2 weeks post op Botox to masseter muscles, it has caused the formation of a bulge. Is this normal?

Question

I got botox injected to my masseter muscles about two weeks ago, in efforts of creating a slimmer face. However now, when I bite down, there is a bulging muscle on each side of my jaw that wasn't there before. I have had no pain or bruising from the treatment and am confused as to what this is. I believe I first noticed it about 3 days after I received the injections. Thanks for any help!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Allow 2 weeks for the Botox to settle. Speak with your injecting physician to discuss your results. You may possibly require more Botox to the masseter muscle. Best,

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

The most likely scenario is that your masseter muscle has not been fully relaxed.  Some additional doses of Botox may be needed to fully treat the muscle so that it is soft and fully relaxed.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi CF.  It's difficult to say without a before and after picture, but one possibility is that if part of the muscle was relaxed and part was not, you may be noticing the part that was not relaxed.  Injection technique is important when treating this area, so consider a second opinion if you did not achieve the desired outcome.  For an example of Los Angeles before and after pictures for masseter reduction, check the link below.

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

This could happen if the muscle wasn't treated in several locations on each side, especially if the Botox was very concentrated.  I usually inject in three areas where the masseter is more pronounced, in a triangular configuration.  Diluting it can help also.  All the best to you! Dr. Clark

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

What is probably happening is that the remaining muscle that wasn't treated is noticeable. It needs to be uniformly treated. Get some future injections and I bet it gets better. Steven Weiner, MD, Facial Plastic Surgeon, Destin, Fl.

2 weeks post op Botox to masseter muscles, it has caused the formation of a bulge. Is this normal?

Answers (7)

Answer: Bulging muscle after #Botox to masseters

Answer: Bulging muscle after #Botox to masseters

Answer: Muscle bulging after masseter injection is because it was incompletely treated

Answer: Muscle bulging after masseter injection is because it was incompletely treated

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Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

2 weeks post op Botox to masseter muscles, it has caused the formation of a bulge. Is this normal?

Answers (7)

Answer: Bulging muscle after #Botox to masseters

Answer: Bulging muscle after #Botox to masseters

Answer: Muscle bulging after masseter injection is because it was incompletely treated

Answer: Muscle bulging after masseter injection is because it was incompletely treated

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.