Ever catch yourself clenching your teeth? Or maybe you’ve noticed your jawline looking a bit broader than you’d like. Turns out, there’s a single culprit behind both: a muscle called the masseter muscle. And there’s an under-the-radar way to tackle issues stemming from that muscle: masseter Botox. Yes, Botox can do a lot more than smooth forehead wrinkles. It can also reduce jaw tension and slim your face. However, it’s important to distinguish an overactive masseter muscle from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Of patients with TMJ dysfunction, 60% is due to an overactive or strong masseter muscle. 40% of patients struggle with actual joint dysfunction. For this, you should meet with your dentist. How can you tell the difference? Clench down your jaw - if you feel a bulky muscle there, it’s likely due to your masseter muscle!
Masseter Botox might not be as widely discussed as its usage for forehead wrinkles, but it’s hardly an underground secret. Its ability to address clenching, grinding, and a square jaw has made it a go-to for people who need a functional fix — or just want a refined lower face. When done by a skilled medical professional, masseter Botox is quick, relatively painless, and safe. The injections usually require no more than a brief visit. You might notice less stress and fewer headaches if you’ve been grinding your teeth. Plus, the aesthetic shift toward a more tapered jaw can boost confidence in a way that feels natural, not forced.
Have more questions? Here’s what you need to know.
What’s in this article:
- What is masseter Botox and how does it work?
- Why do people get masseter Botox?
- How is masseter Botox different from regular Botox?
- Who is a good candidate for masseter Botox?
- What should you expect during a masseter Botox treatment?
- How long does it take to see results from masseter Botox?
- Are there side effects or risks with masseter Botox?
- How much does masseter Botox cost?
- How can masseter Botox improve TMJ symptoms?
- Can you combine masseter Botox with other treatments?
What is masseter Botox and how does it work?
You’ve got a few powerful muscles in your face that help you chew, speak, and express yourself. The masseter muscle is one of the strongest — if you clench your jaw, you can often feel it tighten near the lower edge of your cheek.
“Masseter Botox” isn’t a special formula. Xeomin and Dysport are two brands of wrinkle-relaxers that are neurotoxins (tox) and commonly referred to as Botox. We just call it “tox” at Skin Clique. No matter what brand you use, it’s the same neurotoxin that smooths out wrinkles, but injected into the masseter muscle. Because it’s going into a bigger, deeper muscle compared to the areas we typically target for wrinkles, the dosages can differ, but the goal is the same.
We often talk about masseter Botox for two main reasons:
- Functional relief: If someone grinds or clenches their teeth (often at night), relaxing the masseter can help reduce pain or soreness.
- Facial slimming: Some people’s masseter muscles become quite bulky, giving a square jaw look. When that muscle is relaxed and becomes less prominent, it can lead to a softer facial contour. At Skin Clique, this is one thing we specialize in.
Most people tolerate these injections well. The effect is temporary, wearing off in about three to six months, so repeated sessions are needed if you’d like to maintain results.
Why do people get masseter Botox?
A lot of people find that masseter Botox also helps take the edge off the discomfort that can come from teeth clenching, and while that’s not technically what it’s intended to do, it’s definitely something that a lot of people report after getting treatment.
Most commonly, people get masseter tox to slim their face. If the masseter muscle is naturally large or has bulked up from years of heavy chewing or grinding, injecting Botox can help reduce the muscle’s size over time. This leads to a more tapered or oval look.
How is masseter Botox different from regular Botox?
Physically, it’s the same product — botulinum toxin A, including brands Xeomin (incobotulinum toxin A), Dysport (abobotulinum toxin A) or Botbotulinum toxin A). The main difference is location and dose. The masseter muscle is thicker than the tiny muscles around your eyes or between your eyebrows. It often needs some more units to achieve the desired muscle relaxation.
We also see some differences in goals. Botox is often geared to fade forehead creases or crow’s feet to smooth the appearance of your skin and make wrinkles disappear. Masseter Botox might be used to alter facial shape.
That said, there’s nothing stopping you from treating multiple areas at once. Some people get forehead Botox and masseter Botox in the same appointment. It’s just good to remember that the approach — and the amount of Botox needed — will vary depending on the muscle we’re targeting and what outcome you’re after.
Who is a good candidate for masseter Botox?
Just about anyone who feels like they’ve got a bulkier lower face than they like, which is often from an overactive masseter, could benefit from this treatment. But it’s not always a slam dunk for everyone. You’ll need a provider to evaluate:
- Jaw structure: Is your jaw wide because of bone genetics, or is it muscular? If it’s mostly bone, Botox won’t shrink that.
