Masseter Botox® for Face Symmetry

There are many aspects of our physical features that people may find attractive, but research shows that facial symmetry is one of the features people find most attractive.

Because of this, injectable cosmetic treatments that address facial symmetry have become increasingly popular in recent years.

One of the most common treatments involves the injection of Botox® into the jaw muscles called the masseters. This treatment can help correct facial symmetry, shape, and slimming and is commonly known as masseter Botox®.

Where is the Masseter Muscle & What Does it Do?

Located on each side of the face at the back of the jaw, the masseter is a strong muscle with a rectangular shape. It is one of four muscles involved in chewing. The three other muscles include:

• Temporalis muscle
• Medial pterygoid muscle
• Lateral pterygoid muscle

Working together, the four muscles help move the lower jaw up and down, which allows us to bite into and chew solid foods.

What is Masseter Botox®?

Masseter Botox® is injected in the jaw area and blocks nerve signals from reaching the masseter muscle. This treatment can help people with a variety of conditions, including:

• Tension or migraine headaches
• Grinding or clenching teeth
• Problems with facial symmetry
• Symptoms associated with TMJ

See this video below of a female patient at The Rejuva Center receiving Masseter Botox® treatment to achieve facial symmetry:

What is Facial Symmetry?

Facial symmetry occurs when one side of the face matches the other side. Factors that affect facial symmetry include:

• Aging
• Genetics
• Dental work
• Lifestyle choices
• Stroke
• Trauma

How Does Botox® Help Achieve Facial Symmetry & Slimming?

When one side of the face is different than the other side, it can sometimes be corrected with masseter Botox®. A good example of when the treatment may be effective is when the masseter muscle is larger on one side of the face than on the other side.

When Botox® is injected into the larger masseter muscle, it relaxes and becomes smaller in size. Over time, this creates a slimming effect.

Masseter Botox® can also help people who are unhappy with the shape of their face. For example, this may occur when the masseter muscles on both sides of the face are too large due to genetics, aging, or conditions associated with clenching or grinding of one’s teeth.

When injected on both sides, Botox® can help to slim the face and give the jawline a more contoured look. Eventually, the face looks less square-shaped and more heart-shaped.

Patients who get masseter Botox® treatments begin to see and feel some effects within a few weeks of treatment. Some results may include the muscle feeling softer to the touch and the jaw feeling more relaxed or less clenched when chewing. In approximately six weeks, the jawline begins looking slimmer. In more severe cases, it may take several treatments to begin to notice facial slimming.

See the results below of a female patient at The Rejuva Center who improved her facial symmetry with Botox® and explore more before and after results of Botox® in the lower face in our before and after gallery.

How Often Should You Have Masseter Botox®?

Getting Botox® treatments on a regular schedule helps patients maintain cosmetic results. Masseter Botox® patients should continue receiving treatments every three to six months.

In some instances, the frequency can be reduced as the masseter muscle decreases, thus requiring less frequent Botox® treatments.

Is Masseter Botox® Safe?

Injecting the masseter muscle with Botox® is generally considered a safe procedure, but it can produce mild side effects. These include:

• More commonly: Pain, swelling, bruising, redness at the injection site or headache
• Rarely: Crooked smile, drooling, flu-like symptoms

These side effects are temporary and usually resolve within weeks following masseter Botox® treatment.

Schedule a Consultation for Botox® Treatment at The Rejuva Center

If you’re looking to receive a masseter Botox® treatment in the Albany area in New York State, consider seeing an expert medical provider at The Rejuva Center at Williams. This state-of-the-art facility offers expert care under the guidance of double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Edwin F. Williams.

The doctors, physician assistants, and nurses at The Rejuva Center specialize in non-surgical cosmetic treatments and deliver the utmost safety and clinical excellence. To schedule your masseter Botox® consultation, call 518-213-9160 today