Botox for bulging temporalis muscle or excision of muscle?

Question

Hello I am wondering your thoughts on botox for posterior temporalis muscle, I have a wide forehead which I think is largely caused due to big temporalis muscle which causes my forehead to bow out at the top. the anterior temporalis muscle does not bulge out its more towards the top. I have heard of two procedures for this ,botox and also actual excision of the posterior muscle? Can someone please give their thoughts on this in terms of side effects and risks

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

Botox can be injected directly into the muscle and with time will cause muscle thinning. If this is truly the cause of your forehead widening then Botox injected a couple time a year should yield a good result. I would not recommend muscle excision in this area. It will be no better than Botox with much higher risk of complication

Elham Jafari, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! In theory Botox can reduce the bulk of any muscles it is injected into and the same goes for using Botox to reduce bulkiness of temporalis muscle. However, I also suggest that you do a full-face evaluation with an experienced cosmetic doctor. Sometime the problem with an area might appear to be related to bulging muscle, while the root cause is volume loss in adjacent areas that contributed to that effect. Regardless, I don't recommend any surgical procedure for this. I hope it helps and good luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox in combination with radiofrequency treatments can help improve this. Botox results last 3-4 months. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Botox has been used to help atrophy the undesired enlargement of certain facial muscles including the masseter and temporalis.  This enlargement may be patient genetics but can also be the result of teeth grinding and excessive gum chewing. Botox allows for weakening of the muscle with subsequent atrophy to make a noticeable improvement without the risk of surgery, possible muscle dysfunction, and scarring associated with muscle excision. Be sure to see an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation for an appropriate diagnosis and discussion of treatment plans. Hope this helps.

Roberto E. Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. The function of the temporalis muscle is to help in chewing. Excision of portions of the muscle while cosmetically appealing, may cause some dysfunction. Not only might you have some limitation of chewing, but you may also have a risk of injuring the nerve that controls the muscles of the forehead. You have to make care when performing this type of procedure. With regards to Botox, Botox can be very effective for relaxing  The muscle components that may be in spasm. Make sure that you were seeing an experienced specialist in the face. Thank you

Shalini Gupta, MD · Answer

I would suggest trying Botox to cause atrophy (shrinking) of the temporalis muscle.  This seems like an easier and less invasive way to accomplish your goals.  Sometimes you may require volume in the temples rather than shrinking of the muscle as the temples tend to hollow out with age, so make sure you get evaluated for that too.

Onir Spiegel, DDS, PhD · Answer

Dear RS friend, 
Botox for treatment of the Temporalis muscle works very much like Masseter Botox.   The Botulinum works to relax the muscle and over time reduce the size of the muscle.   We find that we get longer term results injecting these chewing muscles vs. other facial muscles that cause wrinkles around the eyes. Most patients return every 5-6 months for treatment of these muscles and these injections help tremendously not only reduce the size of these muscles resulting in a narrower tapered look,  but also helping reduce TMJ problems and headaches.   Hope this helps! 
Dr. Onir

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

I would not consider surgery for this issue. Botox can do this just fine. 25-50 units on each side is needed about every 6 months. I'm not sure you will correct the issue you are trying to fix but Botox will atrophy these muscles.

Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi.  Botox can cause muscle atrophy and we use it on the jaw line to shrink the Masseter muscle as well as other muscles.  I think IF your diagnosis is correct then Botox injected 3 times a year is a safer approach than muscle excision which can leave a scar and depressions.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Botox injection can be used to reduce masseter and temporalis muscle bulk and in experienced hands is a very effective treatment with minimal risk. While the enlarged temporalis muscle may be just the way your face is structured, it may also be the result of bruxism (teeth grinding).

Botox for bulging temporalis muscle or excision of muscle?

Answers (13)

More Botox Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (13)

More Botox Questions

A Dermatologist has cold sores but treating patients?

3 days post Botox and I've got extreme swelling of eye and brow area. (Photo)

Indentation after filler and Botox in cheek area (Photo)

Dents after Botox from swimming goggles?!

Does steam or sauna affect the lifespan of Botox Dysport Xiomon and Juvederm type products?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS