Masseter (Jawline) Slimming
The masseter muscles, located in the jaw area, can contribute to a square or overly prominent jawline. Masseter slimming with neuromodulator treatment is a cosmetic procedure that involves injecting botulinum toxin into the masseter muscles, which are the large muscles on the sides of the jaw. The goal of the procedure is to reduce the size and prominence of these muscles, creating a slimmer appearance to the lower face.
What to expect?
During the treatment, neurotoxin is injected into the masseter muscles, causing them to relax and shrink in size. This helps create a more tapered appearance of the jaw, which may be the desired outcome for some patients. Masseter botulinum toxin treatment can also help alleviate symptoms related to teeth grinding or clenching.
The procedure is minimally invasive and requires no downtime. Results gradually become noticeable within 7-14 days, and the effects usually last for several months. Masseter toxin treatment offers a non-surgical solution for individuals seeking jawline reshaping and reduction of masseter muscle size. By targeting the masseter muscles with neurotoxin injections, this procedure can help achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing facial appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Botulinum toxin A works by temporarily relaxing the masseter muscles, which are responsible for chewing and clenching the jaw. When these muscles are less active, they gradually become smaller in size, resulting in a more sculpted jawline.
Ideal candidates are individuals with enlarged or overdeveloped masseter muscles, resulting in a square or prominent jawline.
The procedure is minimally invasive and typically takes less than 15 minutes. Botox is injected into specific points in the masseter muscles on each side of the face. A fine needle is used, and the injections are usually well-tolerated.
Most people experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Small ice packs may be applied to the area before and after the treatment, to increase comfort.
It may take a few weeks to start seeing noticeable results, and the full effect usually develops within 1 to 2 months after the procedure.
The results of masseter slimming with Botox are temporary and typically last for about 3 to 6 months. Maintenance treatments are required to sustain the slimmed jawline.
Common side effects can include tiny marks on the skin at the site of injection, mild pain or swelling/bruising at the injection site. These side effects resolve after a few days.
Rare but more significant side effects include temporary weakness in nearby muscles which may affect the symmetry of the smile, if an unintended muscle is targeted by the injection. It is very important to choose a provider who knows facial anatomy, and who has the proper training and technique. Serious side effects are rare but can occur.
Tiny marks in the skin (smaller than a tiny pin prick) are common, and disappear within 15 minutes after the treatment is done. Very small bruises at the injection site are rare, and generally disappear after 3-4 days. The best way to treat tenderness, swelling and bruising is with ice or cool packs. Tylenol may be taken if needed.
If the smile muscle is inadvertently affected, the other side may be treated to create smile symmetry. The effects will wear off when the neurotoxin wears off, after a few months.
Yes, you can still chew and speak normally after masseter slimming with neurotoxin. The procedure selectively targets the masseter muscles involved in clenching and grinding, not those necessary for essential jaw functions.
Yes, it can be combined with other treatments like dermal fillers, neuromodulator treatments for other facial areas, or other procedures such as microneedling with or without PRP to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Your initial consultation with Dr. Esther Grunau is complimentary.
The cost of Cosmetic Neuromodulator treatment is $10/unit.
The number of units required to treat will vary, depending on the size and strength of the masseter muscle.