What makes a good Botox masseter reduction candidate? (photos)

Question

Hi! I have always hated my square jaw line, and always thought that it was simply my facial shape. However, upon reading about how overdevelopment of the masseter muscle causes this shape, I am curious if I would be a good candidate for botox masster reduction. Can it have an effect on double chin due to lessened muscle making it appear more dominant? Also, what are the chances of adverse side effects of have the reduction? Thank you in advance for advise/info!

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Botox usually doesn't do much or anything for reducing the masseter muscles but can help in a small percentage of patients. Don't get your hopes up but if it works for you, then I am happy for you.

Alexander Rivkin, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question and pictures. You seem like a good candidate for Botox masseter reduction, although it would be necessary to feel the muscle on clenching to know for sure. Keep in mind, Botox injection for masseter reduction should help slim your jawline, but it will take a series of treatments. Most people will start seeing a change after the first session and after the second one it will be really significant. After a few sessions there is a good chance that you can stop and not need further injection. Most people have enlarged masseters because they have a habit of clenching and grinding their teeth from stress. 3 or 4 Botox sessions spaced about 3 months apart can break that habit. The bonus is that any headaches, neck pain or jaw pain you experience from grinding or clenching will also disappear. Hope that helps.

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Botox and other neuromodulators can reduce the masseter muscle both in strength and in appearance.  These injections can reduce teeth grinding, cheek biting and the appearance of a square jaw.  One of the most important things to know is that the improvement takes time unlike botox injections for frown lines etc.   Decreasing the tone of the muscle leads to it's decrease size and bulk over several months.  With repeated injections the effect can be more long lasting.  Best of luck.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  If you have masseter hypertrophy, then botox can be injected for a nice result.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Sean R. Weiss, MD, FACS · Answer

Botox to the masseter muscle can be very effective for narrowing jawline. Ideal candidates for this procedure have masseter  hypertrophy  which can often times be felt when Clinching the teeth together. It should have no effect on a double chin, and there are few  side effects to be concerned about.

What makes a good Botox masseter reduction candidate? (photos)

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Answer: Botox for masseter

Answer: Botox for masseter

Answer: Botox to the masseter muscle

Answer: Botox to the masseter muscle

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What makes a good Botox masseter reduction candidate? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Botox for masseter

Answer: Botox for masseter

Answer: Botox to the masseter muscle

Answer: Botox to the masseter muscle

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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.