Is everyone eligible for masseter reduction via Botox? And is it dangerous?

Question

Recently I've found out about botox being used to reduce the jaw. I have a very round face, and my jaw looks even square-ish from downwards angles. The first question I'd like to ask is: is everyone eligible for it? Does it slim down the face only on people with square jaws or will it work on round faces as well? While asking around I also discovered that local doctors insist that nobody should do it, because it's "dangerous". So is it really risky and how? What can I expect from this treatment?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest posting photos, not everyone is a candidate although the majority of the time if you are not a candidate and botox is injected nothing bad realy occurs unless the botox goes to the wrong muscle. I suggest seeing an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the detailed question. Patients who are good candidates for Botox to the masseter are patients with strong jaw lines caused by a strong, hypertrophic masseter muscle. If you do not have a hypertrophic masseter muscle, then injecting Botox there will not do much to change the shape of your jaw line. I recommend seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon or expert injector in-person so they may evaluate your muscle in-action and decide what would be the best treatment plan to address your concerns. At our practice, we also provide consults via FaceTime or Skype for patients who live outside of NY. For more information, please visit our webpage.

Mehdi Sina, MD · Answer

Hi,When the masseter muscle is large, it can add extra fullness to the lower third of the face. The muscle mass can be reduced with botox/dysport and that will slim the jawline. A careful exam of the muscle is necessary to determine of you would get a benefit from this treatment. When performed by an expert the risk of any unwanted effects are very low.Best,Mehdi Sina, MD

Eric YK Li, MD · Answer

In patients who have a square-shaped face, different factors may contribute to increased lower facial width, including the shape of the jaw (mandible), the size of the muscle (masseter), and the volume of the soft tissues (parotid gland and fat).  An in-person assessment is required to evaluate which treatment option(s) are available in your particular case as well as what would be a reasonable outcome to expect.  Done properly by a trained physician knowlegeable in facial anatomy, Botox injected into the masseter is safe.  As always, seek proper consultation before treatment and best of luck!

Marina Plastic Surgery of Los Angeles · Answer

HI and thank you for your question! 
As stated, first step it getting evaluated by an experienced injector to determine if you are a good candidate and if this will help achieve the results you're looking for. 
We do a lot of Botox or Dysport to the jawline for facial slimming and it also helps with teeth/jaw grinding if that's is an issue. We have not seen any negative reactions to this area being injected, however, in the wrong hands anything can happen. Definitely recommended to go to a reputable office and injector. 
Best of luck, 
Jennifer Tinelli, NP-C

Is everyone eligible for masseter reduction via Botox? And is it dangerous?

Answers (9)

Answer: Is everyone a candidate for masseter reduction?

Answer: Is everyone a candidate for masseter reduction?

Answer: Botox or Dysport to Masseter

Answer: Botox or Dysport to Masseter

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Is everyone eligible for masseter reduction via Botox? And is it dangerous?

Answers (9)

Answer: Is everyone a candidate for masseter reduction?

Answer: Is everyone a candidate for masseter reduction?

Answer: Botox or Dysport to Masseter

Answer: Botox or Dysport to Masseter

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.