A strong, chiseled jawline is considered an attractive facial feature. But some people naturally have square, wide jaws or struggle with masseter hypertrophy, which can make the face look boxy and masculine. If you want to contour your jawline and achieve a slimmer, more oval facial profile, Botox injections for the masseter muscles could be the perfect nonsurgical solution.
What Are the Masseter Muscles?
The masseter muscles are located along the jawline and are used for chewing and clenching. When these muscles become enlarged due to chronic teeth grinding or other factors, it can cause the lower face to appear wider and more square shaped. This condition is known as masseter hypertrophy.
Some key facts about the masseter muscles:
- Paired muscles running from the cheekbone to the jaw angle
- Main muscles involved in mastication (chewing)
- Can become overdeveloped due to bruxism, TMJ disorders or other causes
- Enlarged masseters create a square, masculine jawline
How Can Botox Reshape the Jawline?
Botox (botulinum toxin type A) injections can be used to slim and contour the jawline by relaxing the masseter muscles. Here’s how it works:
- Botox blocks neuromuscular signals to the masseters, partially paralyzing the muscles
- This weakens the masseters and causes them to slightly atrophy over several weeks
- The result is a reduction in masseter size and width, creating a more oval facial profile
Botox does not actually dissolve the muscles but simply relaxes them and reduces their activity temporarily. Results can last 3-6 months as the Botox effect wears off.
Benefits of Botox Masseter Reduction
There are several aesthetic benefits to using Botox for masseter reduction and jawline contouring:
- Slims a wide or square jawline
- Softens and narrows the lower face
- Creates a slimmer, more oval facial profile
- Reduces jaw width by up to 1 cm measured from the angles
- Smooths definition in the jawline area
- Improves facial symmetry by balancing uneven masseter muscles
- Subtly feminizes or softens the jawline
- Non-surgical approach with no downtime
Essentially, Botox can sculpt and contour your jawline to be smaller and more oval-shaped for improved facial balance and aesthetics.
Who is a Good Candidate for Masseter Botox?
The ideal candidates for masseter Botox injections are:
- Those with masseter hypertrophy or enlarged jaw muscles
- People who grind their teeth or have TMJ disorder
- Those with wide, square jaws they wish to contour
- Anyone seeking facial slimming or reshaping without surgery
- Individuals with facial asymmetry due to uneven masseters
- Patients desiring a slimmer jawline or softer facial angles
Both men and women can benefit from this treatment. It offers subtle feminization for transgender women transitioning as well.
What to Expect During the Botox Procedure
Getting Botox for your masseter muscles is a quick, in-office procedure with no downtime. Here is what to expect:
- Botox injections will be administered along the masseter muscles in the lower face/jawline area
- A smooth gel or cold pack may be applied to numb the skin beforehand
- Your provider will use a very thin needle to inject small amounts of Botox intramuscularly
- Each injection will feel like a quick pinprick
- Most patients require 15-30 injections per side
- The process takes about 10-20 minutes total
- Ice may be applied after to reduce any swelling or bruising
- Discomfort is usually minimal and you can resume normal activities immediately
Results and Recovery from Masseter Botox
It takes 3-10 days to start seeing results from masseter Botox as the muscles gradually relax and slim down. Maximal effect is seen at around the 2-week point.
Some things to expect:
- Swelling, bruising, soreness can occur but resolves quickly
- Results last approximately 3-6 months as the Botox wears off
- Repeat injections are needed every 4-6 months to maintain the effect
- Most patients require 2-3 treatments to reach optimal aesthetic results
There is no real downtime after having Botox injected into the masseter muscles. Most people feel comfortable going out in public the next day.
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?
When performed by an experienced provider, Botox injections for masseter reduction are considered very safe with minimal risks. Possible side effects include:
- Temporary soreness, swelling, bruising at injection sites
- A feeling of tightness in the jaw at first
- Possible temporary asymmetry due to muscle relaxation
- In rare cases, a drooping chin or smile
- Adverse reactions to Botox are very rare
The most common side effect is potentially having the chewing muscles over-relaxed, which can hinder eating or cause jaw soreness for a short time as you adjust.
How Much Does Masseter Botox Cost?
The cost for Botox to the masseter muscles typically ranges from $500 – $1,500 per treatment session. Since results last 3-6 months, you can expect to pay this every 4-6 months to maintain your jawline slimming.
Factors affecting the cost include:
- Your individual treatment plan and amount of Botox units needed
- The skill and expertise of your provider
- Geographic location and clinic fees
Many practices like Essence Medspa in Chicago offer specialized pricing plans for masseter Botox to make jaw slimming more affordable. Be sure to ask your provider about any available discounts or packages to maximize your savings.
FAQs about Botox for Masseter Reduction
How many Botox units are needed per masseter muscle?
Most patients require 15-30 units of Botox injected into each masseter muscle for optimal reduction and shaping. Your provider will customize the dosage based on your individual goals.
Can I slim my jawline and lose face fat with Botox?
No, Botox only relaxes the masseter muscles themselves. It does not remove fat from the face or reduce weight. For fat reduction, options like CoolSculpting would be recommended instead.
Does the chewing muscle atrophy after Botox?
The masseter muscle will decrease in size by about 10-20% due to disuse atrophy after Botox injections. But this effect is temporary until the Botox wears off completely.
How long do results last after masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox results typically last 3-6 months. Repeat treatments are needed every 4-6 months to maintain jawline slimming and contouring achieved.
Can I combine this with other facial esthetics treatments?
Yes, jawline Botox combines well with other procedures like dermal fillers, thread lifts, or Ultherapy to enhance your overall facial profile. Discuss combos with your provider.
Will masseter Botox make my face look thinner?
Indirectly, yes. By reducing jaw width, your lower face will appear more oval and delicate. But Botox only affects the targeted masseter muscles themselves.
Seeking Expert Jawline Slimming in Chicago?
Botox for the masseter muscles is an effective way to nonsurgically contour and slim your jawline. When performed by a seasoned esthetic provider, it’s a safe procedure with outstanding aesthetic results and minimal downtime.
Essence Medspa offers expert Botox treatments for jaw, chin, and neck slimming in Chicago, IL. Contact us today to schedule your personalized consultation!
