We tend to think of Botox as a wrinkle treatment, but relaxing the muscles can improve your appearance and well-being in other ways. One of the muscles that can benefit from Botox is the masseter, which is the muscle that runs from just below your cheeks to your jawline near the outer part of your face. 

Masseter Botox helps to relax that large muscle, which impacts how your jawline looks and feels. If you’re prone to jaw tightness or you’re not happy with the shape of your jawline, masseter Botox might be the perfect treatment for you. This post will dive into everything you need to know about treating your masseter with Botox. 

 

What is Masseter Botox? 

Botox is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that works by preventing muscles from contracting. During a masseter treatment, the Botox is injected to the large muscles that run along the sides of the face and are responsible for some of your jaw movement. 

Normally, cosmetic Botox is used to stop muscle contractions that cause wrinkles. In the case of masseter Botox, however, the main benefit is that it forces your jaw to relax. This is incredibly beneficial if you have an overactive masseter muscle, since it helps to reduce both tension and size. 

 

The Effects and Benefits of Masseter Botox

If you wish that your jawline looked slimmer and more rounded, masseter Botox might be for you. While bone structure also plays a role, having very developed masseter muscles can make the jawline seem large or square. 

Botox works both in the short and long term to slim down the jawline. Over time, the muscle becomes smaller, so the results can become more pronounced with regular treatment. 

If your jawline is uneven, your nurse can even adjust how much Botox they inject into each side, to help balance out your facial features and make you look more symmetrical. 

Masseter Botox can also help if you experience tension in your jaw. An overly tight or active masseter can lead to jaw clenching and teeth grinding, which can cause jaw pain, headaches, and damage to your teeth. There are a few different ways to deal with grinding, but for many, masseter Botox offers immense relief quickly and easily. 

It’s important to add that masseter Botox doesn’t totally paralyze the muscles, so you’ll still be able to chew and speak normally!

 

Masseter Botox Before and After

Botox is a quick, minimally-invasive treatment that doesn’t require much prep! We do have a few tips for before and after Botox, though: 

  • Come to your appointment hydrated and in good health. 
  • Make sure that you haven’t taken any medications that can thin the blood. 
  • Prior to your appointment, we’ll have you fill out a consent form and make sure you’re a good candidate for the treatment. 

After the treatment, it’s important to avoid lying down for the first four hours following the treatment. Additionally, avoid touching or massaging the treated area, so that the Botox doesn’t migrate. You may also want to avoid intense activities that might overwhelm your body or lead to dehydration. As for side effects, you may find that the injected area is a little sore or swollen but this tends to fade quickly. 

 

How Long Does Masseter Botox Last? 

Botox can take up to two weeks to fully inhibit the muscle, so that’s when you can expect your results to start to show. The effect usually lasts between two and four months, which is when you’ll want to come in for a repeat appointment. 

With regular treatments, many of our clients find that their Botox lasts longer and longer. Plus, over time, your masseter muscle will continue to shrink due to the reduced activity, so you might find that within just a few treatments you’ll achieve the face shape you hoped for. 

 

Book Your Masseter Botox 

At SEV, it’s our mission to help you look and feel your best. Offering masseter Botox is one of our favorite treatments because we know it can offer such immense relief while also boosting your sense of self-confidence. 

Our team is made up of specialized nurses that have both the medical credentials and aesthetic experience to give you the life-changing results you want. If you’re ready to discover just how life-changing masseter Botox can bring, schedule your appointment at SEV.