Would the Botox injection technique affect the results to my masseter?

Question

To treat bruxism, I had 50 units then topped up another 50 after a month. My doctor only did one injection on each side of my jaws. However, I saw online videos that it is more common to inject 3 to 5 different spots on the masseter. It has been 6 days since the top up. I have not found my jaws relaxed and I still grind a lot. Visually my face is not getting much slimmer. Would the single injection method cause a different result?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

If the masseter muscle enlarges from teeth grinding or clenching, and my patient desires to have a more narrow face, I typically inject the masseter muscle in four quadrants as it is a large muscle and i allow for 1cm. of diffusion of effectiveness for the Botox from each injection site.The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.

Hillel New, BDS · Answer

Hello GataC and thanks for your question.
Injecting Masseters with Botulinium Toxin (BoTA) is a big part of my practce.
When I am treating a patient for Bruxism for the first time unlike my approach with 'cosmetic' injections, I prefer to use higher dosages. I want to know whether or not the treatment si going to work for that particular patient and not have them 'guessing' the efficacy of the treatment. With 'cosmetics' , I prefr the "less is more" approach.
Depending on the dilution factor used when reconstituting the Botulinium Toxin the number of injection points may vary. A larger dilution will result in greater spread of the solution, yet one must remember that the dose is also affected.
Generally I use 2 injection points as a  minimum with a 2.5ml dilution to 100 units of BoTA. I then inject 40 units on each side, that is 20 units at each point. 
In patients who are symptomatic and have jaw / muscle aches / pain, i will also inject 10 units in 2-3 points in the Temporalis muscles on each side.

Nitai Medical and Cosmetic Centre - Melbourne · Answer

The masseters are a big muscle contributing to a square jaw and bruxism.
Usually I use a 3 point injection to maximise coverage of the muscle.
I usually use 50units. However in patient with bigger muscles  I may need to increase dosage.
Muscle relaxants are effective in facial slimming and bruxism.

Vilma Di Maria, MBBS · Answer

Thankyou for your question. The  problem with just one injection in the masseter is that you are only treating one area . We do suggest scattering the product with 3- 5 points. The original 50 units should have done the job. Hope this helps and good luck!

Horizon Plastic Surgery · Answer

Hello,
it is definitely more beneficial to have about 5 injection points around the masseter muscle as there are multiple fibres that make up the bulk. By spreading the product it allows most, if not all the muscle to relax. 
Regards.
Sophia RN

Would the Botox injection technique affect the results to my masseter?

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Would the Botox injection technique affect the results to my masseter?

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