Common dose of Botox (not Dysport) for injection in the masseter?

Question

What is a common dose of Botox for the first injection in the masseter against bruxism/masseter spasm. My doctor told me a dose of 10 Units on every side is not enough.I don't wont a too high dose to start which could cause side effects. Maybe there are some Guidelines/experiences about the dose of Botox-injection in the masseter which makes sense. Do you use medical ultrasonics or electromyography as a help for correct injection?

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

The masseter is a very bulky muscle, and so it does require a higher dose of Botox to relax it than the dosages typically used to treat the muscles of facial expression.  A very typical starting dose is 25 units/side.  This will achieve full treatment in about 80% of patients.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Botox or Dysport can be a very effective way to contour the jaw line by reducing the masseter shadow through the outer jaw skin.  In addition, it can reduce symptoms of jaw clenching or grinding of teeth at night time.  This is an advanced technique that requires a strong understanding of the underlying anatomy.  Some side effects can results in some very unintented effects.  This can include affecting the smile due to diffusion of the Botox into neighboring smile muscles.  Over treatment can also overweaken your jaw muscles making it harder to chew food and causes your jaw muscles to relax too much when you sleep.The injection technique does vary by physical exam and the goals of the treatment.  Facial contouring goals may change the injection sites themselves to affect different portions of the masseter as well as the dose. The strength of the masseters can be felt by palpation and also helps me to determine dosing.  In general, I start with 15- 25 units of Botox (OR 50-75 units of Dysport) per side for most patients.  If the have very strong masseters, then I may increase the dose, but more commonly ask them to return in three weeks for a touch up.  Once you get the desired result, I let patients know that future treatments may require less to maintain the look or the jaw clenching symptoms, especially if they get treated as soon as they notice the symptoms return.  This can be as soon as three to four months, but in some cases, patients report that it lasts six months or more.  I find it depends on the dose we use and how many times we have done the procedure as the duration may lengthen for patients that repeat it regularly.

Mariusz Sapijaszko, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Botox is great in treating strong masseters and, in experienced hands, no specific additional equipment is really needed. Without seeing your face and examining you, it is difficult to estimate the best dose of Botox but, in General it can vary from 15 to 40 units per side. It just depends how strong and big the muscle is.I hope that helps

Melissa Chiang, MD, FAAD · Answer

The masseter is a strong and powerful muscle, so it will typically require more Botox to get the desired effect.  If you suffer from bruxism and masseter spasm, you surely have a very 
well-developed and large masseter, and you may require even higher dosing 
than the typical range.   Your doctor is right that 10 units is probably too low of a dose.If you are worried, you can always start with a lower dose and add more later.  This may give you some peace of mind.  Once you find the amount that works for you, your doctor can repeat that dosing in the future.  With masseter injections, weakness often lasts for six or even nine months.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Without examining you, it is difficult to state the number of units required.  The dosage to minimize the masseter muscles ranges from 15 to 40 units per side.

Common dose of Botox (not Dysport) for injection in the masseter?

Answers (8)

Answer: Typical range of Botox dosing for masseter is 15-30 units/side

Answer: Typical range of Botox dosing for masseter is 15-30 units/side

Answer: Botox for masseter muscles

Answer: Botox for masseter muscles

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Common dose of Botox (not Dysport) for injection in the masseter?

Answers (8)

Answer: Typical range of Botox dosing for masseter is 15-30 units/side

Answer: Typical range of Botox dosing for masseter is 15-30 units/side

Answer: Botox for masseter muscles

Answer: Botox for masseter muscles

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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