Masseter Botox: how do I know if I am a good candidate?

Question

How do I know if I'm a good candidate for masseter Botox? I have very wide jaw - can this be rectified with masseter Botox or is the only option shaving down my jaw bone?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Many people wonder about masseter Botox when they notice a wider jawline, so you’re not alone in asking.

Masseter Botox works by relaxing the jaw muscles that can make the lower face appear square or bulky. It’s most effective for people whose wide jaw is primarily due to muscle hypertrophy rather than bone structure. Over time, the muscle can shrink slightly, softening the jawline and giving a more tapered appearance.

If your jaw width is mostly due to bone structure, Botox won’t change the actual shape of the jawbone. In those cases, surgical options, like jaw shaving or contouring, may be the only way to significantly alter the underlying structure.

A good candidate for masseter Botox is someone with a noticeable muscle contribution to jaw width, no active dental or jaw issues, and realistic expectations about gradual improvement. The treatment is minimally invasive and reversible, making it a low-risk way to test whether softening the jaw muscles can achieve the look you want.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

In order for you to determine if you are a good candidate for masseter Botox it is important to set up an appointment  or a consultation with your provider. Your provider will be able to assess you in person and see how strong your masseter muscle is.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If you're looking to slim your jaw, and if you put your fingers on top of your masseter muscles, when you bite down, they will bulge. If the bulging area is the area of concern, you may in fact be a candidate for masseteric Botox. Thank you for your question! Dr Joseph

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

The most accurate way would be to evaluated by an experienced provider, but a quick online way to do it is to put your hands next to you jaw on each side. Clench down. If you feel a significant bulge from the masseter muscle, then it likely means the muscle will have some bulk and volume that can be reduced with masseter reduction. Since the masseter sits on the side of your jaw (mandible) it will reduce the width of the lower third of your face and give you a slimmer appearance. This is assuming that excess fat or skin laxity do not obscure your jawline.

David Yew, MD · Answer

Shaving down the jaw bone comes with complications so start with Botox in the masseters.
Watch the attached video to understand how botox is used to reduce the size of the masseters while also relieving symptoms of TMJ - jaw tension, headaches, etc...

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