Would masseter Botox correct the appearance of my bottom heavy face? (photos)

Yes, masseter Botox can help reduce the appearance of a bottom-heavy or square lower face, especially if the bulkiness is due to enlarged masseter muscles — which is often the case in people with TMJ issues, frequent clenching, or a strong bite.

How Masseter Botox Works Aesthetically:
Reduces muscle volume by relaxing the masseter over time.

Can lead to a slimmer, more V-shaped or oval facial contour after repeated treatments.

Results typically begin to show within 2–6 weeks, with full effects around 8–12 weeks.

What It Can and Cannot Do:
✅ Effective if your lower face width is due to muscle mass (which is likely in your case due to TMJ).

✅ Helps soften a strong or boxy jawline without surgery.

❌ Won’t reduce fat in the cheeks or jawline area — if the fullness is from buccal fat or soft tissue, other options may be needed.

❌ Won’t address bone structure — only the muscle layer is affected.

Other Options to Consider (if needed):
Buccal fat removal – for prominent cheek fullness (though this should be approached cautiously, especially at a younger age).

Chin or jaw contouring fillers – can balance proportions if the issue is more structural.

Non-surgical skin tightening – for subtle lifting, though not always necessary at age 20.

Conclusion:
Given your age, TMJ symptoms, and visible jawline definition, masseter Botox is a valid and likely effective option to soften your lower face and create a more tapered appearance — both medically and aesthetically. If the heaviness is mostly muscle-based, you should see noticeable contouring benefits over time.

Botox in the masseters can help reduce the square jaw appearance of the face by relaxing the muscles for 3-4 months. It's important to find an experienced provider because if they accidentally inject into the risorius muscle - you may have a crooked smile for 3-4 months. In addition to the slimming effect - it can also alleviate symptoms of TMJ - clenching, grinding, headaches and jaw pain.

Please see below link to watch our YouTube video showing how it slims the face with Botox

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Masseter Botox can be a great option for addressing the roundness of your face, especially if you're already planning to get it for TMJ issues. By relaxing the masseter muscles, this treatment can help slim the jawline and create a more balanced appearance, reducing the bottom-heavy look you're concerned about. Many people notice a subtle contouring effect after the procedure, as it can reduce the prominence of the cheeks over time. In addition to Botox, maintaining a good skincare routine and considering other treatments like dermal fillers in the upper face or even options like cheekbone contouring could further enhance the overall balance of your features. I hope this helps and best of luck!

It does appear that you will benefit from masseter Botox. In addition to helping with TMJ symptoms the Botox can slim the appearance of the jawline. The treatment is done in the office with results seen within two weeks. The results are temporary and will fade gradually over three to four months.