Botox to jaw in the long run - permanent?

Question

i did jaw reduction but my face is still wide and i can see my jaw muscles moving when i clench it. theyre very strong. if i get botox every 6 months, will the muscles be permanently smaller? I know botox is not permanent but im curious if the jaw muscles can be permanently weaker if botox is done frequently Can i chew hard food right after botox or does it not matter?

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Repeated Botox injections in the masseter muscle lead to atrophy of the muscle and it can become small in the long run.This leads to reduced need for frequent Botox injections.RegardsDr. J

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.  I do find that the masseter will atrophy over time with continued botox administration and this can work very well for some patients.   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.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Botox works great to help with grinding and the muscle hypertrophy that results from grinding. Initially, you will have to have Botox more frequently, but over time there's some cumulative effect. However, most patients have to keep up with Botox injections and I don't believe they reach a point where you will have full atrophy of the muscle. The Botox or Dysport can migrate and affect your smile and other muscles, but my patients have not reported difficulties with biting/chewing. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Botox can be placed in the masseter muscle to contour the face. Botox is only temporary and typically last 3-4 months. However, with continue use the muscles will atrophy and the time between injections will be longer (about 6months). It is important to find an expert injector who has much knowledge of facial anatomy. I hope this information helps you. Best of Luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Botox can be placed in the masseter muscle to contour the face. Botox is only temporary and typically last 3-4 months. However, with continue use the muscles will atrophy and the time between injections will be longer (about 6months). It is important to find an expert injector who has much knowledge of facial anatomy. I hope this information helps you. Best of Luck!

Botox to jaw in the long run - permanent?

Answers (5)