How Long Does Botox in the Masseter Muscle/jawline Really Last?

asked 1 year ago by Unoq
Latest answer by Ronald Shelton, MD
Question viewed 1,108 times
Tags: jaw line, masseter, timing

I only had 15 units per side 4 wks ago & it "worked" far too well! My doc says it'll wear off in 3-6 months, many Realself docs have stated 4-6, but I've heard reports that botox for jaw reshaping lasts way longer than in the forehead, i.e. 9-12 months! Some even say it's permanent (!!!) Going by averages, how long will it be before jaw botox actually begins to expire, and from there, when can one expect to be back to their pre-botoxed state - if ever!? :S

7 answers to How Long Does Botox in the Masseter Muscle/jawline Really Last?

Botox in the masseter area

How long botox treatments "last" in the masseter depends on a number of factors. One factor is if you are using a guard in your mouth to prevent grinding or clenching. The guards prevent the muscles from working very hard, so the muscles do not regain their former strength. I personally have had 50 units in each masseter for clenching, and wear a guard, and the muscle is reduced and soft over 9 months later. If you are not using a guard, and did the Botox more... more

Madeline Krauss, MD
Boston Dermatologic Surgeon

Botox, Wrinkle Treatment, Beverly Hills Botox, Los Angeles Botox

Because you're using the Botox in a larger muscle (the Masseter), which continues to contract everytime you chew or open/close the mouth...the effects of the Botox may not last as long as when it's injected into the forehead where you can go without using the muscles. I like to do a full dose booster Botox treatment 1 month after the initial Botox treatment as a way to further weaken the targeted muscle(s). For the Masseter, I typically use an increased Botox... more

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Botox Effect on Masseter Muscle Depends on Dose Given

As stated above, the longevity of the effect of Masseter muscle weakness after Botox injections, depends on a number of factors, the most important of which is the dose administered. Typically, for lower face shaping, we use up to 30 units per side, which is twice what you received. The effect generally lasts for 9-12 months. In your case, I would expect return of masseter strength and thickness within 6 months. If you are interested in reversing the effect of Botox... more

Sheldon Pollack, MD
Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon

Botox should wear off in 4 months

On average, the botox effect will wear off in four months. it will not be permanent. jaw shaping and masseter muscle will not be permanently affected by botox injections.

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Botox and masseter muscle function and duration of effect

The duration of effect of botox is related to the dose used, the size of the muscle, and the number of neuromuscular receptors in the muscle. A dose of 15 units is relatively small and the masseter muscle is a large and strong muscle. Things should start to improve in 3 to 6 months. To help speed the process you can do some chewing execises with gum. This will help build up the strength and size of the muscle and reverse the problems... more

Vincent D. Lepore, MD
San Jose Plastic Surgeon

Duration of Botox in the Jaw Muscle

Fortunately, you had a fairly low dose of Botox so it is likely to wear off in 3 to 6 months. There are many factors that can affect Botox uptake including hypertrophic muscles, muscle size, amount of nerve innervation, nerve stimulation, muscle activity and metabolism. Additionally it is interesting to note that in marathon runners and individuals that exercise more than 4 days a week, the duration of effect is slightly but noticeably less. Therefore it would be advisable for you to try to... more

Mitchell Schwartz, MD
South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon

dorsetstreetdermatology.com

Yes, yes, yes, it will wear off.

Generally even with this small dose, it will take 4-6 months for the massetter muscle volume to return to normal. In terms of bit strength, this will begin to return to normal after a few months. Hang in there.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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