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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.
