Botox Masseter/Jaw: What Patients Need to Know in Santa Cruz, CA

Botox Masseter/Jaw for a Slimmer Jawline

Botox Masseter/Jaw is a non-invasive treatment option for patients who desire a softer, narrower jawline and face shape. This procedure is also beneficial for individuals who experience jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) pain and associated headaches. The treatment involves injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, or Daxxify, into the masseter muscles of the jaw. These muscles are responsible for chewing and grinding food.

When the masseter muscles become overdeveloped, it can result in a square or heavy-looking jawline. Botox Masseter/Jaw works by relaxing these muscles, reducing their size and definition, and creating a more slim and contoured jawline. This procedure is safe and effective, with minimal downtime. The treatment typically takes only 10 to 20 minutes, and there are no incisions or anesthesia required. However, patients should plan on spending approximately 45 minutes at our office to ensure a thorough consultation and treatment process.

Patients who are interested in learning more about Botox Masseter/Jaw and whether it is the right treatment option for them are encouraged to schedule a consultation with our Medical Director, Dr. Rebecca Small. During the consultation, Dr. Small will discuss your goals and evaluate your specific condition to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Procedure & Products: What to Expect

The Botox Masseter/Jaw procedure typically takes between 15 to 20 minutes and is performed in-office by one of our medical professionals who are trained and supervised by Dr. Rebecca Small, our Medical Director. Before the procedure, you will meet with your provider to discuss your concerns and goals. During this consultation, your provider will examine your facial anatomy and determine the injection sites, muscle groups affected, and the appropriate amount of product needed to achieve the desired result.

The procedure itself involves injecting Botox into the masseter muscle on both sides of the face. While this may cause some discomfort, most patients describe it as a mild sensation that subsides quickly. If desired, your provider can numb the area with ice or a topical anesthetic. The number of injections needed will vary depending on the size of the muscle and the desired outcome.

There are several brands of botulinum toxin available, including Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, Xeomin, and Daxxify. These products work by blocking the nerve signals that cause the masseter jaw muscles to contract, effectively relaxing the muscle and eventually reducing its size. The specific product used will depend on your provider’s preference and your individual needs.

After the injections, the Botox will begin relaxing the masseter muscles and take about two weeks to reach its maximum effectiveness. Within a month, you will start to see these muscles weaken, resulting in a softer and more balanced jawline that is shaped into your desired look. In addition to achieving a more aesthetically pleasing jawline, you may also experience relief from bruxism, TMJ pain, and teeth grinding symptoms.

It is common for patients to experience mild swelling or bruising after the procedure, but these effects typically subside within a few days. Patients who present with jaw clenching and teeth grinding may experience mild jaw achiness for 1 – 2 days following treatment. It is important to follow post-treatment instructions carefully. While you can resume your normal activities immediately after the procedure, it is recommended to avoid any strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours.

While you may not see the full effects of the treatment immediately, within a few weeks, you can expect to notice a more contoured and softer jawline. As the masseter muscles continue to weaken, the jawline will become more refined and proportionate to the rest of your face. You may also notice a reduction in the frequency and intensity of teeth grinding symptoms, which can alleviate discomfort and prevent further dental damage, headaches, and jaw pain.

Expected Results & Duration

After receiving Botox Masseter/Jaw injections, you can expect to see a visible reduction in jawline size and improved facial contours within a few weeks. Results may vary between patients, but typically last four months initially and up to six months once the muscles have reduced in size.

It is important to note that the results of Botox injections are not permanent, and additional treatments are required to maintain the effect. Factors such as age, lifestyle habits, and medical history can also impact the longevity of results.

In addition to achieving a more contoured and balanced jawline, patients who receive masseter jaw Botox injections for cosmetic reasons may also experience additional benefits, such as improved facial symmetry and a more youthful appearance. However, it is important to have realistic expectations and understand that Botox injections cannot completely change the structure of the jawline.

During the consultation process, Dr. Small will discuss expected results in more detail and provide personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and goals.

Risks and Side Effects of Botox Masseter/Jaw

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects associated with masseter jaw Botox injections. The most common side effects include mild pain or discomfort at the injection site, bruising, swelling, and temporary jaw discomfort.

