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

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

The short answer is... NO.   Botox in the masseter muscles might actually cause some hypertrophy of the temporalis muscle as a side effect.   Temporal hollowing is a process associated with aging and changes in fat distribution.  It can be treated with soft tissue fillers.

Sachit Shah, MD · Answer

Usually does not cause temporal hollowness. It could become hypertrophied (become thicker) usually. 
However, I would examine the before and after pictures carefully. Perhaps you had temporal hollowing before and you are noticing it more now.

Best Wishes

Craig Harrison, MD · Answer

I cannot imagine why Botox injected into your masseter muscles should cause hollowing of your temples.  Take another look at your pre treatment photos.  Perhaps the loss of masseteric volume creates an unmasking of hollowing?  Best wishes

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

If your temples really are hollow, then it would NOT be a normal observation after a treatment with botox for your masseter muscle. It is possible however that this is just an observation as you're paying more attention to the face in general. I would carefully review the photographs prior to the treatment as well as after the treatment. If there are no other conditions with your body and there is hollowing in the temporal area, I would definitely follow up with your treating physician. Good luck from New York City

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

Botox to the masseter muscles will not cause  any problem with your temporalis  muscla.   See old photos and do not worry.   My Best,   Dr Commons

Can Botox in the masseter muscles cause temple hollowness?

Answers (12)

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