Masseter Botox

Botox is lauded in the world of cosmetic dermatology due to its ability to consistently produce phenomenal results in a quick treatment session with zero downtime. Botox injections into the masseter muscle can produce a contouring effect for the jawline and relieve tension associated with clenching, grinding, and TMJ. Dr. Michele Green was one of the first dermatologists in New York City to incorporate Botox injections into her patients’ customized treatment plans and is an Allergan platinum injector. Dr. Green has over 25 years of experience providing what has been described as the “best Botox in New York.”

Since Botox® was approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2002, the injectable has skyrocketed in popularity. Botox is currently the number one noninvasive aesthetic medical procedure performed in the United States and provides patients with an outstanding non-surgical treatment option for facial rejuvenation. Botox, AKA botulinum toxin, is a neuromodulator that essentially ‘freezes’ targeted facial muscles by blocking nerve signals that control movement. Injecting precise amounts of Botox into the masseter muscle allows it to relax. Over time, the muscle shrinks, resulting in enhanced facial contour and relief of tension in the jaw.

Dr. Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive cosmetic treatment options available, including Botox, dermal fillers, CoolSculpting, Microneedling, Chemical Peels, Thermage, and laser skin resurfacing treatments. She is recognized and appreciated worldwide for her holistic approach to facial rejuvenation treatments and her “less is more” philosophy. Her dedication to her patients and her expertise are well-reflected by the fact that she is consistently voted as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, and New York Magazine. If you are bothered by the appearance of enlarged masseter muscles and want a more contoured appearance or have issues with teeth grinding TMJ, or clenching, Botox injections for the masseter muscle with Dr. Green may be the best solution for you.

What is Masseter Botox?

Masseter Botox is a medical aesthetic procedure where Botox is injected into the jaw muscles to provide a facial slimming effect or to treat symptoms of teeth grinding, clenching, and TMJ. Botox cosmetic is an injectable neurotoxin popularly used to reduce or prevent the appearance of dynamic fine lines and wrinkles. Botox Cosmetic is a well-known brand name for botulinum toxin injection, which is also available as Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Daxxify. Treating the masseter muscles is an off-label use of Botox, and masseter Botox injections should always be performed by an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC.

How does masseter Botox work?

Masseter Botox injections relax the jaw muscle, limiting its movement and preventing sporadic muscle contraction. Botox is an injectable neurotoxin and the most popular FDA-approved cosmetic treatment for dynamic fine lines and wrinkles in the glabella, forehead, and crow’s feet. Botox injections block nerve signals responsible for muscle contraction in any targeted treatment area. In the masseter muscles, Botox treatment results in muscle atrophy over time. The masseter muscle weakens and shrinks with Botox injections, resulting in an enhanced jawline contour, a slimming effect in the lower face, and relief from tension due to overactivity of the facial muscles. Masseter Botox injections can complement several other non-invasive cosmetic treatments for facial slimming, including dermal filler injections, Kybella, CoolSculpting, and Thermage. Dr. Michele Green offers each of these non-surgical cosmetic treatments at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, and with over 25 years of experience, she will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that best suits your specific concerns and aesthetic goals.

Female before and after, Botox in Masseter area

Does insurance cover masseter Botox?

Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not cover masseter botox injections. Masseter Botox injections, while safe and effective, are not yet an FDA-approved treatment for TMJ, clenching, or grinding, and as such, insurance companies generally will not cover the procedure. The best way to determine your coverage is to contact your insurance provider.

Does Masseter Botox hurt?

Botox injections into the masseter muscle do not hurt. Botox treatment is one of the quickest, most painless, and most popular cosmetic options in the United States and at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office in NYC. Unlike many other cosmetic treatments, including dermal filler injections and laser resurfacing treatments, no topical numbing cream is required in preparation for Botox injections. As one of the first dermatologists in New York to offer cosmetic Botox injections, Dr. Green is incredibly experienced as an injector, completing masseter Botox treatment within a matter of minutes. No downtime is associated with this non-surgical jaw reduction procedure, meaning patients can easily schedule their treatments.

Is Masseter Botox safe?

Yes! When you have masseter botox injections with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, the procedure is a safe and effective treatment for facial slimming and managing symptoms of TMJ, clenching, and teeth grinding. Jaw Botox is not yet an FDA-approved cosmetic treatment, and an expert injector like Dr. Green should always perform your masseter Botox injections to prevent unwanted.

