Masseter Muscle Botox

The masseter muscle connects the lower jaw to the cheek and is one of several muscles used for chewing. It can often become enlarged as a side effect of teeth grinding, or bruxism, which may lead to jaw pain and tooth damage. Enlarged masseter muscles can also change the shape of a person’s lower face, which may result in a square-shaped jaw or crooked smile. PHI Clinic has specialists that can use botox injections to reduce the thickness of the muscle, which in turn can improve facial symmetry.

Many people who grind and clench their teeth suffer from teeth sensitivity, jaw pain, and tension headaches, also known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. These problems can be caused by overwork of the masseter muscle, which makes it enlarge and creates an unbalanced face appearance. Fortunately, a customized treatment plan using masseter botox can help calm the pain and improve the appearance of the jaw and lower face.

Masseter Muscle Botox works by relaxing the jaw muscle, which helps the muscle to atrophy or shrink over time. The procedure is non-invasive and requires no downtime. It can be performed in the comfort of our office, and patients can resume regular activities immediately afterward.

Masseter Muscle Botox and Facial Symmetry

It takes 20 to 30 units of BOTOX(r) or Dysport(r) to reduce the size of the masseter muscle. The injections can be placed in the center of the widest part of the muscle, or “belly,” for more subtle results. Once the masseter muscles are reduced, it can reshape a person’s lower face to create a slimmer jawline and softer or more feminine face.

Injections are made in the same area on both sides of the face to reduce any discrepancy between the right and left masseter muscle. The doctor then feels the strength of each muscle to determine how much to inject. It is important to receive masseter botox injections from a skilled dermatologist who can identify the strength of each muscle.

One of the key advantages of Masseter Muscle Botox is its versatility. The treatment can be customized to suit each patient’s unique needs and desired outcomes. Whether the goal is to achieve a more balanced facial appearance, alleviate discomfort associated with jaw tension, or enhance overall facial harmony, Masseter Muscle Botox offers a non-surgical solution that can deliver noticeable results with minimal risk and downtime.

Ideally, the patient will schedule masseter botox treatments every three months to keep the results of treatment consistent. After the effects of botox begin to wear off, it may be tempting for a patient to overuse the muscle again, which can reverse the benefits of treatment and cause asymmetrical or squinty facial expressions. This is why it’s important to find an experienced board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green, who has been providing masseter botox to patients in NYC for years. To learn more about how this treatment can improve the balance of your face, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!