It seems like all the stress we’ve experienced over the past few years has been hiding in one place: our jaws. Enter Masseter Botox, an injectable that’s been gaining traction lately for both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. Whether you’re looking to slim your face, relieve jaw tension, or finally get rid of that nagging jaw pain, Masseter Botox may just be the solution—and social media agrees.
On TikTok alone, videos showing jawline transformations with Masseter Botox and testimonials from people who swear by its tension-relieving benefits have amassed over 50 million views.
Dermatologists and plastic surgeons aren’t surprised by the surge in interest. According to a 2020 study, people who are stressed experience a 97% higher chance of developing bruxism (a condition where you grind or clench your teeth), which can overwork the masseter muscle, leading to a range of issues. And let’s face it—these days, who isn’t stressed?
The Link Between Stress and Jaw Clenching
It’s easy to miss when you’re clenching your jaw during the day, especially in moments of stress or frustration. It can become a habit, often happening subconsciously. For many people, the real struggle happens at night, when they unknowingly grind their teeth while sleeping. If you wake up with jaw pain or headaches, you may be a midnight grinder.
As Ash Soni, MD, a plastic surgeon based in London, explains, “The masseter muscle enlarges when people clench or grind their teeth, which can cause discomfort and even change the shape of your face.” Many people seek relief from their dentists, who may recommend wearing a night guard to protect the teeth. However, for those who are clenching their jaw during the day, wearing a night guard 24/7 may not be a realistic solution. That’s where Masseter Botox comes into play.
What Exactly Is Masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox is a non-invasive procedure where Botox (or other neuromodulators like Jeuveau, Dysport, Xeomin, or Daxxify) is injected into the masseter muscle, which is located along the jawline. This muscle is responsible for chewing and can become overdeveloped due to clenching and grinding. The treatment relaxes the muscle, helping to alleviate tension while also reshaping the jawline.
It’s important to note that this is an off-label use of Botox, meaning it hasn’t been specifically approved by the FDA for treating the jaw muscles. However, off-label use of neuromodulators is common and widely accepted in the medical community. As Melissa A. Doft, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, explains, “We routinely use neurotoxins to help with things like TMJ, masseter issues, and even excessive sweating.”
Understanding the Masseter Muscle
Before diving into how Masseter Botox works, let’s clarify what the masseter muscle is. It’s one of the strongest muscles in your body, responsible for helping you chew. When overworked through constant clenching, it can lead to jaw pain, TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), and even tension headaches. Over time, this muscle can become enlarged, making the face appear wider, which is one of the reasons why Masseter Botox is used for jawline slimming.
The Benefits of Masseter Botox
There are two main reasons people seek out Masseter Botox: relieving muscle tension and reshaping the jawline. Many patients find that these two benefits go hand-in-hand.
- Relieving Tension and Pain: Botox works by blocking nerve signals that tell muscles to contract. When Botox is injected into the masseter muscle, it causes the muscle to relax and shrink over time, providing relief from pain and discomfort. As Dr. Soni notes, “Botox essentially stops the muscle from contracting, giving almost immediate symptom relief, and your jaw should feel more relaxed.”
- Jawline Slimming and Reshaping: Since the masseter muscle is responsible for the bulkiness in the jaw area, reducing its size with Botox can lead to a slimmer, more defined face shape. As Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, explains, “When we decrease muscular contractions, the muscle thins over time, similar to how muscles shrink when they’re not exercised regularly.”
Who Should Consider Masseter Botox?
If you experience symptoms of bruxism (teeth grinding) or TMJ-related pain, Masseter Botox might be worth exploring. Additionally, it’s a popular choice for people seeking a non-surgical way to slim and contour their jawline.
However, as Dr. Marchbein emphasizes, it’s important to be realistic about what Masseter Botox can achieve. “It’s great for relieving jaw tension and slimming the face, but if you’re just looking for a dramatic change in your face shape, there might be better options, like fillers or jawline contouring.”
How Is the Procedure Performed?
Before undergoing Masseter Botox, you’ll first have a consultation with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine if you’re a good candidate. Your practitioner will likely examine your jaw, ask you to clench your teeth to assess the muscle’s size, and evaluate whether the muscle is enlarged.
The procedure itself is quick and relatively painless. Some providers use a topical anesthetic to numb the area, but others may go straight to the injection process. Your provider will inject Botox into the masseter muscle on both sides of the face. The number of units required depends on your muscle size and the degree of jaw tension you’re experiencing. On average, people receive between 15 to 30 units per side.
While Botox starts working within a few days, you won’t see the full results for two to four weeks. Many practitioners recommend a follow-up appointment after a month to check your progress and possibly administer additional injections.
Recovery and Side Effects
The recovery from Masseter Botox is minimal. You can return to your regular activities immediately after the procedure. Some providers suggest avoiding alcohol and strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours to minimize the risk of bruising.
In terms of side effects, they’re typically mild. You might experience slight swelling or bruising at the injection site. However, in rare cases, Botox can be injected too far forward in the muscle,
causing issues like drooling or an altered smile. These side effects usually resolve within a few weeks but highlight the importance of choosing a skilled practitioner.
Potential Risks and Long-Term Effects
While Botox injections are considered safe, injecting it into the masseter muscle is still an off-label use, which means there is limited research on the long-term effects. One risk that patients should be aware of is the possibility of jawline bulging if the neuromodulator isn’t injected correctly. As Dr. Marchbein explains, “If certain parts of the muscle aren’t treated,
other portions may stick out, creating an uneven appearance.”
Additionally, because the treatment temporarily reduces the strength of the masseter muscle, those who get Botox primarily for aesthetic reasons may experience skin laxity over time,
which could require additional treatments like fillers to maintain a smooth jawline.
Cost and Maintenance
Masseter Botox typically costs between $750 and $1,000 per treatment, depending on the location and the number of units required. Since it’s considered an aesthetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance. Results generally last six to eight months, but some people metabolize Botox more quickly, meaning touch-ups may be needed every three months.
Final Thoughts: Is Masseter Botox Right for You?
Masseter Botox has become a popular choice for those seeking relief from jaw tension or a non-surgical solution for a slimmer jawline. But as Dr. Marchbein cautions, “It’s not for everyone. It’s best suited for people dealing with painful symptoms from clenching or grinding their teeth.” For those seeking purely cosmetic changes, there may be other options that better suit their goals.
Masseter Botox offers a dual benefit of pain relief and facial reshaping, making it a versatile treatment
for both health and beauty. If you’re considering it, be sure to consult with a qualified professional who has experience in facial injectables and always have realistic expectations about the results.
Key Takeaway:
Masseter Botox is an effective non-invasive treatment for relieving jaw tension, reducing bruxism, and reshaping the jawline. Whether for medical or cosmetic reasons, it offers a solution that combines both stress relief and aesthetic enhancement.
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