Masseter botox is where aesthetic and medical reasons most often intersect at our clinic. Roughly half of our patients come for the jawline, the other half for morning jaw pain — and one treatment resolves both.
Why does the masseter thicken?
The masseter is the hardest-working muscle during chewing. Stress-related clenching, a diet of hard foods, chewing gum or genetic predisposition can all cause it to hypertrophy. As a result the lower third of the face widens and the jawline takes on a square appearance.
How is the treatment performed?
The borders of the muscle are identified by palpation; the patient is asked to clench so the strongest point can be located. The dose is usually distributed across three points, at 20–30 units per side. The procedure takes 10–15 minutes and needs no anaesthetic.
When are results visible?
- Weeks 1–2: Clenching decreases and morning pain eases.
- Weeks 3–4: The first reduction in muscle volume becomes noticeable.
- Week 8: The change in contour is clearly defined.
The effect lasts 5–7 months on average. Because the muscle is weaker at the second session, results last longer — and after the third year many patients need only one session a year.
What is a realistic expectation?
Masseter botox does not change bone structure. If the jawbone itself is wide, the change in contour will be limited; where the widening is muscular, the difference is obvious. During the examination we assess muscle thickness by ultrasound or palpation and share a realistic forecast.
Who is it not suitable for?
Patients whose chewing muscle strength is already low, older patients with significant cheek volume loss, and those whose TMJ pain has causes other than the masseter are better served by different treatments.
Should it be combined with a night guard?
Yes. A guard protects the teeth mechanically while botox reduces clenching force. Used together, dental wear and joint load are minimised.
