Will my cheeks go back to normal after masseter muscle Botox?

Question

I got injections in my masseter muscles for clenching my teeth but my face has now gone so thin and I had it! I've lost so much volume to my lower cheeks Will my cheeks return to their normal size or will they stay like this???

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

Botox injected into the masseters causes temporary muscle atrophy. The muscles should regain their full size in less than a year.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello, Thank you for your question. The Botox injected in both sides of the jaw, will selectively relax the masseter, gradually making it less prominent and square. Results may last for up to a year depending on lifestyle habits but should return to it original appearance. Take care.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Botox in the masseter muscles can definitely thin the face. I would wait for several months for the Botox to wear off. Your face should return back to its normal proportion. If you like the results from the reduction in clenching, but not the thin look, you may want to reconsider using a very small dose with your next treatment and work your way up on dose to help balance your concerns.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The botox will wear off in 3-6 months in this area.  I suggest you speak to your physician if you are concerned.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Brian S. Biesman, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to notice a change in the appearance of the cheeks after Botox injection to the masseter muscles.  In fact this treatment is used specifically for facial contouring in many situations.  If you do not like the contour after Botox injection, it will return to its preinjection appearance.  You might ask your physician if there is a smaller dose of Botox that could be used to still produce some benefit but without quite as dramatic a change in your appearance.

Mabrie Facial Institute | San Francisco · Answer

I'm sorry to hear you've had a bad experience with Botox treatment to your masseters. Treating the masseter muscles with Botox weakens them, helping to alleviate the symptoms of TMJ. As with any muscle, when it is not being used it atrophies (decreases in size). The effects of Botox to this area typically last 3-6 months. Once the Botox has worn off your muscle will strengthen and with time increase in size again.
I recommend speaking with your injector to adjust your dosing for future treatments in order to minimize loss of muscle mass while still alleviating the symptoms of jaw clenching.
I've created a video that reviews treating the masseter muscles with Botox/Dysport. I hope this helps in your research!

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It typically takes a minimum of 20 units of Botox on each side of the masseter muscle for facial slimming. I am not sure why only 5 units would have such a great difference. I recommend having a consultation with an expert injector for an evaluation and to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

David P. Mueller, DDS · Answer

It does not take a lot of Botox in the masseter muscles to prevent muscle spasms. The dose that I administer for this purpose is considerably less than the dose injected for facial reshaping. Rest assured that if you allow the Botox to completely wear off after 3 months, and do not reinject, then the muscle mass should eventually return to normal. I would investigate how much Botox was injected in each masseter muscle. Normally, 10 to 15 units per side is all that is required to prevent muscle spasms. With this dosage, muscle atrophy is rarely seen. Please have a discussion with your doctor. Best of luck.Dr. David Mueller

Will my cheeks go back to normal after masseter muscle Botox?

Answers (8)

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