In the beauty industry, Botox is best known as a wrinkle eraser. However, this neurotoxin is also widely used in therapeutic, off-label procedures, including the treatment of jaw clenching (bruxism) and TMJ disorders. Botox works by relaxing overactive jaw muscles, relieving discomfort, ear pain, headaches, and toothaches caused by chronic teeth grinding.
This article explains how masseter Botox works and what to expect from the procedure.
What Is the Masseter Botox Treatment?
Masseter Botox is a non-surgical treatment that involves injecting botulinum toxin type A into the masseter muscles of the lower jaw. These muscles are located on the sides of the face and become prominent when you clench your jaw.
The injected neurotoxin blocks nerve signals that trigger muscle contraction, causing the muscles to relax. Patients can still chew normally, but excessive masseter activity is reduced, which leads to a gradual decrease in muscle size over time.
What Are the Benefits of Masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox has a wide range of therapeutic benefits and can alleviate the symptoms of bruxism (teeth clenching) and temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders. It can be used to:
- Manage involuntary teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism).
- Reduce potential pain from teeth grinding.
- Relax overactive jaw muscles.
- Improve sleep quality by alleviating jaw tension.
- Ease chronic tightness in the lower face.
- Alleviate TMJ-related discomfort (e.g., difficulty chewing, ear pain).
- Increase jaw movement.
- Decrease headaches and migraines.
- Prevent tooth damage.
- Reduce jaw fatigue.
However, if a square or bulky jaw is due to bone structure, Botox cannot help. Masseter Botox can only reshape the jawline and ease tension caused by overactive masseter muscles.
Note: Masseter Botox is also used for aesthetic purposes, to slim the jawline, create a V-shaped, oval contour, and improve facial symmetry.
How to Prepare for a Masseter Botox Treatment?
Before the procedure, you will have a consultation to discuss your goals and expectations, medical history, and symptoms. The medical professional will examine your jaw and face to determine injection sites and the number of Botox units.
It is advisable to follow these pre-treatment guidelines:
- Skip intense jaw activity – Avoid excessive clenching, gum chewing, and eating hard or crunchy foods.
- Postpone dental appointments – Avoid major dental work for up to 14 days prior to treatment, if possible.
- Avoid blood thinners – Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and other blood-thinning medications and supplements 7 days before treatment.
- Limit alcohol intake – Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for 24 to 48 hours before your appointment to minimize the risk of bruising.
- Skip high-intensity workouts – Strenuous exercise increases blood flow to your face, which can cause the toxin to spread to unwanted areas.
- Clean your face – Use gentle cleansers to remove makeup, skincare products, and other impurities from your face.
- Eat before your appointment – Due to mild post-procedure soreness in the jawline, you may not be able to chew, so it is best not to arrive hungry.
What to Expect During a Masseter Botox Procedure?
The treatment is a quick, straightforward procedure that requires minimal preparation. It can last up to 30 minutes, depending on the severity of symptoms and the desired outcome.
The usual steps during a masseter Botox treatment are the following:
- Skin preparation – The provider disinfects the skin with alcohol to reduce the risk of infection and may apply a numbing cream to minimize discomfort, if necessary.
- Face mapping – Three to six injection points are marked between your cheekbone and the lower region of the masseter muscles to ensure precise placement and a customized approach tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy.
- Administration – The provider injects tiny amounts of botulinum toxin into targeted masseter muscles on each side of the jaw using a fine, sterile needle. You may feel mild pressure, stinging, or pinching sensations during this process.
- Applying light pressure - After the injections, the provider applies gentle pressure to the treated area to minimize the risk of swelling and bruising. Massaging the area or applying stronger pressure is not recommended, as it may cause the neurotoxin to spread to unwanted areas.
You can resume your regular daily activities immediately after the procedure.
What Are the Injection Sites for Masseter Botox?
The provider targets the lower third of the masseter muscle, just above the angle of the jaw, using either a three-point or six-point injection technique. Botulinum toxin is injected slowly and precisely into the lowest and thickest portion of the masseter muscle, typically 1 to 2 cm above the jawline. Injection points are kept 0.5-1cm away from the muscle borders to avoid surrounding muscles, nerves, and salivary glands.
Masseter Botox requires patience, precision, and expertise. Poor injection technique may affect nearby muscles, such as the risorius (smile) muscle, or cause paradoxical bulging (an unnatural protrusion in the masseter area). These complications can alter facial features and expression and create unwanted asymmetry.
For this reason, it is crucial to choose an experienced, licensed professional who understands facial anatomy and specialized injection techniques for the lower face.
Note: Discover the most common Botox treatment areas.
How Painful Is Masseter Botox?
Compared to more delicate facial areas, the jawline muscles are thicker and less sensitive to needles. As a result, masseter Botox is well tolerated, causes minimal discomfort, and does not require anesthesia.
You may feel temporary sensations, such as:
- Mild pinching
- Slight pressure
- Tenderness
- Tightness
- Jaw fatigue
The Results of a Masseter Botox Treatment
Botox injections reduce masseter muscle activity and, consequently, decrease excessive muscle contraction. After the treatment, patients experience reduced teeth grinding, less jaw tension, and relief from pain caused by overactive jaw muscles.