- Clenching/grinding patterns: Chronic grinders see bigger benefits than people who only clench once in a blue moon.
- Overall health: If you have certain neuromuscular conditions or allergies, your provider might suggest a different approach.
- Expectations: Botox is temporary, treatments are required every 3-4 months to ensure sustainable results.
Honesty is everything when you meet a provider. Talk about your medical history, your jaw symptoms, your dream results, and your budget. That last one can matter because masseter Botox often calls for more units, which can cost more than your typical crow’s feet injection.
What should you expect during a masseter Botox treatment?
Picture a quick appointment — sometimes done over a lunch break — where you chat with a provider about your concerns. They might have you clench your jaw so they can feel the muscle’s outline. Then it’s a quick cleanse of the area, a little mark-up for injection points, and a few tiny needle pricks.
We’re talking about mild discomfort. If you’ve had tox on your forehead, this doesn’t feel drastically different. The needle’s small, and the process is over faster than you can say “masseter.” Some people skip numbing cream altogether because it’s that quick. Others might want a dab of topical anesthetic, and that’s fine too.
Afterward, you could have minor swelling or redness at the injection sites, but it usually settles within a few hours. Most providers say no strenuous exercise for the rest of the day, but you can get back to normal daily stuff pretty much right away.
How long does it take to see results from masseter Botox?
For individuals aiming to slim the face, patience is key. The masseter needs time to “atrophy” a bit from less movement. This takes consistently performed treatments over a year or so. Results typically last 3-4 months, depending on your body’s metabolism, how often you clench (if at all), and how quickly your muscles ramp up again once the Botox starts wearing off.
If you’re looking to reduce tension and teeth grinding, you might notice relief in as little as one to two weeks. It’s not an overnight change, but it can feel pretty glorious when you wake up without that usual ache.
Remember, one session isn’t forever. If you love the look or feel, you’ll likely want repeat appointments every few months. Many people choose to have a follow-up appointment about three months later to see how things are going. If you keep grinding your teeth, you might notice the effect wears off faster. On the flip side, if you truly stop clenching, the results can hold a bit longer.
Are there side effects or risks with masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox tends to be pretty low risk, but it’s still a medical treatment with possible side effects. Most are short-term, such as:
- Bruising: A small bruise can appear at the injection site. It usually fades within a few days.
- Tenderness or soreness: The area might feel mildly uncomfortable for a day or two.
- Temporary weakness in chewing: Because you’re relaxing a primary chewing muscle, you might notice your bite feels different or your chewing strength is reduced. This is usually mild and temporary.
Less common issues include asymmetry if one side of the jaw responds more than the other. Another possibility is a stray injection affecting nearby muscles, which might lead to a slightly lopsided smile or difficulty moving your mouth. This is uncommon when the procedure is handled by an experienced professional.
There’s also a tiny chance of an allergic reaction, but that’s extremely rare. Any time you’re considering Botox injections — whether for wrinkles or masseter — be upfront with your provider about your medical history and any medication allergies.
How much does masseter Botox cost?
Masseter Botox can cost more than Botox for forehead lines, partly because the muscle is larger and requires more product. You might see prices from $400 to $800 — or higher — depending on your region, the provider’s experience, and the number of units needed.
Yes, it’s an investment. But if it gives you the slimmer face you’ve wanted, it can be worth it. Some people find that after a few rounds of masseter Botox, they need fewer units to maintain their results, which can ease costs down the line. Payment plans or loyalty programs might also be available — worth a conversation with your provider.
Can you combine masseter Botox with other treatments?
Absolutely. Many people pair masseter Botox with other injectables or cosmetic services to tackle multiple concerns at once. Here are a few common combinations:
- Wrinkle treatments: If you also want to smooth lines on your forehead or around your eyes, you can get Botox in those areas during the same visit. This is efficient and safe, assuming your provider is skilled with injecting different muscles in one session.
- Dermal fillers: Maybe you’d like a bit more contour in your cheeks or lips. Some people choose fillers along with masseter Botox to balance out facial proportions. By reducing the jaw’s width and lifting the cheeks, for instance, you can create a more harmonious look.
- Skin resurfacing: If you’re dealing with acne scars, texture issues, or discoloration, chemical peels or microneedling can be done in tandem (though sometimes you’ll separate the appointments by a couple of weeks, depending on the provider’s advice).
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel more confident in your reflection while also enjoying the functional perks of reduced jaw tension. Just be honest about your full wish list during the consultation. An experienced injector will let you know what’s safe to combine and what might need to wait.
In the end, it’s your face and your comfort on the line. Skin Clique providers will always take the time to listen and educate you every step of the way.
