Masseter Botox
The masseter muscle is located on either side of the jaw and is the primary muscle involved in chewing, clenching, and grinding. When overused, it can lead to pain at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Masseter hypertrophy can also cause facial asymmetry and the appearance of a wider, square-shaped jaw. Fortunately, patients with TMJ pain or masseter hypertrophy can opt for non-invasive Botox injections to relieve tension, create a slimmer face, and correct facial anatomy. Botox is one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatments globally due to its ability to consistently produce phenomenal results in a quick treatment session with no downtime. Dr. Michele Green was among the first dermatologists in New York City to incorporate Botox injections into her patients’ customized treatment plans and has been described as providing the “best Botox in New York.”
Botox, AKA botulinum toxin, is a neuromodulator that essentially ‘freezes’ targeted facial. Botox works by blocking nerve signals that control movement in the muscles. Injecting precise amounts of Botox into the masseter muscle allows it to relax. Patients will immediately notice relief from jaw tension. Over time, the muscle will weaken and shrink, leading to reduced facial pain, enhanced facial contour, and a slimmer appearance. Masseter Botox is quick, painless, and requires no downtime, making it an excellent treatment option for relieving TMJ pain, slimming the face, and contouring the jawline. If you are concerned about the appearance of enlarged masseter muscles or experiencing TMJ pain, masseter Botox injections with Dr. Green may be the ideal solution for you.
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 finest non-invasive cosmetic treatment options, including Botox, dermal fillers and more. She is recognized and appreciated globally for her holistic approach to facial rejuvenation treatments and her “less is more” philosophy. Her dedication to her patients and expertise is evident in the fact that she is consistently voted one of New York’s best dermatologists by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and The New York Times.
What is Masseter Botox?
It is a medical aesthetic procedure that involves injecting Botox into the jaw muscles to create a facial slimming effect and address symptoms of teeth grinding, clenching, and TMJ. Botox cosmetic is a popular injectable neurotoxin used to reduce or prevent the appearance of dynamic fine lines and wrinkles. When injected into the masseter muscle, Botox helps to relax and shrink the muscle, alleviating tension and resulting in a slimmer appearance. The effects of masseter Botox typically last for three to four months before requiring another treatment. Patients often participate in regular treatment sessions to maintain and enhance their results. Masseter Botox is a common procedure performed at Dr. Green’s private NYC dermatology office, known for its ability to achieve beautiful, natural facial rejuvenation without adverse side effects or downtime. Treating the masseter muscles is considered an off-label use of Botox, and an experienced, board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, should always administer masseter Botox injections.
Female before and after, Botox in Masseter area
How does masseter Botox work?
Botox is a neurotoxin containing botulinum toxin type A or onabotulinumtoxina. It blocks nerve signals responsible for muscle contraction in any targeted treatment area. When injected into the masseter muscles, Botox prevents nerve signals that cause masseter hypertrophy, relieving much of the discomfort caused by clenching and teeth grinding. Over time, the masseter muscles weaken and shrink, thus resulting in masseter atrophy and eventually producing a slimmer jawline. The effects of Botox can take up to two weeks to kick in, after which they last 4-6 months. Most patients have regular maintenance Botox treatments to keep up their desired results. While not yet FDA-approved specifically for masseter reduction, Botox treatment is a safe, effective, off-label treatment option for facial slimming, reducing the masseter muscles, alleviating symptoms of TMJ, and enhancing the contour of the lower face when you work with an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City. While Botox is the most popular neuromodulator on the market, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeaveau, and Daxxify can also be used for masseter reduction.
What are the benefits of masseter Botox?
Many patients suffer from teeth grinding or clenching due to stress or while sleeping. This grinding or clenching can lead to conditions such as TMJ or bruxism. The masseter muscle, located on either side of the face, connects the cheekbone to the mandible (lower jawbone). The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is where the mandible connects to the skull (temporal bone), functioning like a sliding hinge on both sides of the face. TMJ disorders are often caused by strain or overuse of the masseter muscles. With masseter Botox injections, patients can enhance their overall health and wellness, while managing teeth grinding (bruxism), clenching, and jaw pain. One of the first effects patients notice from Botox injections in the masseter muscle is a relief of tension and a reduction in headaches related to clenching their lower jaw.
