Does masseter Botox affect your smile?

Question

I want masseter botox because my lower cheeks to be smaller and they also stick out too far when I smile. I want a more smooth round face shape when I smile. But I read that a lot of people cant smile properly or smile differently after they get the botox done. Is it common? Can you avoid it by seeing a good doctor?

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

Injection of  he masseter muscle will not affect your smile. The masseter is the muscle you chew with so the power with which you chew can be decreased slighlty but is not generally noticeable.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

Properly placed Botox in the masseter muscles will not effect your smile. The muscles that give you facial expression are innervated by a different nerve. In addition, the masseter muscle is a big muscle and  injections in this area are perfoemd to slim the face.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

If injected properly Botox to the Masseters should have no effect on your smile. There are certain safeguards that can be taken by experienced injectors to minimize the risks of complications such as alterations in the smile after injection of this area. That being said, there's always a risk even in the most experienced of hands. But, it's very rare. Best wishes.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Well-placed Botox for masseter reduction shouldn't negatively impact your smile. Results will last 3-4 months. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Payman Kosari, MD, FAAD · Answer

The masseter muscle is a muscle of mastication which is responsible for helping you chew your food.  It is not a muscle of facial expression so your smile should not be affected if it is appropriately injected.  Best of luck!

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question la_swan. I understand your concern. Botox
is a purified protein used to address wrinkles associated with facial
expression. It can be placed in the masseter muscle to contour the lower face. If it spreads to the nearby zygomaticus muscles it can lead to a temporary asymmetric smile. There are risks associated with every treatment but such side effects are very rare. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Annie Chiu, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for this great question. If the masseter muscles are identified correctly and the injection sites are anatomically correct, then it should not affect your ability to smile. Masseter treatment with neuromodulators like Botox or Dysport is a very effective way to contour the lower face to make a square jawline slimmer in appearance and when administered correctly results in very high patient satisfaction. The effects usually last about 6 months.

Anup Dhir, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  There are several muscles on the face each having its own function. So all cosmetic surgeon are aware of the anatomy of the facial muscles and know where to inject the botox. So if done by an experienced surgeon, it should not affect your smile.Good luck.

Pedram Imani, FRACS, MS, MBBS (Hons) · Answer

The short answer is no, masseter injections should affect your smile unless the person injecting you is inexperienced or does not have a good grasp of facial anatomy.  See a specialist facial plastic surgeon for a predictable outcome.

Myriam Loyo, MD · Answer

Great question! The short answer is masseteric injection should not affect your smile. Having said that, if the injector does not inject into the muscle it could spread towards other muscles. Additionally, although the smile is not normally controlled my masseteric muscle, some people do use their masseteric muscle during a big and broad smile (think about a big smile where you are showing your teeth). Even if you use your masseteric during big smile, botox will only weaken it partially and not paralyze it, so your smile should not be affected. If you go to an experienced injector they should be able to show you where the muscle is and feel if you active it during big smile. I have a before and after photo for masseteric botox injection in my profile in case you want to take a lookHope this helps. Good luck.

Does masseter Botox affect your smile?

Answers (14)

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