Botox in the Masseter Muscle? Plus I've been told I have high cheekbones? (photos)

Thank you for your question. Botox in the masseter region usually takes longer than in the standard areas to take effect. I tend to use anywhere from 15 units (conservative treatment) to 50 units (for someone with really strong masseters) on each side to get the desired result. It may start within the first week but I tell my patients to wait three weeks before doing a more thorough evaluation. The treatment typically lasts longer than the forehead/crows feet/frown regions. It is also a gradual onset of the return of masseter function. I have tried the masseter injections myself and space the treatments around 4 months apart, but use smaller doses to maintain the effect. I normally know the effects are wearing down when I start to clench my teeth more heavily at night when asleep. Once you stop using Botox, the masseter muscles will return to their original baseline when the effects of Botox wears off completely.

Botox for masseter reduction will certainly reduce the fullness along the angles of your mandible - where the masseter muscle attaches to your jaw.  A typical starting dose for Botox is 25 units on each side.  The most significant slimming effect will be experienced in the first month, and will continue for 3-4 months while the Botox is active.  In addition to Botox, you may benefit from buccal fat removal, which would reduce the fullness of your cheeks and help to create more definition for your cheekbones.  

I think fillers are great for you and botox would be successful.  It would be best to see a facial contouring expert to come up with a short and long term plan of treatments that will be both antiaging and give you immediate results.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Botox to the masseter muscles can be an effective way of slimming the jawline in some patients. The results are best in thin patients with Good skin elasticity and little fat in the face.  You need an in person evaluation to determine your candidacy for the procedure. However, based on your photo my concern would be that injection at the masseter muscle will not accomplish your goal of creating a more narrow jaw line. It may actually accentuate your jowl region if you do not have great elasticity to your skin. 

Congrats on your weight loss.  Many patients enjoy botox injections into the masseter to help wtih jaw pain, TMJ, etc. It can slim the face but there are other options you may like better. I encourage you to meet with an expereinced cosmetic surgeon who understands your needs. Stay skintastic. 

Repeated Botox injections in the masseter muscles will reduce the bulk of the muscle. I find this most helpful for those who cause the muscles to enlarge as they clench and/or grind their teeth, especially while sleeping.When your skin is tight and elastic, the reduction in the muscle bulk of the masseter muslces with Botox can help shape the face. However, if the skin is lax, reducing the volume of the masseter muscles may add to the jowl along the jawline.