When the masseter muscles are overused, hypertrophy or enlargement can occur. The masseter muscles in your jaw, like other muscles in your body, grow bigger and stronger with more engagement. Masseter hypertrophy, or the enlargement of these muscles, can change one’s facial shape, resulting in a wider, square-shaped jaw. There is often asymmetry with masseter hypertrophy, where one side of the face may appear larger than the other due to overuse. Masseter Botox injections can help patients improve their facial aesthetics by reducing masseter hypertrophy, enhancing the jawline contour, and slimming the lower face shape.
Who is a good candidate for masseter Botox?
Botox injections in the masseter are the ideal treatment for healthy patients seeking relief from TMJ pain and soreness, reducing teeth clenching and grinding, slimming their faces, and addressing an asymmetric jawline. Contraindications for Botox include known allergies or hypersensitivity to neurotoxins, active skin infections at the injection site, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or a history of central nervous system diseases like ALS. Patients may not qualify for Masseter Botox if their concerns stem from a wide jawbone, a small or receding chin, a significant underbite, or a crossbite. If you are not a suitable candidate for Masseter Botox, Dr. Green may refer you to another trusted healthcare professional, such as a dentist, orthodontist, or plastic surgeon.
25-29-Year-old female, Botox to masseter muscle, two weeks before and after
What is the masseter Botox procedure like?
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 by asking you to clench your facial muscles to evaluate the strength of your muscle contraction. If you are a candidate for masseter Botox injections, treatment can be performed on the day of your consultation or scheduled for a later date. Medical photography may be taken to track the progress of your treatment.
Botox injections are quick and painless, with no topical anesthesia required. The site will be cleaned and prepared for treatment. Dr. Green will then inject the Botox into the masseter muscles on either side of the face. In the past, Botox injections to slim the jawline involved injecting several points into the masseter muscle on each side of the face. However, Dr. Green has developed an innovative technique that involves injecting just two points on each side, effectively reaching other areas within the masseter muscle.
What are the side effects of masseter Botox?
There are generally few side effects associated with Botox injections for non-surgical jaw reduction. The most common potential side effect is mild redness at the injection sites, which typically resolves shortly after treatment. More serious side effects can occur when Botox is administered by an inexperienced provider, including muscle weakness and facial asymmetry due to paralysis of the zygomaticus major muscle. In addition to facial asymmetry, improperly injecting Botox in this area can lead to a crooked smile, although these side effects are not permanent. Furthermore, special care must be taken to balance the amount of Botox used on each side to address any discrepancies between the sizes of the right and left masseter muscles. It’s advisable to consult an expert, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, who has years of experience administering Botox for cosmetic purposes and can safely and effectively provide you with Botox masseter injections.
What to expect after masseter Botox treatment
One of the biggest benefits of Masseter Botox is that there is no downtime involved with the procedure, meaning patients can resume their normal daily activities and drink, chew, eat, smile, and talk normally after treatment. However, it is advisable to limit the consumption of hard, chewy foods, candies, or gum following treatment to prevent muscle hypertrophy. Your injector may also recommend that you avoid excessive heat exposure, alcohol, smoking, and strenuous exercise for up to 24 hours after Masseter Botox injections to prevent swelling at the injection sites. Dr. Green may ask you to return 2-4 weeks after your Masseter Botox injections to reassess the treatment area and determine whether any touch-ups are required. You will also be advised to schedule a subsequent Masseter Botox treatment for 3-6 months after your initial injections. Maintaining the effects of Botox with regular treatment sessions is the best way to prevent further masseter hypertrophy, manage symptoms of TMJ, and achieve a slimmer jawline by promoting masseter reduction. When you have Masseter Botox treatment with Dr. Green at her private, boutique dermatology office in New York, she will provide you with all of the pertinent aftercare information necessary for achieving and maintaining ideal results.