When Can You See the First Results?
Masseter muscles start to relax three to seven days after the procedure. Patients report noticeable improvement in jaw tension, clenching, and grinding within one to two weeks.
Full effects appear three to six weeks after treatment, as the masseter muscles continue to weaken and decrease in size.
How Long Do the Effects Last?
The effects of masseter Botox typically last three to six months. As the muscles gradually regain their strength, activity, and size, most providers recommend maintenance treatments every three to six months.
How Many Units Are Needed?
Most patients require 20 to 30 units per side. However, the overall number of Botox units per treatment depends on muscle size, strength, and the severity of symptoms.
In general, dosage, injection sites, and the number of syringes are customized to suit individual anatomy and treatment goals.
What Are the Downsides of Masseter Botox?
The two biggest downsides of masseter Botox are its ineffectiveness for bone-related jaw discomfort and its temporary results. Additionally, although it is a minimally invasive procedure, it is not entirely without risk.
Most side effects are mild and subside within a week or two. They include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Bumps
- Redness
- Pain at the injection site
- Chewing fatigue
- Jaw soreness or stiffness
- Headache
- Crooked smile
- Flu-like symptoms
- Drooling
Severe side effects are rare, and include:
- Spread to nearby muscles
- Paradoxical bulging
- Asymmetry
- Allergic reaction
- Botox resistance
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Blurred or double vision
- Bleeding
If you experience severe or unusual reactions, contact your medical provider immediately.
What Is the Recovery Process Like After Masseter Botox?
To minimize side effects, accelerate recovery, and ensure Botox settles properly, follow these aftercare tips:
- Wash your face with cold or lukewarm water, using gentle motions.
- 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 or bend for 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.
- Postpone other cosmetic treatments, such as chemical peels, dermal fillers, and laser treatment for two weeks.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox is not suitable for the following candidates:
- People with structural or skeletal jaw issues
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Having a bleeding disorder
- Having a neuromuscular disorder
- A history of keloid scarring
- Skin infection or inflammation
- Allergy to botulinum toxin or other ingredients
Note: If you seek jawline cosmetic enhancement in addition to addressing a medical issue, read about the best Botox alternatives and effective jawline contouring treatments.
What Is the Average Cost of Masseter Botox?
The cost of Botox depends on the amount of neurotoxin required for the procedure. Women typically need 20 units of Botox per side, while men require more Botox units because their muscles are bigger.
At Vibrant Skin Bar, one unit of Botox costs $13.50. If you need 20 units per side, the total cost amounts to $540.
Will My Insurance Pay for Masseter Botox?
Most insurance plans do not cover masseter Botox, despite its therapeutic benefits. Insurance coverage for Botox is generally limited to FDA-approved medical indications, such as chronic migraines or excessive underarm sweating.
Masseter Botox is typically considered an elective treatment and is often categorized as a jaw-slimming procedure, even when used to treat medical conditions like TMJ disorders or bruxism.
Masseter Botox FAQ
Let us explore the most frequent questions and answers about Botox for the masseter area.
Why Am I Still Clenching After Masseter Botox?
The masseter muscles do not relax immediately and not until they deplete the entire supply of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for contraction. It can take up to seven days to notice first improvements, and two to four weeks for the full effects to develop.
As muscle activity gradually decreases, involuntary clenching subsides but may not be eliminated. Occasional stress-induced clenching is common, and wearing a night guard may still be necessary to protect your teeth from damage.
In some cases, underdosing, uneven muscle response, or underlying TMJ-related issues can contribute to persistent teeth grinding. For this reason, a follow-up visit is often recommended two to four weeks after treatment to assess results and adjust the treatment plan if needed.
Why Does My Smile Look Weird After Masseter Botox?
Your smile may appear stiff, uneven, or slightly “pulled” during the first one to two weeks as your facial muscles adjust to the effects of Botox. These changes are usually temporary and fade after a few weeks.
A lopsided or asymmetrical smile may occur due to temporary muscle imbalance, high dosing, or injection placement. In rare cases, the neurotoxin spreads to nearby muscles involved in smiling, such as the risorius or zygomatic muscles. You can prevent the risk of Botox diffusion by choosing a trained, experienced professional who is skilled at the procedure.
Do Dentists Recommend Masseter Botox?
Yes, many dentists recommend masseter Botox to alleviate jaw tension, teeth grinding, and TMJ-related pain caused by overactive jawline muscles.
It is often combined with night guards to prevent tooth damage, such as loss of enamel, chips, fractures, increased sensitivity, and gum recession.
Conclusion
Botox is a great solution for overactive masseter muscles that can cause pain, tooth damage, and headaches. This off-label, minimally invasive procedure is highly effective for managing bruxism and TMJ-related symptoms, including earaches, chewing difficulties, jaw pain, and dental problems. For a safe and successful outcome, choose an experienced provider who can tailor the treatment to your needs.
Contact the Vibrant Skin Bar Botox specialists to discuss the most appropriate injectable solution for your concerns.
