Is Botox in the jaw muscle a good alternative to surgery?

Question

My jaw muscle has gotten bigger over time, partly because of teeth grinding. I have looked into a couple of cosmetic surgeons, both of them said they would not know the exact placement of the Botox injection. I live in Columbus, GA and would like to find a doctor that does this.

Kenneth Yu, MD · Answer

Hello.  Botox is a nice treatment to slim the jaw if you have prominent masseters.  In fact, this is commonly done for Asians.  The average dose needed is 25-30 units per side.  I like Botox vs. surgery since Botox is super safe, where as jaw surgery is very aggressive, involves bony work and can lead to worse problems.  The only advantage of surgery is more significant changes and permanency.  But I believe it's better to use a safe in office procedure for this problem.  Take care.

Alexander Rivkin, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. Botox does a great job at reducing the masseter muscles and breaking the habit of teeth grinding. We do this procedure in my office every day and our patients are very happy with the results. It takes 2 to 4 sessions of Botox to break the habit and many people will not need more injections after that. The Botox should be distributed throughout the muscle in small injections and the amount used will depend on the size of your muscles. Call the experienced injectors in your area. Ask them how frequently they do this procedure and ask to see their before and after pictures. Board certification does not matter. Experience does.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  I do perform this type of Botox treatment routinely in patients that have both muscle hypertrophy (enlargement) or teeth grinding issues.  Treatment can help slim the masseter muscle while at times breaking the reflex of teeth grinding, especially if the temple muscles are also treated.  Be sure to see a specialist in consultation to discuss.

David W. Kim, MD · Answer

Hi dtracy,Botox is a great option for reducing the size and strength of the jaw muscles (masseters). You may also find that your teeth grinding improves as a result of the Botox. In our office we do this treatment quite a bit and generally see results about 6 weeks after treatment. Typically, results last approximately 6 months and sometimes even longer. I definitely recommend an experienced injector. Best of luck to you in your search!

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank your for your question!  Botox works very well to reduce the masseter muscles.  I would recommend a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in this type of procedure.  Typically, this will take a series of more than one treatment.   I have seen significant reduction in TMJ symptoms as well as reduction in  migraine headaches. The neurotoxin placed in these muscles does tend to last longer than the other cosmetic areas.  Our patients are very satisfied with the results of the neurotoxin helps sculpt the jawline.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Botox for the masseter muscle is a nonsurgical procedure that works. You might need a couple treatments dependent on the dose to see the results you desire. The results last longer than usual botox for the forehead or frown, especially with maintenance.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox in combination with radiofrequency treatments can give improvement. Don't let distance dissuade you, see an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jennifer Guthrie, MD · Answer

It sounds like you are reffering to treatment of "TMJ" via Botox. This is very effective and simple to perform. The Botox is injected into the masseter muscle for TMJ treatments. It takes 20-40 units per side @ 1-1 concentration. This also happens to be part of the migraine treatment procedure. If you find an MD that treats migraines with botox or xeomin they can do the masseter only for you. Hope this helps. I believe you could benefit from this treatment and have this done as a house call in the comfort of your own home. Services like this are also provided at the Breakers Hotel in Florida if you are looking for a provider. Good luck!

Richard Wellington Swift, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your interesting question. Botox for jaw muscles or Masseter muscle hypertrophy is an excellent option. It is a 5 minute procedure comfortably performed sitting in the doctors's chair. The Botox takes effect in the first 2 weeks. When you chew or bite down, you can feel your master muscles bulge on the sides of your face.. This is where the Botox should be injected. These injections will reduce the size of the masseter muscles and change a more square or masculine jaw to a more triangular feminine jawline. I recommend that you have a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has injected the master muscles many times. Best wishes, Richard Swift, M.D.

Jessica H. Kim, MD, FAAD · Answer

Botox is very effective for treatment of thickened jaws.  Initially, you may need a few treatment sessions to see the desired results but once active, results can be long-lasting - up to 6 months.  I prefer this treatment to actual surgery  because your facial features will change with time as well as your personal preferences.  Surgical results are permanent and you can't reverse.  Consult with a board-certified and experienced dermatologist.

Is Botox in the jaw muscle a good alternative to surgery?

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