Is masseter Botox dangerous?
Not at all! Masseter Botox injections are a safe and non-invasive treatment for facial slimming and managing symptoms of TMJ, clenching, and teeth grinding. Although masseter Botox is not yet an FDA-approved cosmetic treatment, an expert injector like board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC possesses the knowledge and experience to administer your injections safely while minimizing any unwanted side effects.
How long does masseter Botox take to kick in?
Patients may feel the effects of Botox injections within a few days of treatment, but the full results occur after two weeks. Most patients initially experience reduced jaw soreness, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching following their first treatment. With consistent treatments, patients will notice facial slimming as the masseter muscle weakens shrinks.
18-24-year-old male. Botox to masseter muscle, three months before and after.
How often should you get masseter Botox injections?
The effects of Botox injections last three to four months, and most patients schedule regular follow-up appointments to maintain optimal results. With consistent follow-up treatments of masseter Botox injections, some patients can eventually feel comfortable receiving their Botox treatment every six months. During your masseter Botox injections with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC, she will ask you to clench your facial muscles to assess the strength of your jaw muscle contraction during each follow-up. This helps establish a Botox treatment timeline that best suits your needs.
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. During your initial consultation for non-surgical jaw reduction, Dr. Green will determine the cosmetic treatment options best suited to your individual needs and personal aesthetic goals. Individuals with a wider 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 NYC.
CoolSculpting is a fat-reduction procedure that uses cryolipolysis, a fat-freezing technology, to eliminate excess fat from a treatment area while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. A single CoolSculpting treatment can result in up to a 25% reduction in excess fat cells in the treated areas. The body gradually eliminates fat cells for up to six 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, allowing you to return to work or the gym immediately after your treatment. One or two treatment sessions spaced one to four months apart may be necessary for the best cosmetic results.
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. When Kybella is injected into the treatment area, excess fat cells are essentially dissolved and metabolized by the body. 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, and results develop gradually over about four weeks with each treatment. Patients often undergo multiple treatment sessions spaced four to six weeks apart to define the jawline and fully enhance the lower face contour.
Patients experiencing skin laxity or sagging in the lower face and neck can turn to Thermage for facial rejuvenation. Thermage is the gold standard for non-invasive skin tightening treatments and utilizes radiofrequency energy to stimulate the production of new collagen. There is no downtime with treatment, making it an excellent non-surgical treatment option for tightening loose jowls and improving the appearance of skin laxity in the jaw area. Results can take two to four months to become visible, after which patients can experience natural-looking, long-lasting skin-tightening results for up to one and a half years. Most patients engage in a follow-up treatment session once a year for the best effects.
Botox in Masseter area, 12 months
FAQs about Masseter Botox Treatment
What does masseter Botox do?
Masseter Botox enhances the definition and contour of the jawline while relieving tension or pain associated with clenching, teeth grinding, and TMJ. Botox injections, or botulinum toxin injections, impact the nervous system by blocking the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, preventing nerve signals from reaching targeted muscles. Once injected, Botox induces controlled, targeted muscle paralysis in the treatment area, ultimately “freezing” and relaxing the muscle. When injected into the masseter muscles, Botox obstructs the nerve signals that would lead to unintentional overuse, clenching, and teeth grinding. With reduced contractions, the masseter muscles weaken and shrink, resulting in masseter reduction and atrophy. Besides alleviating pain, discomfort, toothaches, migraines, and other symptoms of TMJ disorders, masseter Botox serves as a safe and effective treatment option for achieving a slimmer, v-shaped jawline.
Botox injections should always be performed by an experienced healthcare professional, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, to ensure the procedure is conducted safely and effectively. Dr. Green was among the first dermatologists in NYC to offer Botox injections, is an Allergan Platinum injector with over 25 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology, and is known for providing what has been described as the “best Botox in New York.”
Does masseter botox help TMJ?
