I have Sjgrens Syndrome - an AI disease that primarily attacks the moisture producing glands. My major symptom has been enlarged & painful salivary glands despite having minor dry mouth & never suffering from salivary stones or infections. No treatments by my ENT & Rheumy have been able to shrink the enlarged glands. I've read that Botox can help reduce the size but neither my ENT or Rheumy are aware of this treatment. Would I be causing more problems if I were to try Botox for this issue?
I have had tmj, jaw surgery, and jaw issues in general. 3 months ago, I got botox injected into the right (lower) masseter muscle because it was bigger than the left. Now, The lower (right) masseter is smaller than the lower left but, I believe, the upper part of the right masseter muscle is larger than the upper left. (I believe this because my cheekbone/cheek is less sculpted on the right, due to, what I believe, is extra muscle mass. I also believe this to be true because it feels tighrt).
I'm wondering how you can tell if the swollen area in the masseter region are enlarged parotid glands or just overly large jaw muscles from jaw tension, etc. and, if it is just an enlarged muscle, what is the appropriate amount of botox to use for significant reduction in a man. I have had botox reduction before but I think my doctor was using the the same amount on me (male, 6 foot, 200 pounds) as she was on her general clientale which is mostly small asian women.