Botox for TMJ and slimming for past 2 years/3 times a year. Do I have to continue injecting Botox?

Question

Do I have to continue injecting Botox to my Jaw for the rest of my life? I’m wondering if I can stop??? “After 2-3 treatments with Botox, the masseter muscle often begins to atrophy or shrink and…. Therefore, further treatment with Botox may not be required.” AND “Botox injections should be repeated every 3 to 4 months for up to a year in order to obtain optimal results. Jawline reduction is often maintained even if no further Botox injections are done after the first year of treatment.”

Alexander Rivkin, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. Botox injection in the masster muscles to reduce grinding and clenching is a great procedure. It is the only way to really stop the clenching and grinding and it atrophies the muscles, softening the contours of your face. In my practice, patients get 3 - 4 treatments, separated by about 3 to 4 months and that is often enough to kill the habit for a long time. When the muscle no longer gives feedback to the brain because it has been chemically weakened by Botox, the brain stops telling the muscle to clench whenever you experience stress. So, I would suggest doing a few sessions and then stopping to see if you need it any more. Hope that helps.

David Yew, MD · Answer

As with all botox injections - the results last 3-4 months and are temporary.  If you are using it for TMJ pain or headaches - then the discomfort will eventually return after the botox wears off.   If you are using if for jaw slimming - then eventually the masseters will increase in size and the jaw will start to look wider again.   It all depends on when the appearance bothers you.   Think of it as similar to coloring your hair for white hair.   The effect is temporary and you do it again when it bothers you.

John Tang, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.  Ultimately it depends on the patient.  Most patients will need to do Botox every 3-9 months to maintain the jawslimming effects.  However, it is possible that there may be a longer effect of the Botox.  The way you determine that is you wait.  If after a certain period of time you feel the effects wearing off then you repeat the Botox.  This can repeated again and again.

Alexander Sobel, DO · Answer

Over time, the masseter muscle, responsible for the width at the angle of the mandible (jaw), will increase in size again. However, the TMJ relief may continue long after treatments cease. It is best to discuss your treatment plan with your Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon, Orthodontist, Dentist or other TMJ dysfunction expert.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

It all depends on you. Every patient is different. If you stop the Botox treatment and you start grinding again, then the muscle will start enlarging. If you don't start grinding again then you will not need the Botox.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question – and the answer really depends on you.  If you are satisfied with your treatments, you can surely stop them and see what happens.  If the situation remains good, you are good to go.  If you find things reverting back, than more Botox will be needed.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

You can most certainly stop using Botox and observe how your body reacts and heals. should the discomfort return simply return for your Botox treatment. if on the other hand you do well, enjoy and good luck from New York City

P. Alexander Ataii, MD- Account Suspended · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You can always stop Botox if the symptoms no longer bother you. Typically, most patients require Botox maintenance every 3-4 months. However, this is only a guide. Whether to inject Botox for TMJ again or not is entirely based on how you feel. Best of luck to you.

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi Latinchick213,Sometimes what we read is only a guide - but whether to continue injecting Botox or not for your TMJ and masseters ultimately depend on how you look and feel.You can always stop Botox if you have achieved your clinical and aesthetic goals. You can always resume injections when symptoms bother you again.All the best, Justin Harper, M.D.

Botox for TMJ and slimming for past 2 years/3 times a year. Do I have to continue injecting Botox?

Answers (9)

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