Yes, masseter Botox can assist with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is where the jawbone (mandible) connects to the skull (temporal bone), functioning like a sliding hinge on either side of the face. TMJ disorders are often caused by strain or overuse of the masseter muscles in the jaw. Jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and excessive use of the masseter or jaw muscles can result in tension and pain throughout the jawline and surrounding areas of the face. During treatment, Botox is injected directly into the masseter muscles to block the neurotransmitters that signal the masseter muscles to contract involuntarily or excessively. By relaxing the masseter muscles, Botox is highly effective for relieving tension, providing pain relief, and eliminating involuntary clenching of the jaw due to stress or teeth grinding during sleep. It is estimated that over 10 million Americans experience TMJ issues, which can lead to related tension headaches, pain, clicking, and grinding. Many individuals find relief from their symptoms thanks to Botox.
Does Masseter Botox slim your face?
Many patients in Dr. Green’s office wonder, “Will masseter Botox slim my face?” The answer is yes! Patients can develop a wide, square-shaped jaw due to masseter hypertrophy, which is the enlargement of the masseter muscles. Botox injections work to weaken and shrink the masseter muscle, leading to a slimmer, more defined jawline overall. Depending on the severity of the initial masseter hypertrophy, it may take several Botox treatment sessions to achieve the desired results. When you receive masseter Botox from Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will collaborate with you to create a treatment plan that best suits your individual needs and goals, allowing you to look and feel like the best version of yourself.
Does masseter Botox help with a double chin?
While masseter Botox is an excellent treatment option for reducing TMJ pain and slimming the jawline, it cannot address a double chin. A double chin results from an accumulation of excess fat cells in the submental area beneath the chin. Many patients find that, even with proper exercise and dieting, the excess fat does not diminish. Kybella and CoolSculpting are two non-invasive treatments available for addressing a double chin in Dr. Green’s private dermatology office.
Kybella is an FDA-approved synthetic injectable enzyme that dissolves excess fat cells in the submental area. CoolSculpting is a non-surgical fat reduction treatment that uses intense cold temperatures to permanently destroy excess fat cells while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. Both Kybella and CoolSculpting yield permanent results, provided there is no subsequent weight gain following the treatment. During your consultation with Dr. Green, she will evaluate your double chin and determine which treatment option is best for your specific needs and concerns. In some cases, Dr. Green may suggest combining the treatments, first using CoolSculpting to reduce bulk in the area, followed by Kybella to eliminate any remaining fat.
How much does Masseter Botox cost?
Several factors, including geographic location, the number of Botox units needed for masseter treatment, and the injector’s experience level, can influence the total cost of masseter Botox injections. Some offices may charge per unit, while others might charge per area, irrespective of the number of units used. Botox treatment from a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City, may be more costly than receiving treatment from a nurse injector at a Medspa; however, it is always advisable to consult an experienced and knowledgeable board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. She possesses the expertise to help avoid unwanted side effects and ensure optimal cosmetic results. Dr. Green is an internationally recognized board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Green was among the first dermatologists in NYC to provide masseter Botox injections for facial slimming and is an expert in non-invasive cosmetic treatment options.
Does insurance cover masseter Botox?
Typically, health insurance companies do not cover masseter Botox injections. While safe and effective, these injections are not yet FDA-approved treatments for TMJ, clenching, or grinding. As such, insurance companies generally will not cover the cost of the procedure. The best way to determine your coverage is to contact your insurance provider.
When does masseter Botox kick in?
Botox injections do not take effect immediately, but the full results take up to two weeks to become apparent. You will have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Green approximately two to 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 can you get masseter Botox?
Botox treatment typically lasts for three to four months before another session is necessary. Studies indicate that Botox for nocturnal bruxism- defined as clenching or grinding during sleep- can alleviate symptoms for about three months before these behaviors increase again (doi: 10.7759/cureus.32180). Consequently, Dr. Green advises patients to receive masseter Botox injections every three to four months to maintain the treatment’s effectiveness
Can masseter Botox treatment be permanent?