Benefits of Masseter Botox

Masseter Botox injections have many benefits with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green in NYC. With masseter Botox injections, patients can achieve non-surgical jaw reduction, enhancing the contour of the jawline and balancing/ slimming their lower face shape. In addition to the cosmetic benefits of masseter Botox injections, patients can improve their overall health and wellness by undergoing masseter Botox treatment to manage teeth grinding, clenching, and TMJ symptoms. One of the first effects of Botox injections in the masseter muscle that patients notice is a relief of tension and fewer headaches related to clenching their lower jaw. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will work with you to determine whether you are a good candidate for masseter Botox injections.

25-29-Year-old female, Botox to masseter muscle, two weeks before and after

Does masseter Botox cause jowls?

Unfortunately, one of the rare potential side effects of masseter Botox injections is the exacerbation of the appearance of loose jowls. While most patients will not encounter this side effect, if existing skin laxity becomes more apparent following masseter Botox injections, Dr. Green may suggest non-invasive skin tightening with Thermage. Thermage is the gold standard for non-invasive skin tightening. Thermage utilizes radiofrequency energy to stimulate the production of new collagen in the treatment area. Collagen is a skin protein that contributes to a firm foundation and youthful appearance. Thermage is an excellent non-surgical treatment option for tightening loose jowls and improving the appearance of skin laxity in the jaw area. Tightening loose skin in the lower face can enhance the overall contour of the jawline and create a more youthful appearance. Thermage produces natural-looking, long-lasting results, with most patients engaging in a follow-up treatment session once a year to maintain the best effects.

Where to inject masseter Botox

The masseter muscle is one of the facial muscles involved with chewing and is located on either side of the face, connecting the cheekbone to the mandible (lower jawbone). Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has perfected the technique of masseter Botox injections with just one single injection on each side of the face. In the past, Botox injections to slim the jawline involved injecting 3 to 6 points into the masseter muscle on each side of the face. However, Dr. Green has developed an innovative technique that involves the injection of one single point on each side of the face, which helps reach the other points within the masseter muscle.

How are Botox injections for the masseter muscle performed to slim the jawline?

The first step is scheduling a consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green at her private office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood. Dr. Green will physically assess the lower face, asking you to clench your facial muscles to evaluate the strength of the muscle contraction. Suppose you are a good candidate for masseter Botox injections. In that case, the treatment can be performed on the day of your consultation or scheduled for a later date, depending on the time allowance and your preferences. No topical anesthesia is needed for these Botox injections for facial slimming results. There typically are few side effects of Botox injections in the masseter muscle. The most common potential side effect is mild swelling at the injection sites, which resolves on its own shortly.

How long does it take for Masseter Botox to work?

The facial slimming and jaw reduction procedures can take 2 to 8 weeks to see visible results. And the best part is that the treatment will look natural. It will feel to others as if you merely lost a little weight or some baby fat from the face. Dr. Green ensures that the right amount of Botox is used so that there is no risk of it looking “overdone.”And since you have approximately 75% fewer skin injection points versus conventional methods or dermal filler procedures (which also require multiple injections), the one-injection Botox procedure of the masseter muscles has quickly become the preferred option for many male and female patients. Results are not permanent; additional injections will be needed regularly to maintain these cosmetic results. During your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will discuss with you what options might work best for your requirements.

18-24-year-old male. Botox to masseter muscle, three months before and after.

Who is a good candidate for masseter Botox?

Botox injections in the masseter are the best treatment for healthy patients who have tension in their jaw or enlargement of the masseter muscle and want to:

• Slim their face and create a more V-shaped appearance
• Improve the cosmetic appearance of their jawline
• Minimize teeth grinding and jaw clenching
• Treat migraines and headaches
• TMJ
• Relieve bruxism
• Treat an asymmetric jawline

What are the contraindications for masseter muscle Botox injections?

Masseter Botox reduction is a very safe and effective procedure for jaw slimming. However, the same contraindications which pertain to Botox for other indications extend to Botox for jaw reduction. These contraindications include:

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to neurotoxins
• Active skin infections at the site of injection
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• History of central nervous system diseases such as ALS

Botox treatment for TMJ

Many patients suffer from teeth grinding or clenching their teeth under stress or while they are sleeping. This grinding or clenching of your teeth can cause you to experience TMJ or bruxism. The masseter muscle is one of the key areas where patients build up stress. By relaxing the masseter muscle through Botox injections, the muscle atrophies and jaw pain, jaw clenching, and the symptoms of temporomandibular joint syndrome or TMJ are improved. Dr. Green often suggests to her patients who suffer from TMJ to consult their dentist or orthodontist to see if a retainer or mouth guard can help too. Finally, besides Botox injections, patients are advised to avoid excessive gum chewing, which can contribute to masseter muscle hypertrophy.

