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

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

Hi,Thank you for including your photos. If the masseter muscle is overly bulky, botox will cause it to atrophy and thus slim the jaw line. In someone your age, your skin is very elastic and will not droop, so a double chin should not be an issue. I recommend visiting a injection specialist for an exam to determine if you are a suitable candidate. Best,Mehdi Sina, MD

The jaw shape is determined by the underlying bony structure and the soft tissues that lie over it. Botox will only affect musculature. Ideal candidates are persons with masseter hypertrophy with or without bruxism (night teeth grinding). 

Hello Raymac10,The two characteristics that make a great masseter reduction candidate are 1) having an enlarged masseter muscle creating the appearance of fullness and 2) patience.  Although Botox will begin to work in a few days with this treatment you are causing the muscle to shrink by decreased use.  This takes at least 2 to 3 treatments spaced 3 months apart to really notice a change.  This means it could be 9 months before you notice anything.  Also, if the jawbone is what is large and not the muscle then this treatment wouldn't offer much.  I would recommend you consult with a facial plastic surgeon to learn more about your options.I hope this helps and good luck.  

Wrinkle blockers (Xeomin, Botox, Dysport) work fantastic for facial slimming in the right candidates that have thick masseter muscles.  From your pictures it is hard to tell if you are a good candidate without an exam.  For younger patients, you should not get drooping or a double chin from these injections.  Seek a qualified injector with a great reputation, and don't just go for the cheapest injector.  You get what you pay for...  Best regards.

Botox can be injected into the masseter muscles to relax them. This technique can give a more tapered contour to the jawline. This is a popular procedure in Asia because a small, tapered chin and jawline is considered a sign of beauty. The best way to know if you are a good candidate is to have a consultation with a provider. Palpation of the masseter muscles when you bite down on your back teeth can result in a visible bulge and indicate that you might benefit from Botox in the muscles. If you suffer from teeth grinding these injections may help you.