Masseter Botox
A botox treatment that aims to relax the overactive masseter muscle at the angle of the jaw, slim the jawline and reduce discomfort caused by teeth clenching.
Masseter botox is a botulinum toxin procedure applied to the masseter muscle, which is located at the angles of the jaw and works most intensively during chewing. The aim is to relax this overdeveloped or overactive muscle, both to give the jawline a more oval and balanced appearance and to provide relief from teeth clenching (bruxism) complaints. At Zen Poliklinik in Ataşehir, this treatment is carried out as an individually planned process that begins with a physician’s examination.
People who are unhappy with a square jaw, who wake up in the morning with jaw pain and headaches due to grinding their teeth at night, or who are bothered by a very prominent chewing muscle often research this treatment. It may be a reason for preference because it is non-surgical, short, and allows a quick return to the day; still, the same result cannot be expected in every patient, and the final decision is made by the physician after the examination.
What is masseter botox and how does it work?
The masseter is a strong muscle located on both sides of the lower jaw and responsible for most of the chewing movement. Due to genetic structure, a long-standing teeth clenching habit or chewing gum, this muscle may become hypertrophic over time, that is, it may grow in volume. The enlarged muscle causes the angles of the jaw to widen outward and the face to take on a square line.
When botulinum toxin is applied to the muscle, it temporarily weakens the signal transmitted from the nerve endings to the muscle. As a result, the masseter muscle can no longer contract as strongly, its overactivity is limited, and a noticeable reduction in its volume may be seen over time. Because the working intensity of the muscle decreases, the pressure that occurs during clenching and grinding of the teeth also decreases.
The treatment is performed with fine-needle injections at determined points of the muscle at the angle of the jaw. During the procedure, the physician determines the injection points by manually checking the borders and thickness of the muscle; for this reason, it is important that it is performed by an experienced physician and planned individually.
When is it preferred?
Masseter botox is a treatment considered for both aesthetic and functional complaints. In the following situations, it may be raised by the physician as an option:
- Angles of the jaw looking noticeably wide and square
- A long-standing habit of teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism)
- Waking up in the morning with pain in the jaw, temple or head area
- Jaw fatigue due to overactivity of the chewing muscle
- Wishing to give the facial contours a more oval and balanced appearance
- Not obtaining sufficient relief with a night guard
Because some of these complaints may also fall within the field of dentistry, it is recommended that people presenting with bruxism be assessed together with a dentist if necessary.
How does the procedure proceed?
- Examination and assessment. The physician manually examines the jaw area and assesses the thickness and working pattern of the masseter muscle. The history of teeth clenching, jaw pain and expectations are discussed together in this consultation.
- Marking the area. The borders of the muscle and the points to be injected are marked, taking the symmetry of the face into account. This stage is important for the result to look balanced and natural.
- Skin cleansing. Before the injection, the area is disinfected, and comfort may be increased with light cooling or a topical cream if necessary.
- Injection. Botulinum toxin is applied to the determined points with a fine needle. The procedure is usually short and does not greatly affect daily life.
- Post-treatment information. The points to be careful about after the treatment (such as not massaging the area and not bending forward for a few hours) are explained to the patient by the physician.
Who is it not suitable for?
Masseter botox may not be suitable for every candidate; during the physician’s examination, the following situations are carefully assessed:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- A known history of allergy to botulinum toxin
- An active infection or skin problem in the treatment area
- A history of neuromuscular disease (such as myasthenia gravis)
- Certain occupational groups who would not accept a marked loss of strength in chewing function (for example, situations requiring intense muscle strength in the mouth and jaw area)
- General health conditions such as a bleeding disorder or the use of blood thinners
If one of these applies, the treatment is not automatically ruled out; the physician assesses the person’s health status as a whole and makes the final decision.
When are the results visible and how long do they last?
The effect of masseter botox does not appear immediately; the relaxation of the muscle and the reduction of its volume usually begin to become noticeable within a few weeks. The visible slimming effect on the jawline varies from person to person, but it mostly reaches its most pronounced state between one and three months, because the reduction of the muscle is a gradual process.
The duration of the effect also varies from person to person; the effect of botulinum toxin is not permanent, and over time the muscle returns to its previous working pattern. Therefore, if the result is to be maintained, repeat treatment at certain intervals may be necessary; the frequency of repetition is determined by the physician according to the patient’s muscle structure and response.
Use together with other treatments
Masseter botox can be planned together with other treatments targeting the jaw and lower face. For example, for people who want additional fullness or contour definition along the jawline, an assessment can be made together with jawline filler; because these two treatments serve different purposes, the physician decides at the examination which one takes priority.
For people who also have line and wrinkle concerns in the upper face, facial botox can be assessed separately. For broader information about the general uses of botox and its application in other areas, you can look at the botox treatments page. For more detailed information about the causes of teeth clenching and the role of masseter botox in this complaint, you can read our article who is masseter botox suitable for; for questions about how long the effect lasts and how often to repeat it, our article botox duration of effect and frequency of repetition may serve as a guide.