Masseter Botox (Jaw Slimming Botox)

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Buena Park, Cupertino and Fullerton, CA

Masseter Botox (Jaw Slimming Botox) 17Medspa

Masseter Botox is a jaw-slimming treatment that relaxes your muscles to reduce their size and help you achieve a more balanced facial profile. The masseter muscles are located on both sides of your jaw to control chewing and speaking. If they become significantly large or tight from jaw clenching or genetics, they can cause pain and give the appearance of a bulky jaw and cheek area.

This treatment is becoming increasingly popular among individuals seeking to enhance their facial features and achieve a more defined and symmetrical jawline. Whether you are interested in facial slimming, jawline contouring, or reducing masseter muscle overactivity and jaw clenching, masseter Botox can help you achieve the desired results.

At 17Medspa, we have decades of experience helping patients experience the cosmetic and functional benefits of Botox. Contact our office to learn more about how Botox can help you achieve your goals:

Before and After Photos

About Masseter Botox

Enlargement of the masseter muscles (idiopathic hypertrophy), is a condition that causes facial asymmetry, affects muscle function, and changes the proportions of the face. (1) Colloquially known as “square face,” the condition can affect patients of any age. Tight masseter muscles can cause discomfort, and struggling with pain from overworked muscles can make basic tasks such as speaking or eating difficult. Although the cause of the condition is unknown, enlarged masseter muscles are associated with emotional disorders such as stress and nervousness. (1)

In 2022, more than 8 million patients received Botox, placing the treatment in the top 5 most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that year. (2) Botox is an injectable neuromodulator that relaxes your muscles to prevent repetitive movements that cause fine lines and wrinkles to form on your skin. It is also an FDA-approved treatment for migraine headaches and is often used to alleviate symptoms of neurological disorders such as neck contractions (cervical dystonia). (3) When used for masseter muscles, Botox treatments can help reduce:

  • Masseter muscle mass: Relaxing the masseter muscle prevents it from becoming larger and slows the process of building muscle fiber along the jaw.
  • Facial imbalances: Slowing the growth of the masseter muscle helps balance your facial proportions.
  • Discomfort and muscle pain: Enlarged, tight masseter muscles can cause facial pain, (4) and Botox can alleviate discomfort by relaxing them.

Masseter Botox Benefits

Relaxing your muscles with Botox does not come with the risks associated with consistent use of over-the-counter medication. The minimally invasive treatment is well-tolerated, (5) and can improve your quality of life because daily activities become more comfortable. The other benefits of treating masseter muscles with Botox include the following:

  • Minimally Invasive: The non-surgical muscle treatment helps alleviate discomfort and pain without the risks of scarring or anesthesia.
  • Long-Lasting Results: Botox relaxes the muscles and can last up to several months. Although you may need to return to the office for a touch-up, you can enjoy results with only a few appointments each year.
  • Natural Results: If you are seeking a solution to improve your facial contour and reduce the size of heavy muscles that are affecting your facial proportions, Botox can help.

Candidates & Consultation

The best candidates for Botox are in good health and do not have allergies that would cause an adverse reaction. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may not be the best candidate for the treatment. During your consultation, we will discuss your options to determine the best treatment plan for your aesthetic goals.

How to Prepare for Masseter Botox Treatments

To prepare for a masseter Botox treatment, you must stop taking blood thinners 1-2 weeks before your appointment. You will also need to discontinue facial products that contain retinol and exfoliating facial creams that contain alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or glycolic acid. You will need to avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after your procedure. Please arrive at your appointment without makeup or face products for the best results.

Masseter Botox Procedure

Before the procedure, your injector will clean the treatment area and use a topical anesthetic for your comfort. Next, they will use a thin needle to carefully inject Botox into the masseter muscle on both sides of the jaw to help it relax. Your injector will administer between 10 and 40 units of Botox into the muscles. After the injection, you may feel some slight discomfort while it settles into your skin. Although side effects are minimal, you may experience a decrease in saliva production due to the Botox.

