How many units of Botox will slim my jaw?

Question

I am getting treated with botox for tmj since I constantly clench my jaw and grind my teeth. I am only getting ten units on either side of my jaw and ten units on either side of my temples which will help with headaches. 40 units total. Will I still get a slimming effect from this many units or would it require more? Will my temples also slim down?! I am very confused as to how this would work.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Botox doesn't do much to slim the jawline. 40 units on each side may make a minimal change if done many times but don't get your hopes up since most times it does nothing.

Robert Kearney, MD, FACS · Answer

I would use 15 units in each masseter muscle. It will take two or three injections before you will really see a difference.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I start with 20/30 units per side, I suggest you see an expert to determine what is best for your individual case.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Amanda. Your question can not be appropriately answered without first examining you and evaluating the strength of your jaw and temple muscles. In general, jaw slimming and TMJ requires an average of 20-25 units of Botox to the masseter muscles and 10-15 units to the temples. However, depending on the strength of your muscles more may be needed. Often, it may take a couple of sessions to determine the suitable dose for you. This is an advanced injection technique so make sure you are under the care of an experienced physician injector to minimize complications. Best wishes.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  If you have hypertrophy of your masseter muscles, then botox can be used to slim the muscle.  I usually use 15-30U per side for this.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Botox is a great tool to temporarily provide relief from jaw clenching and can also slim the jawline.  Generally 20-30 units per side is a starting point for this treatment, but it's not uncommon to need more depending on the strength and size of the muscle.  Always see an experienced injector for treatment.

Mabrie Facial Institute | San Francisco · Answer

Hi amandarose4892, thank you for your question! Injecting the masseters with Botox is a great treatment option to help alleviate symptoms of TMJ. The Botox will help to relax your masseters and weaken them. When your muscles weaken they will slowly decrease in size (atrophy) over time and help provide a facial slimming effect. The dose needed to provide this effect depends on the size and thickness of your masseters. In our office we typically inject 30 units of Botox to each masseter muscle in order to achieve a slimming effect. It is also important to remember that Botox is temporary so it is necessary to have treatments done every 3-4 months to maintain your results and avoid the return of TMJ symptoms. 
I've created a video where I review using Botox to alleviate TMJ symptoms and help slim the face. I hope you find this helpful in your research!

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to give you advice without examining you in person. However, I typically start by injecting each masseter muscle with 20-30 units of Botox. It can take more than 1 treatment to see full atrophy of the muscles. I recommend having a follow up with your injector to discuss your concerns. Best of Luck!

Elena Blackburn, MD, ND · Answer

I would use 20-30 U for each masseter.  Males and Asian patients may require a higher dose (30Units). For a better result, I instruct my patients to massage the area or to chew gum vigorously after treatment.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

I usually start by injecting each masseter with 20-30 units of Botox/Dysport except for Asian patients who studies have shown require a higher dose. I recommend you discuss your questions with your injector. Your dose seems low for the areas treated.

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