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What Is Masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox is a nonsurgical procedure that involves an injection to the edge of your jaw, or masseter. This large, rectangle-shaped muscle is responsible for chewing (mastication), biting, and other facial movements. If you slap the sides of your face (think Kevin from the movie Home Alone) then you’re touching the masseter muscles. But like most muscles, the masseter muscles can be too weak and sag. They can be overworked or too tight and cause soreness. As a result, your face can change shape or you may have jaw pain or headaches.
What to Expect With Masseter Botox
If you’ve never gotten Botox shots before, you may not know what to expect. Getting Botox in the jaw is similar to getting it in other areas of the body.
Before masseter Botox
Your health care provider will want a list of your current medications and supplements before you get Botox. Some medications, like blood thinners or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), can cause bruising where you get the shot. Don’t drink alcohol at least 24 hours before your treatment. Instead, drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Avoid harsh facial cleansers or any facial treatments.
The provider may mark the areas of your face where you’ll get the shots. You might receive some numbing cream before the procedure. Your health care provider will use a fine needle to inject small amounts of Botox into areas of your jaw. Based on your issue, you’ll get shots in different areas of your face. They may ask you to clench your jaw to better define the muscle area to target. It’s important to go to a health care provider who knows where (and where not) to inject. Any shots in the wrong place can alter your smile or lead to other issues. The amount (or units) of Botox depends on your reason and other medical factors. About 15 units is a normal starting amount.
This is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll go home the same day. Your face may feel different after the procedure. That is normal. Your health care provider will watch you for a few minutes to see if there are any adverse effects. If not, you’ll be sent home with after-care instructions.
When your Botox treatment is complete, it’s normal to have some swelling or bruising where you got the shots. Headaches are also common. There are things you can do to make your recovery easier.
Do:
Speak up. If you have pain for longer than a week, contact your doctor.
Be patient. Results from Botox may take anywhere from a few days to a week.
Stay out of hot showers or saunas. The heat can cause bruising or the Botox to move throughout your body instead of staying in place. Steer clear for about 24 hours after Botox.
Smile. It might feel weird to smile, but doctors say feel free. It won’t mess up the treatment or results.
Don’t:
- Rub your face or press on the area where you got the shot
- Lie down right after Botox
- Drink alcohol
- Get a facial or facial massage
- Work out
Botox (the brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum) is a liquid and can move around your face after being injected – impacting your smile, how well you can chew, or other facial movements if you’re not careful. You want to allow the solution to settle in the right place. Some of these common activities can raise your blood pressure and cause bruising.
As you are recovering from masseter Botox, your facial muscles may feel tired or not as strong. It may take more effort to chew hard foods like candy or steak.
What’s Masseter Botox Used For?
Most of the time, masseter Botox is used for cosmetic reasons. It can help slim your face – giving a more angled chin and jaw. But because Botox works to relax the muscles of the face, it can also help with pain in the jaw or even migraine headaches.
Masseter Botox for TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull. You have one joint on each side of your jaw. If you run your index fingers from your temples to about in line with your ears, that’s your TMJ joint. TMJ disorders can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement.
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Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
- Pain or tenderness in your jaw
- Pain in one or both of your TMJ joints
- Aching pain in and around your ear
- Having a hard time chewing or pain while chewing
- An aching pain in your face
- Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
- A clicking sound in your jaw
How long does masseter Botox last?
Botox is a short-term option – a good thing if you don’t like your results. But it can be tough to repeat treatments. You should start seeing results in a few weeks, and they’ll likely last anywhere from 2 to 4 months. But the results are different for everyone.
Masseter Botox Side Effects
Botox is generally safe and has been used for years. But there are potential side effects. Contact your doctor right away if you have:
- Blurred vision or any vision problems
- Numbness
- Severe upset stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or blood in your urine
- Slurred speech
- Trouble swallowing
Drooping in your eyelid or eyebrow can also happen, but it’s not too common. Most side effects are caused by the doctor injecting the wrong muscle. Take your time to find a health care provider with experience and good reviews.
Masseter Botox Before and After
People who get masseter Botox often see results within a few days.
Before masseter Botox, you might notice a boxy shape to your jawline.
A few days after Botox, you may notice a slimmer, more angled face, larger cheeks, or less pain if you’re doing it to help with TMJ.
Where to Get Masseter Botox
Botox is generally performed in a health care office or clinic. Only certain health care professionals can give Botox shots.
Botox is a prescription medication that should be given by a trained professional. The treatment must be made specially for you based on your age, face shape, and any prior medical issues. Ask your primary doctor for suggestions on where to find a good provider for Botox. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have droopy eyelids or other nerve issues, you should avoid Botox.
Masseter Botox cost
Expect to pay $400-$1,500 for Botox.
The costs of your Botox treatment will depend on several things, including the:
- Experience of your doctor
- Clinic location
- Dosage and units
- Treatment plan
- Additional services
Masseter Botox is considered cosmetic and typically not covered by insurance. Even if you get it for TMJ or other facial pain, it may not be covered. Look into payment plans or other options.
Takeaways
Masseter Botox is Botox in your jawline to help with appearance, jaw pain, or migraine headaches.
Botox is a liquid, so you don’t want to rub your face or lie down after treatment, as the solution could move to the wrong areas.
To reduce risks, you should get Botox from a trained professional.
Most people see results after a few days or a week. But sometimes, you may need extra treatments.
As with most treatments, Botox may cause side effects in some people. Speak with your doctor, do your research, and look for a skilled and trained expert.
Masseter Botox FAQs
How long does masseter Botox last?
Masseter Botox typically lasts a few months for most people. This can vary from person to person. If you notice pain in your jaw again or your face shape changes, it may be time to come back in for another appointment.
What does masseter Botox do?
Masseter Botox relaxes the muscles in your jawline and face for a more youthful appearance and/or to reduce pain from teeth grinding or clenching.
Does masseter Botox slim your face?
What are the cons of masseter Botox?
Botox is a safe procedure, but there can be side effects, including vision changes, numbness, shortness of breath, or trouble swallowing. If not done properly, Botox can alter the shape of your smile or face. It can also cause a droopy brow or eyelid. Some people find it difficult to keep up with the treatments every few months.
Does masseter Botox cause sagging?
Most experts suggest getting 15 units of Botox for your first time. If too much Botox is used, it can over-relax the muscles in your jaw and cause them to sag. It can also leave a dent in your cheek.
Why can’t I smile after masseter Botox?
Most doctors say you can and should smile after Botox. Your face may feel different, and you may opt to rest your jaw muscles for a few hours. If the Botox was injected too close to your mouth, it can cause some paralysis – similar to a condition called Bell’s palsy or a stroke.
Masseter Botox can help your face shape slim down and look less boxy (some call masculine) after one or more treatments.
How can I slim my masseter muscle without Botox?
You can trim down your masseter muscle with some alternative approaches, like reducing gum chewing, addressing your teeth clenching or grinding by using a dental guard or physical therapy, and doing facial relaxation exercise.
Why is my jawline bigger after masseter Botox?
Some swelling where you got the shot is normal after Botox. If this lasts more than a few days, contact your doctor.
This article was first published here.