox to reduce the size of their Masseter Muscle Botox. However, your provider will assess your facial anatomy and musculature to determine how many units you need.
How often do you need to get Masseter Muscle Botox injections?
After the masseter muscle has atrophied, the resulting slimmer and more curved jawline is noticeable within a month or two. Some patients will continue to see results up to nine months. However, most patients will need to schedule maintenance treatments at three-month intervals after that to maintain their desired results.
In addition to jaw thinning, the Masseter Muscle Botox procedure can help treat other problems. It can relieve the tension and pain associated with bruxism, as well as reduce migraine headaches that are caused by jaw clenching. It can even help reshape the face for patients who have a square or thick jawline and want to look more feminine.
Masseter Muscle Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the masseter muscles, reducing their activity and size. This process effectively diminishes the appearance of a square jawline and can provide a more oval or heart-shaped facial contour, which is often considered more aesthetically pleasing in many cultures.
The procedure itself is relatively quick and minimally invasive. A trained medical professional typically administers several injections of Botox into each masseter muscle. Patients may experience mild discomfort during the injections, but the procedure generally does not require anesthesia or significant downtime. Results typically become noticeable within a few days to a week after treatment and can last for several months, after which repeat injections may be necessary to maintain the desired outcomes.
The best candidates for masseter muscle Botox are adults who don’t smoke, have a healthy weight, and don’t have any underlying health conditions. If you have a condition, such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), it’s important to discuss this with your doctor before getting the injections.