Will Botox for TMJ change my face a lot if I just get it here and there to ease the tension?

Question

I have a couple of questions regarding Botox for TMJ: what is the best type of practitioner to see for this treatment? A dentist or a cosmetic dermatologist/surgeon? And if a plastic surgeon or derm what kind of speciality should I look for? Also, some of the before and after photos are extreme and I am interested in it more for physical reasons. Will it change my face a lot if I just get it here and there to ease the tension? In the Boston area. Thank you!

Timothy Osborn, MD · Answer

Just like any procedure, the best person to do it is not so much a particular specialty, but someone who treats your condition that you trust. A CMF surgeon who does both aesthetic surgery as well as treats TMJ will be the best. You would be able to express the type of look you want (or want to avoid) and discuss how your symptoms are relative. It is very common to get treated by an aesthetic person who will treat you to remove wrinkles but not your pain/muscle spasm; or be treated by a pain specialist who will improve the pain but at the expense of aesthetics. Someone well-versed in both will be able to help balance pain relief with the aesthetic outcomes as well, allowing you to choose. If you have never had botox before, there is no harm in starting with a lower dose to preserve some function aesthetically and see how your symptoms are...easy to add botox, impossible to take away.

Michael R. Macdonald, MD · Answer

Botox is very effective in relaxing the muscles that cause TMJ(jaw pain).  The effect is temporary(3 to 6 months), so you would need to have the treatment repeated a few times a year. A Facial Plastic Surgeon is a good choice since the face is the focus of the practice, but there are other providers that can do this procedure well.  Just call the office to see if this is a question the front desk person can readily answer. The treatment can slim the face slightly, but it is very subtle and should not change your face a lot.  Good luck and be well!Michael R. Macdonald, MD, FACS, FRCSC

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Very good questions. I would recommend seeing a board-certified dermatologist for this procedure, since this doctor will have the expertise in facial anatomy necessary to produce an optimal outcome for you. In my practice, we treat patients for both cosmetic and medical reasons, and we have numerous before and after photos to give you an accurate idea of what you can expect after your own procedure. In general, Botox injections to the masseter muscle produce subtle slimming of the jawline, but the results should not be drastic.Keep in mind that Botox is a temporary medication and effects will wear off in 3-6 months. You will need to stick to a regular treatment schedule to maintain your positive results.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Best to see a plastic surgeon as they are specialists with facial anatomy and can tailor treatments towards improving your tension, while limiting the degree of muscle atrophy.  Hope this helps.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

You can't go wrong with a facial plastic surgeon or experienced dentist who does botulinum injections. At our office Dr. Onir Spiegel is a RealSelf award winning injector (and also has a dental degree).  She'd be a great choice for you.

Mitesh Kapadia, MD, PhD · Answer

This is a great treatment which can help patients slim their face and grind their teeth less. The most important thing to consider when choosing a practioner is experience with this particular procedure. I perform this treatment regularly and would be happy to see you in consultation.

Wm. Randall Cone, Jr., DMD · Answer

If you are seeking Botox to treat TMJ related symptoms you should absolutely see an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon.   Maxillofacial surgeons have extensive training and the best understanding in treating disorders related to the TMJ.   In my practice I have injected tens of thousands of units of Botox for effective treatment of temporomandibular disorders. Botox therapy for these TMJ symptoms will not change your face.  OMS surgeons also have excellent training in addressing all types of facial cosmetic concerns.

Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery - Jacksonville · Answer

Botox works by relaxing muscles so that they cannot make a strong contraction.  This makes it an excellent choice for treating TMJ. It is a fairly straightforward procedure as the masseter muscle can be easily palpated to find the exact injection area.  I would suggest that any practitioner who is familiar with Botox and has had experience in using Botox to treat TMJ would be able to successfully treat TMJ.  As you mentioned, these injections will likely will cause a slight atrophy of the masseter muscles causing the lower face to have a thinner appearance.  If you feel that the change in your facial appearance is unacceptable, then know that as the Botox wears off and the muscle regains strength, your facial shape will return to where it was prior to the injections.

Mehdi Sina, MD · Answer

Hi,In my practice, I do not guarantee any improvement in TMJ symptoms when I inject the masseters. Neuromodulators such as botox and dysport are very effective at decreasing the bulk of the masseter muscle thus slimming the lower face but they may have no impact on TMJ pain. TMJ is actually joint inflammation and can be caused by many factors, some of which will not change with decreased exertion of the masseter muscle. In short, for TMJ you need to see a TMJ specialist (usually oral surgeons). Best,

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Botox treatment when performed by an experienced physician will produce wonderful results in relieving tension, headaches and tooth grinding in patients suffering from TMJ. In my opinion the best bet for getting the right treatment would be to see either a plastic surgeon or a head neck surgeon for a such a treatment as their knowledge of facial anatomy is probably second to none. The only not always desirable outcome of such treatment may be facial slimming which is not appropriate for all the patients. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City plastic surgery

Will Botox for TMJ change my face a lot if I just get it here and there to ease the tension?

Answers (11)

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