In the beauty industry, Botox is mainly known as a wrinkle eraser. However, its other off-label uses are gaining popularity. One of them is Botox for the masseter muscles.
If you have a prominent jawline, headaches, toothaches, or ear pain due to constant teeth grinding, you may benefit from masseter Botox.
Here, we explain how Botox can relax your jaw muscles to relieve you from pain and shape your jawline to your satisfaction.
What Is the Masseter Botox Treatment?
Masseter Botox is a non-surgical treatment that involves injecting the botulinum toxin type A into the masseter muscles in the lower jaw. They are muscles on the sides of your face that become visible when you clench your jaw.
The injected neurotoxin blocks the nerves that send signals to the muscles and the muscles become relaxed. The patient can still chew, but the masseter movement is limited, and the jaw shrinks in size from the reduced activity.
What Do We Use the Masseter Botox Treatment for?
Patients choose the masseter Botox treatment for the following reasons:
- To slim down a square, prominent jaw.
- To manage involuntary teeth grinding (bruxism)
- To reduce potential pain from teeth grinding
Note: If your jaw is square because of your bone structure, Botox won’t help. The masseter Botox treatment can only slim down your jaw if overactive masseter muscles caused its shape and prominence.
What Does the Masseter Botox Treatment Look Like?
The masseter Botox treatment is a quick, walk-in procedure that doesn’t require any preparation by the patient.
The first step is a consultation with the Botox provider. They will examine your jawline and discuss your reason for wanting the procedure. They also go through your medical history to see if an underlying condition may prevent you from getting Botox.
The treatment itself lasts only a few minutes. Your provider cleans your skin to minimize the chance of infection. They mark the area between your cheekbone and your lower jawbone on both sides, where the masseters are located. Then, they inject Botox into the target area. The amount of Botox depends on the size of the masseters and the issue being treated.
After the injections, the provider massages the injected area to help Botox settle and minimize the chance of swelling and bruising.
You can resume your regular daily activities right after the procedure.
Side Effects of a Masseter Botox Treatment
Patients typically experience mild swelling, bruising, redness, and pain at the injection site. These side effects resolve on their own within a week or two after the procedure.
Severe Botox side effects are rare. They include:
- Difficulty in swallowing and breathing
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Blurred or double vision
- Bleeding
- Strong allergic reactions
If you experience a severe side effect of Botox, contact your medical provider immediately.
Who Should Avoid the Masseter Botox Treatment?
The following conditions may require you to postpone your Botox treatment:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Bleeding disorders
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Skin infection in the area of the treatment site
- Allergy to botulinum toxin
Masseter Botox Treatment Aftercare
To ensure the side effects resolve quickly and Botox settles in the target area, follow these aftercare tips:
- Avoid alcohol and nicotine 24 hours after the treatment
- Apply ice packs if you notice redness, swelling, and bruising in the treated area
- Don’t lie down the first four hours after the treatment
- Don’t apply pressure to the treated area
- Avoid exercise 24 hours after the treatment
- Avoid hot baths and saunas 24 hours after the treatment
How Much Does a Masseter Botox Treatment Cost?
The cost of Botox depends on the amount of neurotoxin required for the procedure. Women typically need 20 units of Botox per side for jaw slimming. Men require more Botox units because their muscles are bigger.
At Vibrant Skin Bar, one unit of Botox costs $12. If you need 20 units per side, the total cost amounts to $480. Be sure to drop by if you need a Botox treatment in Phoenix!
What Can You Expect from a Masseter Botox Treatment?
Botox injections reduce the masseter activity and, consequently, the muscles’ size. After the treatment, you may experience a slimmer jaw, reduced teeth grinding, and reduced pain from overactive jaw muscles.
When Can You See the First Results?
Patients notice an improvement in the reduced masseter activity right after the procedure. The first results in the masseter size and the jawline contours typically appear within one week of the procedure.
How Long Do the Effects Last?
The effects of Botox last three to six months. Then, the masseters are no longer relaxed and resume their regular activity. To prolong the effects of Botox, schedule regular treatments three to six months apart.
Conclusion
Botox is a great solution for overactive masseters that may cause pain and an unpleasantly wide jawline. For a safe and successful procedure, choose an experienced injectables provider in your area who will help you achieve the desired results.
