Can I have Botox to reduce masseter muscles whilst on anabolic steroids (anavar)?

Question

I am a female interested in getting botox to reduce the size of my masseter muscles, due to a wide jaw and something that I have always had from a young age. However, I have also just started to use anabolic steroids (anavar) at a very, very low dose (5mg). My common sense tells me that having botox whilst taking AAS may not work? From my understanding the masseter muscles reduce because they are forced to atrophy, but will this be impossible to achieve if I am taking AAS? Thanks for your help.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Botox in the masseter region usually takes longer than in the standard areas to take effect. I tend to use anywhere from 15 units (conservative treatment) to 50 units (for someone with really strong masseters) on each side to get the desired result. It may start within the first week but I tell my patients to wait three weeks before doing a more thorough evaluation. The treatment typically lasts longer than the forehead/crows feet/frown regions. It is also a gradual onset of the return of masseter function. I have tried the masseter injections myself and space the treatments around 4 months apart, but use smaller doses to maintain the effect. I normally know the effects are wearing down when I start to clench my teeth more heavily at night when asleep.  Once you stop using Botox, the masseter muscles will return to their original baseline when the effects of Botox  wears off completely.Being on steroids should not influence your results.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

this is something I perform daily and many of my patients are on AS for bodybuilding and other purposes.  the steroids do not effect the botox.  however, depending on how large your muscles are and how strong they are, you may need higher doses of botox to get the "contouring" results.  I suggest going to an expert injector for this.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Yes. This should be fine. Botox interrupts the connection between the nerve ending and muscle, itself, so anabolic steroids shouldn't interfere with the effect. To be safe, also mention this to your physician injector to ensure that they agree that this is a wise thing to do. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Botox to reduce the
masseter muscles is a great therapy for those looking for corrections in this
area. The fact that you are using anabolic steroids will not have a major
effect on the treatment, except that, as already has been mentioned, you may
need a higher dose of Botox than what might commonly be used. Make sure that
you are consulting with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who
understands how best to do this and make sure that they are aware of the fact
that you are taking anabolic steroids. These injections need to be given by
someone very skilled in this technique.

Can I have Botox to reduce masseter muscles whilst on anabolic steroids (anavar)?

Answers (4)

Answer: Botox is an Excellent Option

Answer: Botox is an Excellent Option

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

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

Can I have Botox to reduce masseter muscles whilst on anabolic steroids (anavar)?

Answers (4)

Answer: Botox is an Excellent Option

Answer: Botox is an Excellent Option

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

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