Had Botox into my mouth for tmj - is it possible that it could change the shape of my face? (photos)

Question

In July, I had 10 units Botox into each side of the back of my mouth to relieve symptoms of tmj I was having due to Invisalign. I'm not sure what the name of the muscle is. The person doing it is an MD. She said it would not affect my appearance. Since then though, my face has changed considerably, with people commenting on how thin and hollow it looks. My cheekbones also seen more pronounced. Could this be because of the Botox? Will it go back to normal or could this be a permanent change?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I appreciate your concern. When Botox is injected into the masseter muscle, it relaxes the muscle to relieve the symptoms of TMJ. As the muscle becomes less active, it also reduces in size. This can result in a narrowing of the face along the jawline. Neuromodulators are only temporary, which means that the effects will wear off within 3-6 months. Over that period, you should see your jawline return to its original shape. Always work with an experienced, qualified injector to ensure the best possible results from your procedures.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

botox will slim the face when used for TMJ and cause skin sagging.
 
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 or pixel8 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 /neck lift with or without buccal fat pad reduction 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
5. early face/neck lift with platysmaplasty or maxillofacial surgery (bone shaving or implants)  
6. botox/dysport/xeomin on the neck for platysmala bands and neck tightening 
 
Always use at home EMERAGSKIN dermarolling (see link to Emerageskin x anteageMD roller plus stem cells/hyaluronic acid ampules) and peels like emeragecosmetics enlighten , cosmelan 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.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Botox can slim the masseter muscles contributing to a slimmer jawline look.  Do not worry, you will return to your previous appearance once the botox wears off.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If Botox was injected into the masseter muscle it could give a temporary slimming effect to the lower face.  The result lasts approximately three to four months and will wear off gradually.  I encourage you to speak to your injector about your concerns.

Effie Pappas Politis, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Toxin to the lower border of the masseter muscle works great to alleviate teeth clenching/grinding associated with TMJ. We also use it to slim the lower face for a more heart shaped appearance. It does wear off and given you were dosed at a lower typical dose should not leave you with any permanent changes.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi there,

Yes it slims down your Masseter muscle so your face will look more slim.  I am not sure why a certified injector would tell you that.  Perhaps a new injector...
Your muscle will bet bigger if you are using it just like any other.  If its being treated with Botox it will atrophy.
Best of luck!

Had Botox into my mouth for tmj - is it possible that it could change the shape of my face? (photos)

Answers (6)

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