No, masseter Botox treatment cannot be permanent, as results only last for three to four months. Patients should undergo regular treatment sessions every three to four months to manage TMJ symptoms and prolong facial slimming results. When you receive your masseter Botox injections from internationally renowned, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC, she will ask you to clench your facial muscles during each follow-up appointment to evaluate the strength of your jaw muscle contraction. She will then assist you in establishing a timeline for your Botox injections that works best for your needs and goals.
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, as well as 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.
Does masseter Botox cause jowls?
With masseter Botox injections and other non-invasive jawline rejuvenation procedures, patients often worry and ask, “Will Masseter Botox cause jowls?” Unfortunately, one of the rare potential side effects of masseter Botox injections is the worsening of the appearance of loose jowls. While most patients will not encounter this side effect, especially when injected by an expert board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. However, if existing skin laxity becomes more apparent following masseter Botox injections, Dr. Green may suggest non-invasive skin tightening with Thermage. Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to gently heat the dermal layer of skin and stimulate new collagen production in the treatment area. Two to four months later, patients can look forward to tighter, firmer skin in the area. Thermage can be used on the lower face and neck to tighten loose jowls and improve the appearance of skin laxity around the jawline. Results with Thermage can last up to a year and a half, with most patients undergoing annual treatments to keep up with the results.
Does masseter Botox affect 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.
Does masseter Botox cause sagging?
Typically, masseter Botox injections do not cause sagging. Sagging can occur, however, in patients with preexisting skin laxity or patients who have received too many units of Botox. As the masseter muscle relaxes and shrinks, patients with skin laxity may notice a worsening of sagging in the lower face. Dr. Green often suggests these patients undergo Thermage treatment, which uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and firm the skin without any downtime or side effects. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will assess your medical history, skin concerns, and masseter muscle strength to determine a suitable treatment plan.
How many units for masseter Botox treatment?
Many patients wonder, “How many units do you need for masseter Botox?” The answer varies for each individual and depends on the size of the masseter muscles and the strength of muscle contraction. Dr. Green typically determines the number of Botox units needed for each side based on an examination and injects the appropriate amount directly into the masseter muscles. Dr. Green recommends that patients return to the office two to four weeks later for an assessment to see if any additional Botox is necessary. If you want to learn how many units of masseter Botox are needed for your facial rejuvenation treatment plan, consult with Dr. Green today.
Where in NYC should I get masseter Botox injected?
Masseter Botox injections should only be administered in a medical setting by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green, who possesses the expertise and knowledge of medical anatomy necessary for safe administration. Receiving masseter Botox injections from an experienced injector is crucial to prevent undesirable side effects or aesthetic outcomes, such as facial asymmetry and a crooked smile. Dr. Green has over 25 years of experience providing her patients with non-invasive Botox treatments. She was among the first dermatologists in NYC to integrate Botox into her patients’ treatment plans. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will evaluate your masseter muscle and concerns to create a treatment plan that will have you looking and feeling like your best self again.
Is Masseter Botox worth it?
Yes! Masseter Botox is an excellent option for patients experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder or looking to slim their faces. When injected, Botox relaxes and weakens the masseter muscle, resulting in reduced teeth clenching, teeth grinding, and jaw soreness. Each treatment also shrinks the masseter muscle, eliminating masseter hypertrophy and reducing the appearance of a wide, square-shaped jaw. Masseter Botox is an excellent treatment option for treating TMJ and improving facial aesthetics as it is quick, painless, non-invasive, and creates long-lasting results of up to four months. With no associated downtime or side effects, it’s no wonder that patients return time and time for Botox treatment to rejuvenate their jawline.
How do I get started with masseter Botox injections today?
Masseter Botox injections are the most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatment option for contouring the lower face and improving symptoms of TMJ. Botox works to “freeze” the masseter muscle, inhibiting the nerve signals telling it to contract. Patients will notice that their masseter muscles become weaker, relieving jaw pain, clenching, and grinding. Over time, the masseter muscle shrinks, causing the jawline to appear slimmer. Botox injections in the masseter are safe and long-lasting, with results holding for up to four months. If you are looking to relieve TMJ pain and slim the face with non-invasive Botox injections, Dr. Green is here to help.
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.