Masseter Botox Recovery

One of the significant advantages of masseter botox is its minimal recovery time and low associated discomfort. While you may experience some mild swelling or bruising immediately following the treatment, these side effects should subside within a few days. Masseter Botox injections do not require downtime, and you may resume your normal routine immediately. However, it is important that you do not rub the treatment area or participate in activities that apply pressure to the treatment site. You will need to remain in a vertical position for approximately 4 hours while the treatment settles into your skin. To help the injection settle, you can practice making facial gestures. If you have any discomfort, over-the-counter medication and a cold compress can help alleviate it.

Masseter Botox Results

You can enjoy the results of your treatment after a few hours when the Botox has settled into your skin. You can experience the full benefits approximately 1 week after your treatment and the results will become more noticeable over the next month. For the next 3-4 months, you can enjoy more relaxed masseter muscles and a more slender facial profile.

Corresponding Treatments

At 17 Med Spa, we can combine your Botox treatment with other injectables and customizable facial treatments to help you look your best.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are hyaluronic-acid-based injectables that add volume to the treatment area for a natural look. Although Botox can reduce signs of facial aging by relaxing your muscles to prevent dynamic lines and wrinkles from forming, it cannot add volume to your face. Volume loss is another common sign of aging. With dermal fillers, we can restore your facial volume if you have lost it from aging or weight changes.

Skin Rejuvenation

Skin rejuvenation procedures accelerate collagen production for a smoother, younger-looking complexion. As you age and your natural collagen levels decrease, fine lines and wrinkles can affect the texture of your skin. Our skin rejuvenation procedures include:

  • Morpheus8: This radiofrequency microneedling treatment accelerates collagen production by penetrating the skin with tiny needles.
  • PicoWay Laser: Targeted pulses of low-level non-ablative laser therapy (LLLT) lift and tone your skin by heating the deeper layers of your dermis.
  • Excel V: Laser energy reduces the appearance of dark spots, redness, and wrinkles for a more even skin tone.

To learn more about the different skin rejuvenation treatments we offer, read more about our services.

Cost of Masseter Botox in Cupertino

Masseter Botox (Jaw Slimming Botox) 17Medspa

The cost of your masseter Botox treatment will depend on your treatment plan. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and receive an all-inclusive quote for your treatment:

If you’re planning to get this treatment, here is the link to our general pre/post care guideline page!

FAQ

How long does the masseter botox procedure take?

The masseter botox injection process usually lasts less than 30 minutes, making it a convenient treatment for individuals with busy schedules.

How long does masseter Botox treatment last?

Masseter Botox treatments last approximately 3-4 months.

Does masseter Botox help with teeth grinding (bruxism)?

Yes, masseter botox has been found to have a positive effect on bruxism, which is the medical term for teeth grinding. By relaxing the masseter muscles, this treatment can alleviate symptoms such as jaw pain associated with teeth grinding.

Are there any side effects or risks associated with injectable neuromodulators?

After your injection, you may have some temporary swelling or discomfort around the injection site. Most patients find that it resolves after a few days.

Can men and women receive masseter Botox injections?

Yes, both male and female patients can receive masseter injections to relax their muscles and help them achieve a more balanced facial profile.

How often should I return for masseter Botox injections?

Most patients return every 3-4 months for touch-up appointments. However, the length of your treatment plan will depend on your aesthetic goals.

References

  1. Rispoli DZ, Camargo PM, Pires JL, Fonseca VR, Mandelli KK, Pereira MAC. Benign masseter muscle hypertrophy. Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology. 2008;74(5):790-793. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s1808-8694(15)31393-8
  2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Procedural Statistics Data Insights Partners: 2022 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2022/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2022.pdf
  3. Padda IS, Tadi P. Botulinum Toxin. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557387/
  4. Fedorowicz Z, van Zuuren EJ, Schoones J. Botulinum toxin for masseter hypertrophy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Published online September 9, 2013. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd007510.pub3
  5. Nigam P, Nigam A. Botulinum toxin. Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2010;55(1):8. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.60343