How Masseter Injections Work for Your Jaw and Facial Slimming

By Dr. Giulia D’Anna - Owner of iDental & Dermal Distinction

In recent years, masseter injections, commonly using Botox or other muscle relaxants, have become a popular treatment for jaw slimming and facial contouring. However, beyond their aesthetic appeal, these injections can have functional benefits for people suffering from conditions like bruxism (teeth grinding) or temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).

Despite the advantages, masseter injections require careful consideration, as incorrect diagnosis or treatment can exacerbate underlying issues like sleep apnoea.

In this article, we’ll explore how masseter injections work, their costs, potential side effects, and why a multidisciplinary approach is often necessary to achieve optimal results.

Understanding the Masseter Muscle

The masseter is one of the major muscles involved in chewing and clenching the jaw. Located on each side of the face, extending from the cheekbone to the lower jaw, this muscle can become overdeveloped due to excessive use, particularly in people who grind their teeth at night or have chronic jaw clenching.

This overuse not only contributes to jaw pain and headaches but can also lead to a more square or wider jaw appearance. By injecting muscle relaxants into the masseter muscle, its activity is reduced, which in turn weakens the muscle over time. This reduction in muscle mass results in a softer, more tapered appearance of the jawline, which many people find desirable for facial slimming.

Moreover, by limiting the overactivity of the masseter muscle, it can help alleviate symptoms of TMD and bruxism, offering relief from pain and discomfort. This can help to protect the teeth and your fillings from wear, breakage and other dental problems.

Correct Diagnosis: A Critical Step

Before considering masseter injections, it is crucial to obtain a proper diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional. This ensures that the treatment is suitable and will not exacerbate underlying health issues. For example, people with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a condition where the airway becomes blocked during sleep, must proceed with caution.

The masseter muscle can play a role in maintaining airway efficiency and weakening it through injections may worsen the symptoms of sleep apnoea. If you are already diagnosed with sleep apnoea, your healthcare practitioner will need to assess whether masseter injections are appropriate for you. In such cases, alternative treatments may be considered to avoid worsening your sleep quality and overall health.

Treatment Costs and Maintenance

The cost of masseter injections can vary based on the provider, location, and the amount of product used. On average, patients can expect to that treatment costs begin at around $500 per session, but will be increased depending upon the size of the muscles, and in men too. This is because men have greater muscle mass and therefore need a larger dose.

The treatment typically lasts 4 to 6 months, as the muscle relaxant’s effects wear off, and the muscle gradually regains its strength and size. For individuals seeking long-term results, repeat treatments are necessary, which adds to the overall cost.

It is important to note that the price of masseter injections may be influenced by whether additional treatments are needed, such as addressing the temporalis muscle or utilising a dental splint. A thorough consultation with an experienced healthcare provider can help outline the full scope of treatment required and associated costs.

The Role of the Temporalis Muscle

In the experience of Dr. Giulia D’Anna, a dentist and cosmetic injector, around 5% of people who undergo masseter injections may also require treatment of the temporalis muscle. The temporalis is another key muscle involved in jaw movement, and when the masseter muscle is weakened, the temporalis can compensate by becoming more active.

This compensation can lead to tension headaches, jaw pain, and a more pronounced temple area, which may offset the aesthetic benefits achieved by masseter reduction. To prevent this, additional injections into the temporalis muscle may be recommended to balance the overall muscle activity in the jaw region. Addressing both the masseter and temporalis muscles ensures a more harmonious outcome, both functionally and aesthetically.

Combining Masseter Injections with a Dental Splint

For individuals with severe bruxism or TMD, a dental splint may be prescribed alongside masseter injections. A dental splint is a custom-made device worn over the teeth, primarily at night, to prevent grinding and clenching. While the injections reduce muscle strength, the splint helps protect the teeth and reduce further wear and tear caused by grinding.

By combining these two treatments, patients can experience relief from the symptoms of bruxism while protecting their dental health. In many cases, this combination can also extend the effectiveness of the injections, as the splint prevents further overuse of the masseter muscle.

Aesthetic Benefits: Jawline Slimming and Facial Contouring

One of the most popular reasons people opt for masseter injections is for the aesthetic benefit of jawline slimming. By reducing the size of the masseter muscle, the face appears more contoured and slimmer, which is especially desirable for individuals who feel their jawline is too square or wide. This slimming effect often occurs as a secondary benefit to treating bruxism or TMD.

For many people, this facial slimming effect can greatly enhance their overall appearance, giving them a more refined and balanced look. However, there are certain considerations to keep in mind, particularly for individuals with a naturally slim build.

Caution for Slim-Built Individuals

While facial slimming is often seen as a positive side effect, it’s important to be cautious with masseter injections in individuals with a naturally slim build. Reducing the masseter muscle in such cases can lead to an overly gaunt or hollow appearance, particularly in the lower face. This unintended side effect can make the person look older or less healthy, detracting from their desired aesthetic outcome. We always need to balance the facial appearance of a patient, with the functional needs.

A skilled injector will take into account the patient’s overall facial structure and recommend appropriate treatment dosages to avoid an exaggerated slimming effect. In some cases, alternative treatments or a more conservative approach may be suggested to preserve the natural fullness of the face.

Final thoughts on treatment

Masseter injections offer a range of benefits, from relieving jaw pain and tension to slimming the jawline for a more contoured appearance. However, achieving the best results requires careful diagnosis, appropriate treatment planning, and sometimes, a combination of therapies like temporalis injections or a dental splint. The investment can be well worth it for individuals seeking relief from bruxism or TMD, alongside the aesthetic benefits of facial slimming.

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