Are the effects of Botox for overdeveloped masseter muscles long-standing?

Question

I have overly developed masseter muscles from clenching and grinding my teeth when I'm stressed/sleeping (it got visually noticeable during the stress of pandemic lockdowns). I've been told that Botox will reduce the size of the masseters for about 6 months. My question is how this plays out with someone who has overly-developed, unnecessarily large masseters. if my masseters shrink to a 'regular' size ( the size necessary for chewing etc), will they over-develop again after the Botox wears off?

David Yew, MD · Answer

Please watch the video below for a detailed answer on how Botox is used safely to treat symptoms of TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint) Disorder

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Botox can help slim the appearance of the jawline from large masseter muscles.  The effects typically last 4 to 6 months, although some patients report it lasts longer.  The effects of Botox are temporary and the treatment will need to be repeated to renew the benefits.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear fiifiitrixie, 
Botox is a injectable muscle relaxer made by many companies. Each manufacturer’s proprietary formulation making the same molecule has different durations also based on the site the medication is injected. The range of durations can be 2 to 6 months.  The masseter muscles are not the only muscles of mastication (eating / grinding). With “stress”, TMJ over activity and grinding, all these muscles get larger. It is the masseter of course that individuals focus on because of the physical widening of the jaw width and an easy option to reduce the thickening muscle with “botox”.  Not all the fibers of the muscle group are relaxed nor atrophied, based on injection technique. The temporalis muscle and / or pterygoid muscles may also hypertrophy lending to grinding as well. Your concerns should be evaluated and a plan developed according to your ongoing needs. Please consult with a well experienced, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, MaxilloFacial Surgeon or ENT. All the best!

Charles Cheng, MD · Answer

The benefit of neuromodulators such as Botox is that the effects do wear off. With regularly injected masseters, you will see a reduction in dosage required to maintain the appropriate size. If given enough time to recover, most individuals will see a return to full size unless their habits and circumstances change.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Botox is never a single injection, but rather an ongoing treatment.  The masseter muscle certainly atrophies with each treatment, but I feel it will be 4-6 monthly injections for 1-2 years to see the desired effects. 
Best wishes 
Dr. Taranow

Are the effects of Botox for overdeveloped masseter muscles long-standing?

Answers (5)

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