Does masseter Botox have permanent effects?

The effects of Botox are temporary, generally lasting three to four months. The dose that you received is within a normal dosing range. Once the Botox is gone your muscle will slowly return to their pre treatment state. To understand the changes you experienced it's important to understand how neuromodulators like Botox work. I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

Hello, and thank you for your question. Masseter Botox is commonly used to slim the jawline by reducing the size of the masseter muscles, but its effects are generally temporary, lasting about 3 to 6 months. However, some factors can influence the duration and extent of the effects:

Dosage and Muscle Size: The amount of Botox you received (35 units in total) can significantly impact the results, especially if your masseters were not very strong to begin with. Over time, repeated treatments can lead to muscle atrophy, which may result in a longer-lasting effect.

Individual Variation: Each person’s response to Botox can vary. Some individuals may experience prolonged effects due to differences in muscle activity, metabolism, and other physiological factors.

Muscle Activity: Even though you have been chewing daily, it might take more time for the muscle to regain its previous size and strength, especially if the initial Botox treatment caused significant atrophy.

Given that it has been 8 months without noticeable improvement, it might be beneficial to consult with your treating physician or a board-certified dermatologist. They can assess your current condition and provide personalized advice on potential next steps, which might include allowing more time for natural muscle recovery or exploring other treatments to restore facial volume.

Warm regards,

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 typically provides temporary results, lasting around three to six months, but in some cases, the effects can last longer, especially if the muscle has been consistently weakened. However, Botox itself does not cause permanent muscle atrophy; rather, it temporarily inhibits muscle activity. If your face hasn’t returned to its previous appearance after eight months, it might be due to factors other than just the effects of Botox. Chewing may help engage the masseter muscles, but if they were weak to begin with, it might take time to regain volume and strength. It's also important to consider that overall facial volume can be affected by other factors, including age, weight changes, and skin elasticity. I hope this helps and best of luck!