How often should I be getting Botox for my masseter area?

Question

I have one doctor say it should be done every 3 months. Or else it'll go away. One doctor state to wait til it goes away completely. Or else I'll have issues eating and chewing.

Nick Slenkovich, MD · Answer

Hi, I’m Lauren, the aesthetic injector here at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center. Botox treatments are commonly repeated every 3 to 4 months to maintain optimal results.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I understand your confusion. I have found that Botox in the masseter muscle typically lasts about 4-6 months. There are a number of factors that could affect how long your neuromodulator will last, including the severity of your symptoms and the activity of the muscle (persistent grinding and clenching). You have the option of getting another round of Botox before the first treatment wears off completely, which would likely require less Botox, or waiting until the effects are fully gone. Neither approach should affect the function of the muscle over the long term. Make sure you work with a very experienced, qualified injector as this treatment does require precision and skill to perform correctly.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  In most cases Masseter Botox can last 3-4 months for patients.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

botox should be every 2-3 months to every area treated. use microneedling/dermarolling at home to keep the jawline tight as this can "lossen" the jawline area (see link for our protocol).

most of my younger clients use fillers to give them shaping especially on the cheeks, jawline, and chin which make the face look more slim and tight; and threads such as PDO or Instalift can build collagen and support the facial shaping and skin looseness over time, slowing down the aging process and given the face a more “snatched” look; and morpheus deep microneedling RF can tighten crepe skin especially on the neck and jawline and is great for long term tightening of the full face, neck and chest; its often used to give the face a slimmer more sculpted look because it tightens the skin and gives lift.  an early face lift can be performed as well even in younger clients if they want a different facial shape, maxillofacial surgery with bone breaking or shaving can also be done.

For facial slimming a combination of treatments are always needed.  Options include:
1. Buccal fat pad removal to reduce fat on the lower face
2. Factite or Renuvion/J Plasma to tighten the lower face, jawline, and chin to reduce fat and give the jawline and neck tightening and shaping.
3. Botox to the masseter to reduce the muscular size of the jaw giving the face an illusion of being more slender
4. Fillers to the jawline, chin, cheeks, temples and brow help to shape the face and make it more angled and defined

Always use at home derma rolling (see link to Emerageskin x anteageMD roller plus stem cells/hyaluronic acid ampules) and peels like emeragecosmetics enlighten or aerify that can be used to improve skin quality and tighten the skin while improving wrinkles, pigmentation, acne, and Melasma.

See an expert who does facial shaping with surgical and non surgical methods to get a comprehensive option.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

For many patients, the results lasts 3-4 months, and in a few, it lasts 6-8 weeks, and in a few others it lasts 6 months. Everyone's metabolism is different as far as duration of effect. Also, the more injected, just like with cosmetic Botox, the longer the duration. I generally advise to retreat once you start feeling it wearing off. Also, if the effect is not long enough, I advise trying a deeper injection.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  It depends on how strong your muscles are and how many units are placed.  I would talk to your injector about their personal experience with how often patients need to have repeat treatment.  I have found over the past few years since I started injecting masseters that most folks only have to do it a few times, maybe only twice a year, and some do not need it ever again.  Some excessive teeth grinders do need to do it on a regular basis, but I would be fairly conservative in the amount each time to make sure you don't overdo it and have any issues with function of the muscles.  Please see an expert, and best of luck!

Leslie Pickens, MD · Answer

I have found that for patients getting injections of neuromodulators in the masseter muscle for TMJ pain some have needed repeat injected in 3 months due to the return of pain and grinding within that time or less and others have been pain free for 6 months or up to a year even.  I would say not to wait until the pain is at the original level and the medication is completely gone.  The goal is the anticipate return of pain and grinding.  For purely cosmetic reasons to reshape the face the patient will be able to tell especially in photos when dosing is wearing off.  Desired effect may not even be achieved until 3 or 4 doses spaced apart by 3 months then just need to be maintained.

Anshul Gambhir, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! We suggest getting your next dose of botox before the first dose has completely worn off. This is so you are able to make process with wrinkles/muscle size. If the botox were to wear off completely then you would be starting from stage zero again. Typically botox lasts 3-4 months which is why it should be repeated every 3 months. Hope this helps!

Jo Herzog, MD · Answer

If a sufficient quantity used the Botox/Xeomion/Dysport injected in masseters should last at least three months. Some people get much more time out of their injections.  Both doctors are correct. If you don't want to start using these muscles again you can go back in three mos but if you are the lucky one whose modulator might have hasted longer you are wasting your time and money. I tell my patients to come in as soon as they feel the neurotoxin wearing off. YOu will know.

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

Masseter Botox Will typically last longer than three months in it’s effect. If your goal is to just make the masseter appear smaller then it will probably last 3-6 months. When you think you don’t like shpe any longer that is the time to repeat the Botox. I have patients in which it has lasted over a year as far as The nice facial shape it has created. Best of luck! Dr. Boschert

How often should I be getting Botox for my masseter area?

Answers (10)

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