Masseter Botox

The masseter is one of the muscles that assist in chewing. It is located on the side of your face and connects your cheekbone to your lower jawbone.

When Botox is injected into the masseter, it is called masseter Botox or sometimes referred to as jawline Botox. The treatment uses botulinum toxin to temporarily block the nerve signals in the masseter, preventing the muscle from moving.

What Is Masseter Botox Used For?

Masseter Botox is typically used for the following purposes:

• Management of teeth grinding
• Reducing jaw tension, pain, and clenching
• Relieving headaches
• Reshaping a square jawline
• Creating a balanced facial shape

Procedure of Masseter Botox Treatment

What to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Before the Procedure

Before getting Masseter Botox, you should consult with a medical professional who will also examine your jaw and face. This allows them to determine the injection site and the number of syringes needed.

The procedure will take place in the doctor’s office, and you won’t need to go to the hospital.

During the Procedure

During the procedure, you can expect the following:

1. Your skin will be cleansed to reduce the risk of infection. Topical anesthesia is used to numb the area.
2. They will prepare a syringe with botulinum toxin. The needle will be very thin.
3. Then, they will inject the needle into your masseter muscle and slowly withdraw it while injecting the toxin.
4. They may repeat the procedure on the other side if necessary, depending on the size of the muscle.
5. The procedure takes about 15 minutes.

After the Treatment

After the treatment, you can resume your normal activities. It does not require any recovery time.

However, for the next 24 hours, you should avoid the following:

• Rubbing the treated area
• Applying pressure to the treated area
• Engaging in exercise

These actions can spread the toxin to other areas of your face.

You can expect to see full results within at least one week.

It’s worth noting that the effects of Botox are temporary. They typically last between 3 to 4 months. If you want to maintain the results, you will need to repeat the procedure.

Benefits of Masseter Botox

Masseter Botox provides the following benefits:

Reduces Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding or bruxism is typically treated with mouthguards and lifestyle changes. If you have severe bruxism, Botox injections can be more effective.

Botulinum toxin relaxes the masseter, relieving the jaw. This reduces the following symptoms by preventing involuntary clenching of the jaw and teeth:

• Tight jaw
• Pain in the jaw, neck, or face
• Tooth sensitivity or pain
• Dull headaches
• Tooth damage
• Ear pain

Reduces TMD Symptoms

Just like the masseter muscle, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) assists with chewing. It is the hinge that connects your lower jaw bone to your skull.

If you have an issue with your TMJ, it is called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). It is often accompanied by bruxism and masseter pain.

Botox can help relax the muscles and alleviate TMD symptoms. These include:

• Jaw pain
• Headaches
• TMD damage
• Limited range of motion in the jaw
• Jaw, facial, and ear pain
• Jaw locking

SLIMS THE FACE SHAPE

The masseter muscles can give the face a square shape. If you desire a thinner appearance for your face, masseter Botox can be an option.

The weakening effect of Botox reduces the size of your masseters, creating a slimmer V-shaped jawline.

When used for this purpose, masseter Botox is also referred to as jaw reduction or masseter reduction.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Masseter Botox?

Masseter Botox is generally considered safe. However, the procedure can potentially cause the following side effects:

• Pain or swelling at the injection site
• Bruising
• Headaches

The masseter muscle is located in the jaw and cheek area. If you have severe bruxism or TMD, getting Botox in this muscle can help alleviate your symptoms. It can also reshape your jawline and balance your overall facial shape.

To achieve the best results, an experienced physician trained in masseter Botox can perform the procedure safely and effectively.