Masseter Botox – What Is Masseter Botox?
What Is Masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox is a noninvasive facial procedure that reduces the size of the masseter muscle to slim the jawline and improve facial contour. It’s a popular option for people who have an overactive masseter muscle, which is typically caused by teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism). This type of excessive muscle activity can cause the lower face to appear bulky and square-shaped. In addition, it can also lead to pain and discomfort due to the strain on the jaw joints (TMJ).
The masseter muscle is a large facial muscle that helps us chew. It attaches to the bottom of the jaw and extends up to the cheekbone. A hyperactive masseter muscle can make the jaw look larger and square-shaped, especially in men. In some cases, the enlarged masseter muscle can cause asymmetry in the lower face, making one side look more prominent than the other. The good news is that the muscle can be relaxed with masseter Botox injections.
Botox is a neuromodulator that essentially “freezes” targeted muscles by blocking nerve signals to the muscle. Injections of botulinum toxin in the Botox Masseter muscle halt the contractions and help it shrink.
Masseter Botox – What Is Masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox treatment is relatively quick, with patients receiving the injections in just a few minutes during an office visit. During the procedure, a small needle is used to inject botulinum toxin into the masseter muscle. A topical numbing cream is applied before the treatment to reduce any potential discomfort. Most patients find the procedure to be painless.
Once the injections are complete, most patients can resume their daily activities right away. Some mild swelling, bruising or redness at the injection site are expected but will resolve on their own within a day or two. It is important to avoid rubbing or manipulating the area so that the toxin does not spread to other areas of the face.
Most people who receive masseter Botox experience a noticeable reduction in the size of the muscle and a slimmer jawline after just one treatment. It is recommended that patients receive regular treatments every three months to maintain their results. The effects of masseter Botox begin to weaken after this time, allowing the muscle to over-contract again. Regular Botox treatments are the best way to prevent this from happening and ensure that your results last as long as possible.
The best candidates for masseter Botox are individuals who suffer from enlarged masseter muscles. This condition can result from a combination of factors, including aging and excessive jaw movement during chewing. It’s also common for people with this condition to experience TMJ pain. Botox injections into the masseter and temporalis muscles can relax these muscles and ease TMJ pain.
If you’re interested in reducing the appearance of an overactive masseter muscle or want to treat TMJ pain, contact Body+Beauty Lab in Philadelphia, PA. Our licensed medical estheticians and expert injectors can recommend the optimal treatment plan for your unique needs.