Many people know Botox for its wrinkle reduction capabilities, but they hardly understand the benefits beyond facial rejuvenation. In fact, Botox can address concerns that have nothing to do with fine lines.
At Horizons OBGYN & Aesthetics, we offer masseter Botox in Winter Garden for pain relief and facial balancing. To learn more about the masseter muscles and how a popular anti-wrinkle injection can give you relief, read this blog.
What Are the Masseter Muscles?
The large masseter muscles are located on each side of your jaw and help you chew. Over time, these muscles can become enlarged due to genetics, teeth grinding (bruxism), or jaw clenching. Not only can this cause a more square jawline, but it can also cause temporomandibular joint disorder—also known as TMJ.
TMJ causes symptoms like:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw
- Aching pain around the ears
- Headache
- Tooth pain
- Locking of the joint
Related Reading: Botox for Migraines
How Does Botox Help?
First, let’s talk about the function of Botox.
Botox is formulated with botulinum toxin type A, a purified neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes targeted muscles. This works for wrinkles because it restricts muscle movement and causes the overlying skin to settle more smoothly on your face.
When injected into the masseter muscles, Botox reduces the force of repeated movements like chewing, clenching, and grinding.
Teeth Grinding and TMJ Relief
If you frequently grind your teeth or clench your jaw, your masseter muscles may become overworked. By relaxing these muscles, masseter Botox can reduce jaw tension and help relieve symptoms associated with teeth grinding and TMJ, including jaw soreness, headaches, and facial discomfort.
Jawline Slimming
Overactive masseter muscles can create a wider, more square jawline. As Botox gradually reduces muscle activity, the muscles may become less prominent over time, creating a softer, slimmer facial contour while maintaining a natural appearance.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Masseter Botox?
During a consultation for masseter Botox in Winter Garden, our team can determine if this is the right treatment for you. For example, if you have TMJ, a square jawline, or struggle with teeth grinding, we will likely recommend this treatment.
We may determine that you are not a candidate for masseter Botox if you fall under the following categories:
- Under the age of 18
- Have active infections or inflammation in the treatment area
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a neuromuscular disorder like Lou Gehrig’s disease
What to Expect at Horizons OBGYN
If you’re interested in masseter Botox in Winter Garden, here’s what you can expect.
Consultation
We start by discussing your symptoms and concerns, any previous treatments for teeth grinding and clenching, and reviewing your medical history. Once we determine that masseter Botox could help you, we walk you through the process and prepare your skin.
Injections
In most cases, we can perform injections on the same day as your consultation to streamline your care. Once your skin is cleansed, we strategically place custom doses of Botox in targeted muscles to reduce activity and tension.
Results and Ongoing Care
It can take 1 to 2 weeks to notice a difference in the way your jawline feels—this varies from patient-to-patient. For patients interested in a slimmer jawline, it can take 4 to 6 weeks to see the effects of muscle shrinkage.
Please note: Botox only lasts 3 to 4 months, so it requires maintenance sessions to help you maintain pain relief and a slimmer jawline.
Frequently Asked Questions About Masseter Botox
Here are some frequently asked questions we hear regarding masseter Botox in Winter Garden.
Will masseter Botox affect my ability to chew?
No. You’ll still be able to eat and speak normally. Botox simply reduces excessive muscle activity rather than eliminating normal jaw function.
Can masseter Botox be combined with other aesthetic treatments?
Yes. Many patients combine masseter Botox with Sculptra or dermal fillers to achieve more comprehensive results.
How many units of Botox are needed for the masseter muscles?
The number of units varies based on the size and strength of your masseter muscles. Your provider will determine the appropriate dosage during your consultation.
Find Relief With Masseter Botox
If you’re interested in masseter Botox in Winter Garden, request a consultation to talk with a member of our team.
Alternatively, you can try our treatment planning tool to streamline the consultation process.