In rare cases, more serious complications such as infection, nerve damage, and decreased salivation if the parotid gland is inadvertently affected can occur. However, these risks can be minimized by choosing a medical spa with an experienced medical director who actively performs Botox Masseter/Jaw procedures, as well as corrective procedures, and is onsite frequently to train staff. At our medical spa, Dr. Small is onsite daily and trains our staff, ensuring the highest level of safety and care for our patients.

It is important to note that not all medical providers are comfortable treating the masseter muscles due to a lack of training or experience. However, just because a provider has told you “No” does not mean you are not a suitable candidate for Botox Masseter/Jaw. We encourage patients to seek a second opinion with a provider who has considerable experience and skills in treating complex areas such as the masseter. Furthermore, an experienced provider using the appropriate technique can usually achieve the desired result even if Botox has not had the desired effect in the past.

Due to the complex nature of the jaw’s function and its impact on aesthetic appearance, it is crucial that your provider has both considerable knowledge of facial anatomy and an aesthetic vision for contouring your jawline to your desired look. Patients should choose a medical professional who has extensive experience specifically with Botox Masseter/Jaw injections to ensure the best possible outcomes. At our medical spa, we take pride in our experienced staff and Dr. Small’s expertise in performing masseter jaw Botox injections.

During the consultation process, it is important to discuss any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, or medications that could increase your risk of complications. It is also essential to follow all pre- and post-treatment instructions provided by your medical professional, such as avoiding blood-thinning medications and refraining from vigorous physical activity. In the event of any complications, it is crucial to contact your medical professional immediately. Early intervention can often help minimize the severity of side effects and prevent further complications.

Costs of Botox Masseter/Jaw: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the cost of Botox Masseter/Jaw, RSMD takes a different approach than most medical spas and aesthetic providers. Instead of charging based on the number of units of product used. We believe this approach is akin to paying for an artwork based on the number of brush strokes, or paint used, rather than beauty of an artist’s final work. At RSMD, we take a different approach. Our Medical Director, Dr. Rebecca Small, has implemented Fixed Treatment Area Pricing to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved for our patients based upon their unique anatomy and treatment goals.

With Fixed Treatment Area Pricing, patients know the price of the treatment before starting the procedure. Because we are focused on patient outcomes this approach includes touch-ups and refinements to ensure our patients are fully satisfied with their results. We provide a two-week follow-up appointment to check your results and offer complimentary touch-ups if needed.

At RSMD, we understand that bruising can occur after any injectable treatment. Our staff is trained in applying camouflage makeup and color-matching skin tones to minimize the impact of bruising. We also offer complementary laser treatments that significantly reduce the visible signs of bruising for patients that are appropriate candidates.

We value our providers’ skill in achieving our patients’ desired outcomes, rather than just the amount of product used. Our deep understanding of facial muscle groups and their relationship to each other allows us to create a balanced aesthetic appearance that aligns with your goals. With Fixed Treatment Area Pricing and a focus on high-quality care, RSMD ensures that our patients receive the best possible treatment experience and outcome.

Post-Treatment Care

After the Botox Masseter/Jaw procedure, it is normal to experience some mild swelling, tenderness around the injection sites, and mild jaw achiness. These side effects typically subside within a few days. Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure but should avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours.

To optimize the results and minimize any potential complications, it is recommended to avoid touching or rubbing the treated area and to avoid lying down for at least four hours after the procedure. Patients should also refrain from facials or chemical peels for two days to prevent product migration or irritation in the treatment area.

If any complications or concerns arise, patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Follow-up appointments should also be scheduled to assess the results of the procedure and determine if any additional touch-ups are needed. At RSMD, we include a complementary two-week follow-up as part of every injectable procedure to ensure that our patients are satisfied with their results.

Overall, with proper post-treatment care, patients can expect to see a softer jawline and narrower face shape for up to six months after the procedure.

Why Choose RSMD for Masseter Botox?

Welcome to RSMD Medical Aesthetics, where our team of highly trained medical professionals, led by Dr. Rebecca Small, is dedicated to helping you achieve your desired appearance. Dr. Small, our Medical Director, is an Associate Clinical Professor at the prestigious University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical School. She teaches both Plastic Surgery and Family Medicine residents’ outpatient aesthetic procedures, including the treatment of masseter jaw muscles with Botox.