Would Botox in the masseter muscle help with my facial asymmetry? (Photo)

Question

I grind my teeth at night and clench my teeth, even when awake. I do wear a night guard every night because the grinding has caused my teeth to become so sensitive. My right side of the face is bigger than the left. I guess it's because of the grinding/clenching? Would Botox in the right masseter muscle help with this?

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello jheri,Thanks for your question.Bruxism is a big problem for many people.  It can cause serious dental problems over time.Botox can be used to weaken the masseter muscle and narrow the muscle a bit.  Botox can be used asymmetrically to improve the balance in the jawline by reducing the projection of the bigger side.FYI, it looks as if you also have a prominent buccal fat pad which may be increasing the bulk on the left side of the picture you posted.  Buccal fat pad excision procedures can help streamline your lower face a little bit more if this is important to you.I hope this helps.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Botox injections can help to reduce the size of the masseter muscle in the right candidate. It can weaken the muscle that causes the grinding that physically limits the amount of force used when they are grinding.  This treatment can significantly improve the headaches, pain, and damage to teeth caused by bruxism.  I recommend visiting a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for a consultation to see if Botox is an appropriate treatment for you.

Theda C. Kontis, MD · Answer

Before you do anything, please see a facial plastic surgeon who can examine you to make sure you don't have a mass or vascular abnormality causing this asymmetric enlargement.That said, Botox is fantastic at reducing the size of hypertrophic masseter muscles. Large masseters are also common in the Asian population, so clenching could have increased the size of an already enlarged muscle. After injection, it may take 6 weeks to see the full effect however, the results may last 6-12 months!.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You have buccal fat that should be addressed but yes botox can help slim the jawline if you are a candidate. Best, Dr. Emer.

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Botox can be a great option for reducing masseter muscle hypertrophy and in patients that grind their teeth.  Keep in mind that results from this procedure take time due to the decreased tone of the muscle.   Best results are several months after the procedure and after multiple treatments.  Make sure to have a consultation with an expert in facial injectables to accurately diagnose your asymmetry.

Manjula Jegasothy, MD · Answer

Botox Cosmetic® injections into the masseter, in uneven doses per side may indeed help a teeth-clenching-related facial asymmetry. As this is an advanced injecting technique, please consult a board certified aesthetic dermatologist for a consultation. For some great pictures, please follow Dr. Jegasothy on her Pinterest, search " Miami Skin Institute" or see the " Expert Insights" page on her website at miamiskininstitute.

Jesse E. Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for including pictures.  Masseter asymmetry is a bit odd, even for a person who grinds.  It is likely a great idea to see your oral surgeon or a ENT surgeon to ensure there are no masses or lesions causing this.  If the cause is truly masseter related, then Botox can be very helpful for masseteric hypertrophy.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear jherl:
Thanks
for sharing your photos!
Yes,
properly injected Botox can make a difference but there maybe much more
involved particularly with a history of grinding and TMJ. 
Proper
evaluation is required to make sure there are not other concerns such as
intra-oral issues, parotid concerns, boney asymmetries, soft-tissue and skin
issues.  Please consult with a skilled and experienced, Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon or Oral Surgeon (with Botox expertise).
Good luck
with this!

Cain R. Linville, MD, FACS · Answer

Botox or Dysport in the masseter muscle can work well for people who clench or grind and have masseter hypertrophy as a result. After the muscle thins out helps with the facial profile and also can help with the grinding and TMJ. It takes about 20 units per side at least to start off and may take a little tinkering to get it right. But I've seen it work wonders for this

Pedram Imani, FRACS, MS, MBBS (Hons) · Answer

Yes Botox will definitely help with reducing the size of the masseter muscle causing side jaw enlargement. Botox will also help with reducing the bruxism (grinding). You will also need a through exam and assessment by your surgeon and you you also need a dental assessment. Hope this is helpful.

Would Botox in the masseter muscle help with my facial asymmetry? (Photo)

Answers (13)

More Botox Questions

Botox in the neck. Would it have an effect on my thyroid activity?

Beta blockers and botox. Can I continue to take propranolol with Botox and dermal filler injections?

Can botox in the armpit really eliminate odor?

My face looks older and more droopy after fillers and botox treatment that was received two weeks ago. (photos)

How soon can I get a Botox after laser Genesis treatment?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS