I want a slimmer face, can I do a masseter reduction without using Botox?

Botox combined with radiofrequency would be the least invasive option for reducing the masseter. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

I would not recommend surgical reduction of the masseter muscle.  Aside from the fact that it would produce a permanent scar on each side of the face, the risk of the surgery would outweigh the potential benefit.  

It is difficult to answer this question without examining you in person.  Some patients are able to achieve a "slimmer" face appearance by removing the fat in their cheek from inside of their mouth.  This procedure is called a buccal fat pad removal.  Its a subtle difference but may be what you are looking for. There are risks associated with this procedure so make sure you ask your provider questions about alternatives, recovery, and potential complications. I would not recommend resection or removal of your masseter muscle. 
Not everyone is a good candidate for buccal fat pad removal so please see a Board Certified or Board Eligible Plastic Surgeon to evaluate if you may benefit. Good luck!

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare professional.  You should always seek the advice of your physician or healthcare professional for any questions you have about your own medical condition. 

Thank you for your question. I would not recommend surgically reducing the size of your masseter muscle. Botox would most likely be the treatment of choice in your case.

Although Botox is quick, easy and effective for masseter reduction, there are some alternative non-invasive or minimally invasive options.  Firstly, some patients will have a slenderized effect, and visual reduction of the masseter, by extending the chin.  Adding a small amount of volume to the chin gives extension and elongation that can be quite nice (especially if striving for a more pointed chin, but that isn't a necessity- very popular trend though

Thanks for posting! I would not recommend any surgical approach as this will leave you with scarring. Neuromodulators like Botox or Dysport are the way to go. Best, Dr. M

I believe that neurotoxins such as Botox and Dysport are the easiest, least invasive, and least costly way to address masseter hypertrophy.

I would not recommend surgery for masseter reduction.  There is not a well-described procedure for this.  The risks greatly outweigh the potential minimal benefits.  I have been treating masseter hypertrophy (both in significantly strong muscle and in those for prevention) for years now and it works great.  I can best help you by making you feel more comfortable with getting Botox.  You should first choose an expertly trained and experience injector for this treatment, as it is off-label and a "more advanced" use of Botox, but can be very safe and effective in the right hands.  In addition, Botox is safe for three reasons: it is the purified protein and not the true toxin of botulinum, it is injected into the muscle and not into the bloodstream, and we use 1/100-1/300 (a tiny amount) compared to what is needed for any negative effect (like botulism takes an equivalent 3000-5000 units, and we typically inject 10-100 units of Botox in one session).  If you choose the right provider you could see an amazing result.  Also remember that it takes multiple sessions to see a great result.  The masseter is a very strong muscle and you are only trying to weaken it (not knock it out!) so you will see a gradual softening and slimming with each treatment so be patient.  Hope this helps!

Hello and Thanks for the Question!
Masseter reduction surgery is not a good option. There are important nerves which are endangered with the surgical approach that can leave you with facial paralysis. Plus the scar is usually unacceptable to most patients. Botox is your safest and best option. 

Good Luck and I hope this helps!
Dr David 

Botox or other botulinum toxins are the best way with the least expense, downtime and possible side effets. Surgery is not recommended