What is the masseter muscle?

The masseter muscle is located on each side of your jaw and is one of the main muscles involved in chewing, along with the temporalis and pterygoid muscles. Due to excessive chewing or teeth grinding, the masseter muscles can increase in size and cause issues with the shape of your face. It is akin to someone lifting weights too often and developing natural muscle enhancement.  Botox injections in the masseter muscle cause targeted muscle atrophy, causing the muscles to weaken and shrink, thus producing a slimmer jawline. The result of Botox injections is slimming a wide jaw, ultimately achieving non-surgical jaw reduction. Botox treatment is a safe, effective, non-surgical treatment option for facial slimming, reducing the masseter muscles, alleviating symptoms of TMJ, and enhancing the contour of the lower face.

Why does the masseter muscle enlarge?

Several factors determine the size of the muscle. There most common factors contributing to enlarged jaw muscles are genetics, ethnicity, clenching, grinding, excessive chewing, and/or chewing on only one side of the mouth. Research has shown that individuals with Asian heritage are more likely to have enlarged masseter muscles due to natural genetic differences creating a wider face proportion.

When your jawline is overused, hypertrophy or enlargement of your masseter muscles occurs. The masseter muscle in your jaw is similar to other muscles in your body in that the more they are engaged, the larger they can develop. This hypertrophy can result in the jaw taking on a square shape. In addition, this can contribute to TMJ or grinding of your teeth.

Botox injections for non-surgical jawline reduction procedure-Aesthetic Benefits

A square-shaped jawline can be due to either the structure of the underlying facial bones or enlargement of the masseters. This type of jawline is typically associated with a more masculine appearance. Masseter reduction with neurotoxin can help narrow the jawline resulting in a more feminine look. Additionally, masseter muscle Botox can make the face appear thinner.

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, teeth grinding, and TMJ.

Botox, 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.

Functional Benefits

Enlargement of the masseters can occur in people with a tendency to grind or clench their teeth. This habit can not only change the shape of the face, as mentioned above, but also result in significant facial pain. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is a disorder where the temporomandibular joint, located in front of the lower part of the ear, becomes inflamed often due to excessive teeth grinding and clenching. By temporarily weakening the masseter muscle with masseter Botox, can significantly improve symptoms of TMJ

Non-Surgical Jaw Reduction FAQ

How does Botox slim jawline?

Botox can be used to slim and contour the face by targeting the masseter muscles at the back of the jaw. These muscles can give the face a more square appearance due to their size and shape. Botox works as a muscle relaxant and can help patients sculpt a slimmer jawline by relaxing the masseter muscle and making it appear less prominent. This creates an oval-shaped face for patients while relieving jaw tension in the treatment area. The result is a reduction in the size of the muscle over time, leading to a slimming of the facial and jaw area. Jawline slimming with Botox utilizes strategic injections into the posterior muscles of the jaw (masseter muscle) to gradually reduce the jaw muscle size over time. Botox injections can also be used in the masseter to relieve symptoms of TMJ, such as jaw pain, headaches, TMJ damage, and poor range of motion in the jaw. Overall, Botox can help slim and contour the jawline by reducing the size and prominence of the masseter muscles, leading to a more oval-shaped face and relief from jaw tension and TMJ symptoms.

How much is Botox for face slimming?

The cost of Botox for face slimming also varies depending on the specific areas being treated. The number of units required for face slimming can vary depending on the specific area being treated. For example, the average number of units for chin treatment is 2-6 units, while for jawline slimming, it can range from 10-30 units per side. Depending on the size and strength of your masseter muscle a smaller or bigger dose may be needed.

How many units of Botox for face slimming?

The number of units of Botox needed for face slimming can vary depending on the individual and the area being treated. The average number of units of Botox for the chin is 4-12 units, corners of the mouth are 4-6 units, eyebrow lift is 2-6 units, forehead lines/horizontal lines are 10-30 units, and frown lines are 20-40 units. These are just estimates and the number will depend on your specific anatomy, the size of your face and skull, the size and strength of your muscles, your age and gender. Males typically require stronger doses of Botox.

For face slimming, Botox is often used to relax the masseter muscle, which can give the appearance of a slimmer face. Masseter reduction with Botox may give the appearance of a 5- to 10-pound weight loss. The number of units needed for masseter reduction can vary depending on the individual, the strength and mass of the muscle and gender. The typical range of units needed for masseter reduction would be between 30 to 60 units.

How long does face-slimming Botox last?

The duration of the effect of face-slimming Botox may vary between individuals and depend on several factors. However, the general consensus is that the effects of face-slimming Botox usually last between three to six months. Some individuals may experience longer-lasting results, up to a year.
Factors such as the amount of product used, the area injected, and individual metabolism may affect the duration of the effect of face-slimming Botox. The results of the treatment wear off gradually after the initial few weeks, and the muscle may return to its previous state. Consistent injections may be required to maintain the relaxation of the muscles and prolong the effect of face-slimming Botox. A regimen of series of regular Botox injections into the masseter muscle every 3-6 months will give the best long term results as it results in long term atrophy of the masseter.