Can masseter botox fix jaw asymmetry? (Photos)

Question

Hi! I have noticeable jaw asymmetry – one side looks sharper and the other side looks bulkier, even when I’m not clenching. I also sometimes get jaw pain and a clicking sensation. Would asymmetric masseter botox help balance this out?

Ella Fedonenko, MD · Answer

Injecting Botox into the bulkier masseter will help in this situation. I recommend injecting approximately 20-25 units of Botox to correct this kind of jaw asymmetry.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Non-surgical options for cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery continue to improve with time. Botox injections and Volume fillers continue to be at the forefront of cosmetic rejuvenation given their high safety profile and efficacy. Facial fillers are used to volumize areas of premature hollowness or wrinkling, whereas Botox is used to reduce hyperactive facial muscles around the eyes, forehead, and chin.

Understanding the various attributes of each filler and Botox option can be discussed in detail during your consultation in our Beverly Hills or Santa Monica offices. Rest assured that we will provide you with exceptional attention to detail and professionalism. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Athanasios Christopoulos, MD · Answer

"Botox/Dysport can certainly help in your case. This treatment can't do everything and can't correct every type of asymmetry. However, the asymmetry that is due to muscle hypertrophy will be able to be improved, and at the same time, I believe you will get relief from the pain that is bothering you so much. The results usually last from 3 to 9 months and appear about a week after the procedure."

Erik Peterson, MD · Answer

Hi there,
Jaw asymmetry like you’re describing can sometimes be related to an enlarged masseter muscle on one side, especially if you also have a history of clenching, clicking, or jaw discomfort. In these cases, carefully placed Botox into the bulkier side can help slim and balance the jawline over time. The results are not immediate – it usually takes a few weeks to see contouring changes – but it can be a very effective, nonsurgical way to soften asymmetry.
That said, jaw asymmetry can also come from bone structure or other soft tissues, so a proper in-person evaluation is key. A board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has experience with facial balancing can assess whether Botox alone will help, or if other options (like fillers for balance, or even referral to dentistry/orthodontics if there’s TMJ involvement) might also be useful.
Warm regards,Dr. Erik Peterson

Nick Slenkovich, MD · Answer

Hello! I’m Lauren, the aesthetic injector here at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center. Yes, masseter Botox can help improve jaw asymmetry if it's caused by uneven muscle size. If one side of your masseter muscle is bulkier, targeted Botox can relax that side, slimming it down over time for a more balanced look. It may also help with jaw pain and clicking by reducing muscle tension.

Behnoush Zarrini, MD · Answer

Masseter Botox can sometimes improve jawline balance, but with important caveats:
Jaw asymmetry has many causes. Sometimes it’s due to the masseter muscle being larger or more active on one side, but it can also come from differences in bone structure or bite alignment.
Botox only works on muscle. If your asymmetry is primarily muscular (one side of the masseter is bulkier, often from clenching or grinding), then carefully placed Botox on the stronger side can slim it down and create more facial symmetry.
It won’t correct bone differences. If your asymmetry comes mainly from the jawbone itself or from your bite, Botox won’t fix that. It can still improve balance in combination with other treatments.
Many patients also notice reduced jaw pain and clenching after Botox treatments in the masseters, which can be a nice functional benefit.
Next steps:A consultation with an injection expert that understands facial asymmetry is important. They’ll examine whether your difference is muscle-dominant or bone-dominant. Then determine if you’d benefit from Botox alone, or in combination with orthodontics, fillers, or other options.

Mahmood Siddique, DO · Answer

If one side of your jaw looks larger because the masseter muscle is bigger or more active on that side, Botox can relax it and create a slimmer, more balanced appearance over time (usually 2–3 months for full results).
However, if the asymmetry comes from bone structure rather than muscle, Botox alone won’t correct it. A consultation with an injector experienced in facial balancing is the best way to tell what’s causing the asymmetry&mdash;and whether Botox, filler, or other treatments might help.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

i there! Thank you for sharing your concerns. Masseter Botox can sometimes help improve jaw asymmetry if the asymmetry is due to muscle hypertrophy (one side of the masseter being bulkier than the other). By selectively relaxing the larger muscle, the face can appear more balanced over time.

However, if the asymmetry is due to bone structure, dental alignment, or joint-related issues (such as TMJ dysfunction, which might explain your jaw pain and clicking), Botox alone may not fully correct the imbalance. In such cases, additional evaluation and other treatment options may be needed.

That said, Botox can often provide both cosmetic improvement and relief from muscle-related pain or clenching, especially if one side is more overactive.

Glenn Murray, MBBS · Answer

Hi,

Thank you for your question.

Yes due to hypertrophic masseter muscles, this can cause bulkiness to the lower face and jawline. 
Botox/Dysport can assist with slimming and contouring the face by reducing the size of the muscle.
You can expect a sharper, more V like shape in 4-6 weeks time post procedure.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox can help improve jaw asymmetry if the differences are due to hypertrophic muscles.  Other possible reasons such as skeletal differences would not be impacted by Botox.  See an expert injector near you for an evaluation and to learn more.

Can masseter botox fix jaw asymmetry? (Photos)

Answers (12)

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