Masseter Botox is a medical procedure (often called a V-line procedure) for your face in which an injection is injected into your masseter muscles (a muscle on the side of your face that connects your cheekbone to your lower jawline) to temporarily paralyze them—this relaxes the muscles, which reduces their size, softens a square jaw, eases jaw pain, and creates a more balanced facial appearance.
Learn more in detail from an experienced dermatologist:
What is the masseter muscle?
The master muscle is one of the primary muscles that is responsible for chewing—it runs from the lower part of your cheekbone to the bottom of your jaw and can be felt when you clench your teeth. In some people, this muscle becomes enlarged due to habits like frequent gum chewing, teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, or even learning to play wind instruments. Others naturally have a more prominent masseter muscle.
When the masseter muscle is overdeveloped, it can give the lower face a broader or more square-shaped appearance—which many of us don’t like. To make the face smarter or slimmer, a skin-friendly Botox is injected into this muscle, which is called masseter Botox.
What is masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox, often called jaw Botox helps to relax a tight jaw, reduce pain from TMJ, and stop teeth grinding or clenching. When it’s relaxed, your bite strength becomes a little weaker. This won’t affect your normal eating, chewing, or swallowing. You might only notice a bit of tiredness if you eat something that needs a lot of chewing, like a big steak. This tired feeling is normal, and it can happen even without Botox—it may just happen a little sooner after the treatment.
By the way, the slimming effect usually takes about four to six weeks to notice, and the effect of the Botox will be present for three to four months. so for about four to six months, that Botox will work—it will work to slim down the jawline and create a more tapered appearance.
Explore More: How long does it take for Botox to work?
Masseter Botox Dosage and Treatment Details
Treating masseter muscles often requires a higher Botox dose. Here’s what to expect:
- Units needed: 20–30 units for each masseter muscle
- Injection sites: Usually 4 injections total (2 on each side)
- Treatment time: Less than 30 minutes
- Pain level: Minimal discomfort, often no numbing needed
- Recovery time: Most people return to normal activities right away.
- When you’ll see results: Jaw slimming is usually visible in 1–2 weeks.
- How long it lasts: Results generally last 3–6 months before a touch-up is needed.
Who Should Avoid Masseter Botox?
Here’s when it’s not good for you:
You’re allergic to Botox or similar products
Don’t undergo this treatment if you’ve hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin or any other ingredient in the Botox supplement. Allergic reactions can include itching, rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.
You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Too much safety and care is required when Botox is used for pregnant or breastfeeding women—so it’s generally recommended not to take this risk if you’re one of them.
You have a bleeding disorder
If you have hemophilia or are using blood-thinning medication, these can increase the risk of bruising or bleeding at the injection sites.
Neuromuscular disorders
If you have myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, or other neuromuscular disorders, masseter Botox may lead to potential risks and complications.
Active Infections
If you have any active infection on the injection site, don’t undergo this treatment until the infection is resolved.
Underlying facial surgeries and nerve issues
If you’ve had facial surgery in the past, or if you have any medical condition that affects how your nerves work, your doctor will need to carefully check if Masseter Botox is safe for you before treatment.
Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
People who have ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid) should be careful, as Botox may make this condition worse.
Also Read: Exercise After Botox Myth
What’s the procedure for getting masseter Botox?
Here’s what you should do before, during, and after the procedure:
Before the procedure
Consult the qualified medical professional. They will:
- Ask about your goals, concerns, and medical history
- Review any current medications or supplements you take (some, like blood thinners, NSAIDs, or certain vitamins, can increase bruising and may need to be stopped temporarily).
- Check if you have any conditions that could make Botox unsafe for you (such as allergies to botulinum toxin, bleeding disorders, or skin infections in the treatment area).
- Examine your jaw and face to find the best injection points and decide how many Botox units you’ll need.
- Advise you to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before the treatment, stay well hydrated, and avoid harsh facial treatments beforehand.
If you have a rash, infection, or active skin issue in the area, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
During the Procedure
The actual treatment is simple and quick:
- Cleaned the area well (where the Botox will be injected) to reduce infection risk. A numbing cream may be applied for comfort.
- The provider may ask you to clench your jaw so the muscle stands out. They will mark the exact injection spots.
- By using a needle, small amounts of Botox are injected into the masseter muscle. The number of injections per side depends on your needs (often 2 injections per side, 20–30 units per muscle).
- The same process is done for the other jaw muscle.
- The entire procedure usually takes 10–20 minutes.
You don’t need to stay in the hospital after treatment; you can go home afterward.
After the Procedure
Recovery is quick; follow the following instructions for the first 24 hours:
Avoid:
- To rub or press the treated area
- Heavy exercise or activities that raise blood pressure
- Lying face-down
- Saunas, steam rooms, or hot showers, or yoga
- Alcohol
- Makeup or facial massages in the treated area
These precautions help to stop the spreading of Botox to other muscles.
What to Expect:
- Mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites is normal and should fade in a few days.
- You may feel some muscle tiredness or soreness, especially when chewing tough foods.
- Results start to show in 3–7 days, while the full effects are visible in about 2 weeks. Jaw slimming results may take 1–2 months to fully show.
- The effects usually last 3–4 months. For longer-lasting results, repeat treatments are needed.
Where can you find a qualified cosmetic surgeon for this procedure?
Getting masseter Botox is a delicate treatment, so it’s very important to find a qualified practitioner. Here’s how to find:
You can start by:
- Asking your family doctor or dermatologist for a trusted referral
- Searching for certified professionals through official boards like:
- American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
- American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS)
- American Board of Dental Specialties (ABDS)
- American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)
- American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
When you meet a provider for the first time, use the consultation to ask important questions, such as
- Do you have training and experience in masseter Botox?
- Am I a good candidate for this treatment?
- How should I prepare for the procedure?
- What will happen during and after the treatment?
- What side effects or risks should I know about?
- Can you show me before-and-after photos of your patients?
- How long will the results last?
- What will it cost?
Always choose someone who understands facial anatomy well and has a good track record with this exact procedure. A qualified professional will be happy to answer all your questions and make you feel comfortable before starting.
Common Questions about Masseter Botox
Will Masseter Botox results last permanently?
No. It’s a temporary treatment. It will last on average four to six months. If you do nothing, then on average in six months, the appearance and the function of your muscle will return to exactly how it was pre-treatment.
Will Masseter Botox cause sagging of the skin or jowling?
No, it absolutely will not because the Botox works only on the muscle. What it will do is it will reduce the volume of the muscle and cause the jawline to be more tapered. Sometimes it can accentuate the junction between the cheekbone and the cheek, creating more definition of the cheekbone and creating a more defined appearance.
Why can’t I smile after masseter Botox?
Most people can still smile after masseter Botox, though your face might feel a bit different. If Botox is placed too close to the mouth, it may cause temporary weakness in the smile muscles.
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