Botox in Masseter area, 12 months

What does masseter Botox do?

Injections of Botox into the masseter muscle will work to slim and contour the jawline. Botox is a neurotoxin, consisting of botulinum toxin type A, which relaxes the masseter muscles and can occur from hypertrophy or overuse. Over time, with continued Botox injections, the muscles will shrink from disuse and reveal a more defined jawline. Patients who receive the treatment will start to see the effects of Botox in four to six weeks following the procedure, but it can take more than one single treatment to shrink the masseter muscle. With repeated treatment, the masseter muscle is weakened, and a beautiful, slimmed jawline is achieved.

Are there any side effects for Botox in the masseter muscle?

There are generally few side effects for Botox injections for non-surgical jaw reduction. Improper injection of Botox in this area can cause facial asymmetry, which may be caused by paralysis of the zygomaticus major muscle. Besides facial asymmetry, injecting Botox incorrectly into this area can cause a crooked smile, although these side effects are not permanent. In addition, special care must be used to balance the amount of Botox used on each side to correct for any disparities between the size of the right and left masseter muscles. It is best to consult an expert, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC, who has been injecting Botox for cosmetic indications for years.

How many units are needed for masseter Botox for non-surgical jaw reduction?

The amount of Botox needed to achieve masseter reduction successfully will be influenced by the size of the masseter muscles and the strength of muscle contraction. Dr. Green typically determines the units of Botox needed for each side based on your examination and injects the desired amount directly into the masseter muscles. The effect of Botox can take two to four weeks to kick in. When it comes to treating masseter muscle hypertrophy, patients may not observe a facial slimming effect until several months after their Botox injections. There is a cumulative effect of Botox in the masseter muscle.

With repeated injections over a year, the masseter muscle gets weaker. This decrease in strength comes with muscle atrophy and a decrease in muscle hypertrophy, and, ultimately, facial slimming. Dr. Green recommends having repeat Botox injections every 3 to 6 months to maintain the best cosmetic results. Green will examine your jaw muscles and generally initiates treatment with 25 units on each side but may re-inject an additional 25 units or more if the masseter muscle is particularly strong and more facial slimming is needed.

How much does masseter Botox cost?

The total cost of masseter Botox injections will be influenced by the experience level of your injector and the geographic location of the office in which you are treated. Botox treatment with a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in New York City, may be more expensive than a nurse injector at a medspa. To best prevent encountering unwanted side effects and guarantee ideal cosmetic results, it is always recommended to consult an experienced and knowledgeable board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience in cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Green was among the first dermatologists in NYC to offer masseter Botox injections for facial slimming and is an expert in non-invasive cosmetic treatment options.

When does Botox in the masseter muscle kick in?

Botox injections do not take effect immediately but kick in within several weeks. Masseter Botox injections typically take effect two to four weeks after your treatment. You will have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Green approximately four weeks after your initial masseter Botox injections so she can assess the efficacy of your treatment. During the follow-up, Dr. Green will again ask you to clench the facial muscles to evaluate the masseter muscle contraction and determine if it is fully “frozen.”

How often should I get masseter Botox?

Botox injections last approximately three to four months in duration. Achieving and maintaining optimal facial slimming results requires regular follow-up treatments for additional Botox injections. When you have your Botox treatment with Dr. Green in NYC, she will work with you to determine a timeline for your Botox injections that provides you with the best facial slimming results.

Is masseter Botox treatment permanent?

The effects of Botox treatment are not permanent and typically last three to six months. Masseter Botox injections may result in muscle atrophy over time, causing the masseter muscles to shrink and thus producing longer-lasting results. When you have your masseter Botox injections with internationally renowned, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC, she will ask you to clench your facial muscles to evaluate the strength of your jaw muscle contraction during each follow-up appointment to help you establish a timeline for your Botox injections that works best for your needs and goals.

How long does masseter Botox last?

The effects of Botox injections last three to four months, with most patients engaging in regular follow-up appointments to maintain ideal results. With regular follow-up treatments of masseter Botox injections, some patients can eventually feel comfortable having their Botox treatment every six months. When you have your masseter Botox injections with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC, she will ask you to clench your facial muscles to evaluate the strength of your jaw muscle contraction during each follow-up to help you establish a Botox treatment timeline that works best for your needs.

Can masseter Botox injections affect your smile?

