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.”

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 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.

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.

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

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Botox in the TMJ

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Answer: Masseter Botox repeat treatments required?

Answer: Masseter Botox repeat treatments required?

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