Am I a candidate for masseter Botox?

Question

My left cheek bone especially when I lose weight becomes visibly more sharp than the right I’ve always grinded my teeth and now have a night guard and stopped chewing gum to prevent this asymmetrical look of a chiseled cheek on one side and round on the other. Would masseter Botox make my cheekbones pop even more? I want to look better not worse I don’t have severe jaw pain but I definitely chewed hard gum & ground for years. I definitely will get this if it will enhance my looks.

David Yew, MD · Answer

Botox is very useful to help with symptoms of TMJ (grinding teeth and clenching)   Everyone has normal asymmetry and that can not be changed.  Similar to our body - one side is stronger and the other is weaker.   Same with our masseters and face.   Beware the trap of trying to make things symmetrical.  The best injectors understand this is normal   If you chase symmetry - it will be expensive and not worth it.   Please see the attached link about the truth of asymmetry and botox for TMJ

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

Masseter Botox, involves injecting Botox into the masseter muscles, which are responsible for chewing. Here are some effects it can have on the jawline:
Jawline Slimming: Botox can reduce the size of the masseter muscles, leading to a slimmer and more contoured jawline. This is especially beneficial for you with a square or heavy jawline.
Reduction of Teeth Grinding: Since you grind your teeth (bruxism), masseter Botox can help relax the muscles, reducing grinding and the associated jaw pain.
Pain Relief: By relaxing the masseter muscles, Botox can alleviate tension and pain in the jaw, often caused by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
Facial Symmetry: It can improve you facial symmetry since one side of the masseter muscle is more prominent than the other.
The effects typically last between 3 to 6 months, after which the treatment can be repeated. Side effects are generally minimal but can include bruising, temporary asymmetry, or difficulty chewing if the dosage is too high. Find an expert.
Jeff Rapaport MD FAAD 
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Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Deciding whether you are a candidate for masseter Botox involves several factors, and it is important to consult with a qualified medical professional who can assess your specific situation in detail. However, I can provide some general information that may help you understand how masseter Botox works and its potential effects.

What is Masseter Botox?
Botox injections into the masseter muscles (the muscles used for chewing) can reduce the size of these muscles over time. This procedure is often used for both functional and aesthetic reasons, such as:
- Reducing teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Alleviating jaw pain or tension
- Slimming the appearance of the lower face

How It May Affect Your Appearance
1. **Symmetry**: If one side of your masseter muscle is more developed than the other, Botox can help reduce the size of the larger muscle, potentially leading to a more symmetrical appearance.
   
2. **Cheekbone Definition**: By reducing the size of the masseter muscles, Botox can create a slimmer jawline, which may enhance the prominence of your cheekbones. However, this effect can vary from person to person.

3. **Overall Facial Shape**: Botox in the masseter muscles will primarily affect the lower face. If your goal is to make your cheekbones more prominent, you might need to consider other treatments that target the midface area.

Considerations
- **Consultation**: A thorough consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon is crucial. They can assess your facial structure, muscle development, and overall aesthetic goals.
- **Realistic Expectations**: It's important to have realistic expectations. Botox can take several weeks to show its full effect, and the results are temporary, usually lasting 3-6 months.
- **Side Effects**: As with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects, including bruising, swelling, and asymmetry if the injections are not done correctly.
- **Alternative Treatments**: Depending on your specific needs, other treatments like fillers, cheek implants, or even surgical options might be more suitable for enhancing cheekbone definition.

Next Steps
1. **Schedule a Consultation**: Meet with a qualified medical professional who specializes in facial aesthetics.
2. **Discuss Your Goals**: Clearly communicate your aesthetic goals and concerns.
3. **Get a Customized Plan**: Your provider can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, which may include Botox or other procedures.

Masseter Botox could potentially help with facial asymmetry and enhance your cheekbone definition by slimming the lower face. However, it's essential to get a professional evaluation to ensure that this treatment aligns with your aesthetic goals and to understand all possible outcomes and alternatives.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Botox will not necessarily change your appearance, but it will definitely stop your tooth grinding during the day or night. In many cases the side treated with Botox will look somewhat narrower. I hope this helps and good luck from Leonard Grossman M.D. organic Plastic Surgery.

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