Consultation for Masseter Muscle Botox
The masseter muscle is a facial muscle that connects the lower jaw to the cheeks and is one of several muscles used for chewing. It commonly becomes enlarged in people who clench and grind their teeth, a condition called bruxism. An overactive masseter muscle can drastically change the shape of a person’s face, making an oval face appear square or causing facial asymmetry by making one side of the jaw larger than the other. We can use Bellevue BOTOX to reduce the size of your masseter muscle and thereby slim the jawline. The treatment typically only takes 20 minutes and results last 3-4 months.
During a consultation, a doctor will physically assess the jaw and masseter muscle to determine if this treatment is right for you. They will also ask you to clench your jaw to evaluate the strength of the muscle contraction. Then, they will prepare a syringe with the botulinum toxin and inject it into the masseter muscle. They will usually inject three times on each side of the face to evenly distribute the Botox. This is a quick and painless procedure that does not require any anesthesia or downtime.
In addition to treating the appearance of an overdeveloped masseter muscle, Botox can help relieve symptoms caused by bruxism such as jaw pain and headaches. It can also help prevent future tooth damage or deterioration from the chronic clenching and grinding of the teeth. A 2019 systematic review found that when injected into the Masseter Muscle Botox significantly reduced bruxism-related jaw pain and headaches for patients with severe bruxism.
What Should I Expect During a Consultation for Masseter Muscle Botox?
While masseter muscle Botox is an effective and safe procedure, it is not an FDA-approved treatment for bruxism or jaw clenching. As such, it is not covered by insurance and most people will need to pay for the service out of pocket. However, it is a relatively affordable option when compared to other treatments for bruxism and headaches such as mouthguards or prescription medication.
Like any cosmetic procedure, Masseter Muscle Botox does carry certain risks and considerations. While side effects are typically mild and temporary, including bruising, swelling, and temporary weakness in the treated muscles, complications such as asymmetry, difficulty chewing, and unintended changes in facial expression can occur if the procedure is not performed by a skilled and experienced provider.
Injections of masseter muscle Botox can be performed at the office of a qualified and experienced medical practitioner. They are an ideal solution for people who experience jaw pain due to clenching and grinding of the teeth or for those who don’t like their square, masculine-shaped face but would like to look more feminine. It is a fast and simple procedure that can be done during a lunch break or on the day off work. Depending on the severity of the condition, it may take multiple treatments to achieve the desired results. Most patients will need to receive the injections at least once every six months. They will gradually lose their clenching and grinding over time, while the masseter muscle thins to create a more feminine and defined jawline.