Can botox in masseter muscle cause Marionette Lines?

Prettyballerina
3 years ago

Hello, i (38) had botox in my jawline 2 Month ago to slime my jaw which worked well. Since two weeks i see slight Marionette Lines appear which waere not there before. Could the botox the reason? If yes, will they dissapear as soon as the botox disappears? Thanks!

Doctor Answers 3

December 5th, 2013

Marionette Lines post Masseter injection

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear that you noticed marionette lines develop post masseter injection. Yes, this can happen if you had significant reduction in the jaw with Botox. The musculature that was supporting the skin is now smaller, therefore there is increased skin bunching that can occur around the marrionettes/jowl.

Since we don't have a photo or injection location information it will be hard to say for sure. If it was caused by Botox then it is sure to subside once the medication wears off.

Learn more: http://www.dwkimmd.com

David W. Kim, MD
Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 39 reviews
drkimfacialplastics.com

December 3rd, 2013

Botox in Masseter muscle causing marionette lines

Since there are no pictures posted, it is difficult to respond specifically to your question. However, any time there is a decrease in subcutaneous volume, the skin will sag and possible creating folds at attachment junctions such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines. This is seen when we lose midface fat volume. In your case, its possible (although unlikely) that the atrophy of the masseter muscle after Botox injection (unlikely after one injection 2 months ago) created sufficient decrease in facial volume that the skin envelope excess created a temporary fold at the cheek-chin junction. If that is the case, then I expect a return to pre-treatment state in 3-6 months when the Botox is completely worn off.

December 3rd, 2013