Masseter Botox is a non-surgical treatment that consists of injecting the botulinum toxin into the masseter muscle. It is very beneficial for headaches, toothaches, prominent jaw, or earaches due to constant teeth grinding.
This article aims to explain Masseter Botox treatment along with its side effects and benefits. Keep reading to learn completely.
What is Masseter Botox?
Before starting the topic, it is important to know about Botox and the Masseter.
Botox
Botox is commonly known as wrinkle remover in the world of the beauty industry. Nowadays, its other unapproved uses are gaining popularity. Botox is also used as an injectable muscle relaxer that uses a neurotoxin to paralyze the muscle temporarily.
The injections are commonly used to remove wrinkles. Besides, it is often used in masseter muscles to manage facial pain and change face shape.
Masseter
On the other hand, the masseter is one of your face muscles. It is located on the side of the face which helps in chewing and connects the lower jawbone to the cheeks bone.
When a dermatologist injects Botox into the masseter is called Masseter Botox and sometimes jaw Botox.
This non-surgical method involves the use of botulinum toxin type A in the masseter muscles. The injected toxin temporarily blocks the nerve signals in the masseter and the muscles become relaxed. After the injection, the masseter movement becomes limited, but the person can still chew.
What is masseter Botox treatment used for?
It is typically used for the following reasons:
- Treating teeth grinding
- Creating a square and prominent jaw
- To reduce jaw clenching, stress, and pain
- Easing or relieving headaches
- Contouring an appropriate face shape
Botox will not work if a square jaw is a result of the bone structure. This treatment can only fix the jaw if an overactive masseter muscle makes it noticeable.
Procedure
We have divided the Masseter Botox treatment into three steps. What you need to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Before the procedure
At the very initial stage, before getting the treatment, make an appointment with a professional. He/she will ask you about your wishing goals and concerns. Make sure to see before and after pictures of the procedure to avoid any disappointment.
After questioning, they will examine your jaw and face to make sure is it suitable for you. Examining helps them to determine the injection site and the number of syringes you need.
After that, they will recall you another day for the treatment purpose.
During the procedure
This is a quick treatment that lasts for only a few minutes. In the procedure, a medical professional will numb the area with topical anesthesia. The treatment provider will clean the skin surface to minimize the risk of infection.
He will prepare a very thin needle syringe of botulinum toxin to inject. After marking the area where the masseter is located, he will insert the syringe. He will then gradually withdraw the syringe while injecting the Botox.
The amount of Botox or the number of syringes depends on your desired results.
After the Procedure
The masseter Botox procedure typically lasts 12 to 15 minutes. After the injections, the treatment provider will massage the injected area. Massage will help to settle the Botox and reduce the risk of bruising and swelling.
The treatment doesn’t require any recovery time, you can resume your usual activities. You need to avoid the following activities for 24 hours after the treatment:
- Excessive rubbing of the treated area
- Exercise
- Hot yoga and Saunas
- Facial massages
These activities can cause the Botox to transfer to other parts of the face. The full results will come within about 1 week, some people can expect to see results in 1 to 3 days.
The results usually last for 3 to 4 months, so, you can repeat the procedure to maintain it.
Benefits
There are many benefits that it offers, but here we break them into the following three.
Minimize symptoms of TMD
The term Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) refers to any problem with TMJ. TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is like the masseter muscle that helps to chew.
It acts like a sliding hinge that connects the skull to the lower jaw. Injection of Botox into the masseter muscles can help to reduce TMJ symptoms. These includes:
- TMJ damage
- Jaw pain
- Face, jaw, and ear pain
- Headaches
- Jaw locking
- The low motion of the jaw
Relieve Teeth Grinding
The injection of botulinum toxin weakens the masseter muscle and relaxes the jaw. This in return stops the teeth and jaw from clenching and minimizes symptoms like:
- Jaw Tightness
- Neck, face, and jaw pain
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Headache
- Ear pain
Sliming the face shape
If you have a square shape of the face and you want to slim it, Masseter Botox may be the best option. Botox creates a V-shaped jawline with its weakening effects.
In this situation, this treatment is also known as masseter reduction or jaw reduction.
Side Effects of Masseter Botox
This is a non-surgical procedure and is usually considered safe. However, as with any treatment, it has some possible side effects that can occur.
- Swelling and pain at the injection site
- Drooling
- Bruising
- Headache
- Allergic reaction to Botox
- Muscle Weakness
- Nausea
If you experience any of the above side effects after getting injections, immediately contact the doctor.
Who should avoid getting Masseter Botox?
There are conditions when one’s should avoid getting Masseter Botox treatment. These include:
- Breastfeeding
- Pregnancy
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Allergic reaction to Botox or botulinum toxin
- Unreasonable hope
- Skin infection at the treatment site
How to do aftercare of masseter Botox?
Follow the following tips to quickly relieve the side effects and settle the Botox.
- Avoid smoking and nicotine for 24 hours after the treatment.
- Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited for 24 hours
- Apply ice pack on treated site if you notice any swelling or redness.
- Avoid applying pressure on the treated area
- Avoid hot yoga, bath, and saunas for 24 hours after the procedure
- Don’t do strenuous workouts or exercise for 24 hours
Masseter Botox Cost
The cost of masseter Botox depends on the number of syringes or amount of toxin required for the procedure.
Women’s muscles are smaller and typically they need 20 units of Botox for jaw slimming on one side. Conversely, men’s muscles are bigger, and they need more units than women.
Besides, the cost depends on clinic location, doctor experience, and facilities provided here.
According to some reviews, one unit of Botox costs 10$ to 12$, and 20 units of Botox cost 480$ to 500$.
As it is a cosmetic surgery and not concerned with your health. Therefore, health insurance will not cover the cost of treatment and you have to pay from your pocket.
Finding an Ideal cosmetic Surgeon
As with any procedure, make sure to get treatment from board certified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist. An experienced dermatologist will reduce the risk of side effects and give you desirable results.
To find a surgeon do extensive research on the internet or in your surroundings. American Society of Plastic Surgeons has created a surgeon tool that helps to find surgeons easily.
You can use them to find an ideal and board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
Conclusion
Masseter Botox is a non-surgical treatment and a great solution to relieve bruxism or TMD symptoms. It can also create a V-shaped jawline and balance the overall face shape.
To achieve desired results and safe or risk-free procedures always choose an expert.
We have provided all the information regarding this treatment. If you have any additional questions, you may contact us without hesitation. Our team is always here for your help, Thanks for Reading, and Stay healthy!
