Can Masseter Botox Results Be Reversed?

Botox masseter reduction is where botox is injected in the masseter muscle to reduce its size and force.  Over time, the patient learns to not flex and use his/her masseter muscle as much and the muscle will atrophy.  My experience, as well as several research studies, have supported the long term effects of botox on the masseter area.   In addition, to working on the muscle, botox can shrink the parotid gland, which is a salivary gland in the same area as the masseter muscle.  Finally, there is some anecedotal evidence and basic science supporting the notion that botox can decrease bone density, however this has not been established.

The long term effects of your botox are probably from the reasons mentioned above.  If you wanted more bulk in the area of the masseter muscle, you could chew gum, chewy foods such as cuttle fish or tough steak, and flex your maseter muscle frequently during the day.  

It is important that the injector of botox have a keen understanding of both facial aesthetics (ability to create an improved shape which enhances facial appearance) and knowledge of facial anatomy.

 

 

Botox achieves only temporary results. If you wait a few months, the results of your treatment will gradually disappear and your jawline will return to it pre-treatment state.

hypertrophic masseter muscles create a fat face appearance.  This is genetic.  Botox can reduce the contraction of this chewing muscle and give the face a more narrow appearance.  Once the botox wears off the muscle will return to its normal self, but there is not antidote or reversal medication.
 

Botox® treatments can be used by experts to create a variety of improvements in facial aesthetics. Treatment of the masseter muscle results in temporary atrophy (shrinkage) of the muscle bulk which can change the perceived width of the lower face. The effects of this treatment wear off after 3 months and the muscle bulk will gradually return.

Botox® effects can not be "reversed" in the short term which means the treatments need to be done very carefully. However, one of the best features of Botox® is that the effects wear off completely after several months. Subsequent treatments can then be tailored to your needs as you mature. If you have had just two treatments over the last three years it is not likely that you have any lasting effect on your facial shape. You should consult with an experienced and qualified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your concerns and to learn about surgical and non-surgical treatment options available.

Dr. Mosher

Masseter BOTOX therapy is transient.  The direct effects last about 4 months.  Muscle retraining effects last a bit longer than this.  However, after about a year, it is highly improbable that any changes in your jaw line that you might perceive will be related to the BOTOX treatment.  Remember though that time alone changes the face.  If you have gained or lost weight, this will have a bearing on how your perceive the face.

Botox doesn't work for long.  It's temporary nature isn't a disadvantage, it's a good thing.  This way, any results that aren't what you had in mind just go away.  If a brow is over-raised, lowering it with more Botox in different muscles is the answer.  Short of that, it's best just to let it disappear naturally.

As you are aware, Botox will diminish its activity over time and it could lead to mild atrophy of the masseter muscles. If you prefer larger masseters, over time with extended use, the masseter muscle mass will enlarge and thereby provide you with a different appearance. Activities such as chewing gum can increase the use of masseter muscle and girth.

I frequently use Botox injections in my Toronto Clinic  to give the lower face a rounder shape in those with a very square lower face, due to large masseter muscles.  It is common for individuals who clench their teeth hard (such as athletes) or grind their teeth at night to develop significant enlargement of these large facial muscles. Following injections of Botox directly into the muscle, gradual flattening occurs over the next 4 months or so.  The effects can last up to a year or more.  If you prefer your pre-Botox appearance, do not repeat any further Botox and the muscles will gradually "bulk up" again.

Sheldon V. Pollack, MD, FRCPC

Medical Director, Toronto Cosmetic Skin Surgery Centre, Inc.

Botox effects are temporary, usually lasting 3-4 months.  Botox interrupts the signal from the nerve to muscle to contract.  This causes a temporary thinning of the muscle. 

Masseter muscle injections are done to taper down an oversized muscle that is used for chewing or clenching your teeth.  Some people have a genetically larger muscle, giving the jawline a bulkier appearance.  Botox injections help to sculpt the lower part of the face by decreasing the size of the muscle, but those effects need to be maintained.

For the masseter muscle, injections are usually done every 6 months to maintain the desired look.  If the injections are stopped, within 2-3 months, the muscle will be back to its normal shape and size.

Injection of botox to the masseter muscle if repeated may weaken  the muscle and causa it to atrophy a bit.   I fyou stop using it, the muscle may hypertrophy again over time but it is difficult to predict.