When Does Jaw/masseter Botox Wear Off?

Question

I got botox in my masseter muscle in the beginning of Aug. 2012, at age 23, almost 9 months ago. Since then, I've hated how my facial structure has changed. My face is much narrower, as if I lost all of my baby fat in my cheeks (I like the rounder and fuller look because I think it's more youthful). I wear retainers at night because I had braces when I was 19. When can I expect my face to return to normal? I wish I could look as young as I did a year ago :(

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

This greatly depends on the amount of units that are used and the mixture of the toxin. Most toxins like Botox usually last from between 3-4 months.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

If you liked a the fuller look of your face, it's not clear why you would have had this treatment. Depending on how many units were injected, the muscles have had time to atrophy and will need time to build up strength again.

Mabrie Facial Institute | San Francisco · Answer

Injecting Botox into the muscle weakens it, and over time while the muscle is weaker it atrophies (decreases in size), providing the slimming effect. The effects of Botox to the masseter muscle last an average of 6 months. Once the effects wear off, the muscle will begin to function more frequently and regain its strength, slowly increasing in size again. How quickly it regains it's strength and size varies patient to patient and also depends on the dose of Botox injected. 
I've created a video where I review treating the masseter muscles with Botox, I hope this helps in your research!

Ken Landow, MD · Answer

but the good news is that the effects will wear off soon...overall the effects of Botox when used for masseter muscle reduction last about one year depending on how many units were used and how big the muscle was...and when the effects wear off, the muscle only slowly grows to its former size...but never fear that will ultimately happen...while many people want the more angular face, nothing wrong with fuller features...really a matter of personal taste...nothing cast in stone what's best...

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

The effect of Botox for the masseter muscles can take one year or longer to wear off. Chewing will help strengthen your masseter muscles so you could try chewing gum unless your dentist has warned against it.

When Does Jaw/masseter Botox Wear Off?

Answers (6)