Botox to balance asymmetry in jaw/masseter caused by previously broken mandible/malocclusion? (photo)

Question

My jaw was broken 5+ years ago and since then my occlusion has never been the same. Ive been noticing heavy wear from my teeth over the past year and I believe asymmetry in my masseter due to my offbite. I know it would be ideal to fix the real cause of asymmetry with orthognathic surgery but i can't afford it at the time. I kind of want a quick fix for the time being and wondering if botox is even worth it in my situation.

Alexander Rivkin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photo.   It appears that you have masseteric hypertrophy (enlargement of the masseter – muscle of the jaw), more prominently on your left side.  Commonly, an unaligned bite can cause the over-contraction and spasm of the masseter muscle(s) and makes patients prone to clinching and grinding.  This often results in severe headache, jaw, or ear pain, and facial muscle widening.   Botox to the masseters is a common treatment that I perform to help patients with temporalmandibular joint (TMJ) pain relief and masseter reduction.  I typically recommend 20-24 botox units per side every 3-4 months for a year to help reduce the size of the masseter and subsequently break the cycle of clinching and grinding.  At times, patients require continued treatments beyond the 1-year mark for continued symptom relief.  Because your left masseter is more prominent, you may find that you require a smaller dose (12-18 botox units) on the right side.

Randy Wong, MD · Answer

Botox is effective for thinning contours of masseter hypertrophy and can be therapeutic for many "bite" issues such as TMJ pain and nocturnal grinding.  The effect is temporary, but may last as long as 6 months or more after injection in some cases.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox in combination with radiofrequency can be used to slim the masseter and improve symmetry. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes. Botox in the masseter muscle with improve asymmetry and help to stop the grinding. Could be a less expensive "quick" fix for now. Keep in mind, however, that it only lasts about 4-6 months. Best of luck.

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

From the photos it appears that Botox into the left masseter will help even the appearance of your face. Be sure to see a board certified dermatologist who is experienced in its use

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

the amount of asymmetry that you have in the face is kind of normal for all individuals. If it does bother you so much, you can have botox administered to the left masseter to create some reduction in projection. Good luck from New York City

Botox to balance asymmetry in jaw/masseter caused by previously broken mandible/malocclusion? (photo)

Answers (6)

More Botox Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (6)

More Botox Questions

Safe to use Zithroxyn antibiotics 9 days after my Botox treatment for 5 days while waiting for my next appointment?

Is it normal after botox to lisp and not be able to smile? (photos)

My eyes look weird after 15 days after Botox, is there anything I can do? (photos)

How long does Botox take to soften?

What are the pro and cons of botox?

Should I have 40 units of Botox every 6 months or 20 units every 3 months?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS