Can Repeated Use of Botox Jaw Reduction Lead to the Sagging of the Masseter Muscles Overtime? (photo)

At Boris Cosmetic we have seen excellent results from Botox for the masseter muscles. Enlarged masseters are often seen in people who grind their teeth, and can cause a square, heavy look to the face. Regular use of Botox can cause the muscles to be smaller and less prominant, which makes the face appear slimmer. It does not cause the skin to sag. The dose must be calculated by your doctor when he or she examines you. 20 units is a reasonable dose to begin with. It takes time for the treatment to show, and must be maintained every 4-6 months to continue working. Good luck.

    Botox can be administered in doses of 25 units to each side.  The masseteric bulk will be reduced over about a year's period.  The skin sagging and jowling is not an effect of masseteric debulking.

Twenty units per side is less than our recommended dose, however you'd need to have a consult and assessment first to determine your goals. It takes regular treatment to those muscles, and we would want to see you after 90 days. No, it won't make your skin stretch out.

The masseter muscle helps close the mouth.  It can be enlarged in patients that grind their teeth or for other reasons.  Large masseters can make a face look overly round or full.  Botox injections can be great option to shrink this muscle and slenderize the face.  Injecting this muscle will not cause sagging of the skin.  I typically inject 25 units of Botox in each muscle although 20 units would be appropiate.  Typical re-injection of the muscle occurs between 4 and 6 months if a patient did not get the reduction they seeked.

 

I hope this helps. 

DOn't confuse sagging of the skin with that of the masseter muscle. Neither will occur in a 20 year old like yourself. Sagging of the skin occurs in older patients (40 plus) due to loss of collagen and elastin in the skin. You will not have that problem for a while. If you desire masster reduction, which will not cause sagging, start with 20 units and you will need several sessions over the course of a year or more to get the desired effect.

Botox can be used to treat large muscles to help slim the face. More commonly requested by women for cosmetic purposes, as compared to men. Some use Botox to help treat headaches or teeth grinding / TMJ. Most patients are younger with good skin. As a result, sagging tissue has not generally been an issue. Lastly, 20 units is a lower dose than most plastic surgeons typically use for jaw reduction. However, it may be sufficient for some patients. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can a specialist help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.