Should I shave my beard before getting masseter botox done?

Question

Hello, I have a pretty short beard, like 3 milimeters in length. I never shave it completely so I was wondering if I should shave it before getting this kind of botox (masseter). Thanks a lot.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Your beard is short and shouldn’t interfere with Botox injections. However, you should verify this with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon, as everyone has a slightly different way of working. I hope this helps.

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Your beard is short enough that it wouldn’t interfere with being able to palpate the muscle in order to locate the proper place for a Botox injection. Longer beards might need to be trimmed or shaven. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist who is an expert in slimming down the masseters with Botox.

Frank P. Albino, MD · Answer

It is not necessary to shave before Botox treatment, even in this region it is not needed. Your plastic surgeon will identify the muscle by feel prior to injection so the beard will not interfere. Not everyone is a good candidate for this treatment 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.

Kirk Moore, MD · Answer

There is absolutely no need to shave your beard before a Botox injection. It is 2 injections/side, with a sterile needle, clean the skin as best as possible, and it won't be an issue. Best.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear wr0953,every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Justin C. Cohen, MD, FACS · Answer

If you feel very strongly about keeping the beard then it would probably be fine, as long as it is very short. However, it's always easier to thoroughly clean smooth skin prior to injections. This would maximally decrease the already very low risk of infection. Good luck!

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

If you have a short beard, I would not find it necessary to shave your beard prior to having Botox injected into your masseter muscles.  However, the physician treating you may feel differently, so I would check with them before your appointment.

Kory Kitagawa, MD · Answer

A long beard might interfere with delivering Botox precisely, but a short beard will not. You shouldn’t have to shave before your procedure. A board-certified dermatologist will be able to relax your masseters with Botox; be sure they have some expertise in this area.

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the detailed question. For a short beard you do not need to shave before hand. If you have a palpable muscle even under the beard you probably would be a good candidate for masseter muscle botox, but seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon in-person to determine if this is the right treatment for you would be best. For more information please visit our webpage.

Steven Swengel, MD · Answer

Hello thank you for your question. You do not need to shave your beard to have Botox injections to the masseter. The area should be prepared and cleansed/alcohol wiped before the injections. You'll love the results. Hope this helps, Dr. S.

Should I shave my beard before getting masseter botox done?

Answers (17)

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