Botox injections should not affect your smile when placed properly into the masseter muscle. However, improper injection techniques or injecting too many units of Botox into the masseter muscle can result in an asymmetrical smile. The risk of encountering unwanted side effects, such as an asymmetrical smile, is greatly reduced when you have Botox treatment with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green. Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and was among the first dermatologists in NYC to offer masseter Botox injections for facial slimming.

Can you eat after masseter Botox?

You can chew, eat, and drink normally after masseter Botox injections. While zero downtime is involved with masseter Botox injections, avoiding chewy, hard foods following your masseter Botox treatment may be recommended to prevent masseter muscle hypertrophy. Masseter Botox injections can take up to two weeks to kick in, with the Botox effects lasting 3-6 months. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will provide you with all of the pertinent aftercare information required for achieving and maintaining the best results of your Botox treatment.

Which cosmetic treatments can be combined with masseter Botox to improve my jawline contour?

In addition to Botox treatment, Dr. Green may recommend several other non-surgical cosmetic options for facial slimming and enhancing jawline contour. The cosmetic treatment options that are best suited to your individual needs and personal aesthetic goals will be determined with Dr. Green during your initial consultation for non-surgical jaw reduction.

Individuals with a wide lower face may struggle with stubborn submental fat. Eliminating excess fat in the submental area can provide an overall slimming effect and enhance the definition of the jawline. Coolsculpting and Kybella are the most popular non-surgical treatment options for submental fat reduction at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office in NYC.

CoolSculpting is a fat reduction procedure that relies on cryolipolysis, fat freezing technology, to eliminate excess fat from a treatment area. A single CoolSculpting treatment will result in up to 25% reduction of excess fat cells in the treated areas. The body gradually eliminates fat cells for up to 6 months after the treatment, so you will not see immediate, dramatic results. However, the results are permanent as long as no additional weight gain occurs following the treatment. CoolSculpting is popular because it requires zero downtime, meaning you can return to work or the gym immediately after your treatment. This accessibility means patients can schedule their treatment sessions with ease.

Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable composed of synthetic deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring gut enzyme that plays a role in the breakdown of dietary fat. Excess fat cells are essentially dissolved and metabolized by the body by injecting Kybella into the submental area. The most common side effect is swelling in the treatment area, which resolves on its own shortly after treatment. The cosmetic results from Kybella are permanent, provided no additional weight gain occurs after treatment. The results develop gradually over the course of about four weeks. Kybella injections are best for moderate to severe fat in the chin, neck, and jowls and are effective for all skin types. The result is a more defined jawline and enhanced lower face contour.

Thermage is the gold standard for non-invasive skin tightening. Thermage utilizes radiofrequency energy to stimulate the production of new collagen in the treatment area. Collagen is a skin protein that contributes to a firm foundation and youthful appearance. Thermage is an excellent non-surgical treatment option for tightening loose jowls and improving the appearance of skin laxity in the jaw area. Tightening loose skin in the lower face can enhance the overall contour of the jawline and create a more youthful appearance. Thermage produces natural-looking, long-lasting results, with most patients engaging in a follow-up treatment session once a year to maintain the best effects.

When sculpting the jawline, several factors come into play to have a beautiful jawline. If the jawline lacks definition, dermal filler injections can be used to create a well-angled jawline. Dr. Green typically uses hyaluronic acid dermal fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm to augment the chin and jaw area. Sculptra, a unique dermal filler composed of poly-L-lactic acid, is another popular option for enhancing the contour of the lower face. During your non-surgical jaw reduction consultation with Dr. Green, she will assess your jawline structure and facial muscles and determine the best cosmetic treatments.

How do I get started with Masseter Botox injections?

Masseter Botox injections are the most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatment option for contouring the lower face and managing symptoms of TMJ. Dr. Green was one of the first dermatologists in New York to provide Botox injections in the masseter muscle for facial slimming and is an expert regarding skin care and non-invasive cosmetic treatment options. In addition to masseter Botox injections, Dr. Green offers the most cutting-edge non-surgical jaw reduction treatments, including Kybella, CoolSculpting, Thermage, and dermal filler injections. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will help you determine which cosmetic treatment options will provide you with optimal jawline slimming results.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including masseter Botox injections for facial slimming and TMJ. She is consistently identified as one of New York City’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and the New York Times for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy regarding facial rejuvenation, customizing each patient’s treatment plan to suit their specific concerns and aesthetic goals best. If you are interested in contouring the lower face without plastic surgery, contact us online today or call 212-535-3088 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and learn more about the benefits of masseter Botox.