Can Botox in the masseter muscles cause temple hollowness?

Question

I’ve recieved 40 units total in masseter muscles for grinding and noticed my temples are hollow. Is this a normal side effect?

Hung William Song, MD · Answer

The Master muscles are used for chewing. When these muscles are immobilized with botulinum toxin, the Temporalis muscles are recruited to aid in chewing to compensate for the last of master function. This would actually cause a slight hypertrophy and filling in of the temples rather than hollowing.

Muhammad Mirza, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Thank you for your question. I don't think it's likely that Botox injections in your masseters are causing you to have hollow temples. You may want to consider following up with your injector.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

It's unlikely that Botox to your masseter is causing your temples to hollow. However, it can cause surrounding muscles to activate which may account for what you're seeing. I recommend following up with your injector about your concerns. Hope this helps.

Mark Hamilton, MD · Answer

While injecting botox can relax and decrease in size in the muscles injected, you should not expect other muscles to be affected unless the product drifts. If anything, because your masseter is relaxed, you may see other muscles involved in chewing such as the temple muscles have more activity. This would cause thickening, not hallowing.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

No, Botox will only work in the treated area. Botox results resolve in 3-4 months. Fillers or Sculptra can be used to improve hollow temples. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

If Botox is injected into masseters to decrease function, the temporalis can still elevate the lower jaw bone.  In some cases the Temp. must over compensate and get larger and get more tender/sore.  The result is not NORMALLY a hollowing, but would be an enlargement.It is most likely that you are paying more attention than before, and nothing is any different.

Can Botox in the masseter muscles cause temple hollowness?

Answers (12)

Answer: Botox

Answer: Botox

Answer: Botox/Xeomin/Dysport for Masseter--Results Resolve in 3-4 months

Answer: Botox/Xeomin/Dysport for Masseter--Results Resolve in 3-4 months

Answer: Temporalis and masseter muscles elevate jaws

Answer: Temporalis and masseter muscles elevate jaws

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Can Botox in the masseter muscles cause temple hollowness?

Answers (12)

Answer: Botox

Answer: Botox

Answer: Botox/Xeomin/Dysport for Masseter--Results Resolve in 3-4 months

Answer: Botox/Xeomin/Dysport for Masseter--Results Resolve in 3-4 months

Answer: Temporalis and masseter muscles elevate jaws

Answer: Temporalis and masseter muscles elevate jaws

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.