The Masseter Muscle is located at the angle of the Jaw.
This muscle can be overactive and enlarged in some people, and can lead to the following concerns:
- masculine facial appearance
- headaches
- teeth grinding
- temporomandibular joint disorder /syndrome
At Cheshire Lasers, our Aesthetic Doctors and Nurses are trained to treat the masseter with Botulinum Toxin ( Botox) to improve the appearance of the jawline.
Jaw Muscle Reduction for Masseter Hypertrophy
A strong, square jawline is often desirable in men and is seen as a sign of masculinity. Women with the same strong jawline can find this less desirable and may seek a softer, more feminised shape to their face. Asian females are particularly prone to this facial feature, and changing the shape of the face from a square to a more attractive oval shape is becoming more popular now.
Botulinum Toxin is an effective treatment for relaxing and weakening the Masseter Muscle, resulting in a softer Jaw angle.
Teeth Grinding / Bruxism
People who grind and clench their teeth usually do this at night. This condition is known as Bruxism and can cause a lot of distressing symptoms.
These symptoms include, but are not limited to;
- headaches
- aching of the jaw on waking
- damage and flattening of the teeth and the need for extensive corrective dental work.
These people often develop enlarged muscles on the side of the face (giving the face a square shape) and problems with the jaw joint (Mandibular Joint, or TMJ).
Traditionally, dentists would treat this with a splint worn in the mouth at night. However, this is usually a temporary solution and can not always prevent excessive grinding/clenching once the splint is worn.
Botulinum Toxin is a safe and effective way to improve teeth grinding.
People with large Masseter Muscles (used for chewing/clenching and grinding) sometimes develop square jaws.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder / Tension ( TMJ) Treatment
Botulinum Toxin injected into the Masseter Muscle can relieve Temporomandibular Jaw Disorder and any associated tension and pain caused by this condition. This treatment is fantastic for relieving pain and tenderness in the temporomandibular joint. It can improve the pain suffered whilst eating and reduce headaches and stress caused by this disorder.
What Treatments are available at Cheshire Lasers?
At Cheshire Lasers, our Aesthetic Doctors and Nurses can treat overactive masseters with Botulinum Toxin (Botox) to improve cosmetic appearance.
The following image shows the results of a masseter treatment with Dr Hazlehurst.
What to expect during a Masseter Botox Treatment
The treatment involves injecting precise amounts of Botox into the masseter muscle. Depending on the size of the muscle, it may involve three or four injections on each side. Masseter Botox injections are a little uncomfortable but are not painful.
The treatment can take around 20 minutes in total, but the appointment time is longer. This allows time for your assessment, for you to discuss your concerns and the likely outcome, and to discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment.
When do the results of Masseter Botox kick in?
The results of Botox in the masseter are not instant. Botox starts to work at 2 weeks, and at this time the muscle becomes weaker and works less effectively. The masseter muscle then takes another 4-6 weeks to reduce in size. Once the masseter is smaller in appearance, the jawline looks softer in appearance.
The results of a single treatment can last up to 4 – 6 months,
How many Botox treatments will I need?
Masseter Botox usually needs to be repeated every 4-6 months to achieve the best results. With regular treatments, the masseter muscle tends to decrease in size, resulting in a slimmer jawline.
The treatment frequency can be reduced with time as the muscle continues to reduce in size (atrophy).
For those seeking this treatment for pain relief, a single treatment can result in a permanent change to muscle and a long-lasting reduction in clenching and grinding. However, this often depends on the cause of the problem, and some people may need additional treatment to maintain the results.
Does Masseter Botox cause Ageing or Sagging?
A strong jawline can be beneficial and may delay some signs of ageing. In younger patients with elastic skin, Botox to the masseter rarely causes sagging.
In older patients, reducing the masseter muscle can cause volume loss in the treated area, and the skin may therefore appear to sag. This could be interpreted as ageing, but it is just due to simple volume loss. If you do develop any sagging, this will reverse over time if you stop having the treatment.
During your consultation, this will be discussed with you so you can understand the pros and cons of the treatment and decide.
Who Performs Masseter Botox at Cheshire Lasers?
The following medical practitioners perform Masseter Botox for cosmetic reasons:
Click on their name to view their prices and availability.
Cheshire Lasers Aftercare Advice after Masseter Botox
- Avoid Makeup for 12 hours after treatment
- Gently move the treatment areas by frowning, smiling and lifting the eyebrows to optimise your results
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for 2 days; this includes horse riding.
- Do not rub or massage the treatment areas, as this may increase the risk of complications by spreading the product
- Try not to take alcohol, aspirin and ibuprofen for 24 hours, as they can increase the risk of bruising and swelling
- To reduce the risk of complications, do not undertake activities that may disturb the treated area for up to 2 weeks. Things to consider as a risk include:
- Facial massage
- Eyebrow waxing
- Eyelash extensions
- Saunas
- Microblading
- Facial Treatments such as Radiofrequency, HydraFacial, Microdermabrasion and CACI