If you’ve ever experienced jaw pain, teeth grinding (bruxism), or noticed your lower face becoming broader or more square in shape, Botox for the masseter muscles could be a powerful, non-surgical solution.
This targeted treatment not only helps reduce tension and pain caused by overactive jaw muscles but also gently slims and contours the lower face—creating a softer, more refined appearance over time.
What Is Botox?
Botox (botulinum toxin) is a purified protein that temporarily relaxes specific muscles when injected in small, controlled doses. While it’s best known for smoothing wrinkles, Botox also has several medical applications—one of which is treating the masseter muscles in the jaw.
Understanding the Masseter Muscle
The masseter is a large, strong muscle located at the back of the jaw. It plays a crucial role in chewing and clenching. In individuals who grind or clench their teeth—often due to stress or while sleeping—the masseter becomes overdeveloped, which can lead to:
- Jaw pain and tension
- Headaches
- Teeth wear or damage
- A widened or square lower face
How Botox Can Help
When Botox is carefully injected into the masseter muscles, it relaxes the muscle activity just enough to reduce involuntary clenching and grinding—relieving tension, pain, and the damaging effects on the teeth and jaw.
Benefits include:
- Reduction in jaw pain and tightness
- Fewer headaches caused by grinding
- Improved comfort when chewing or speaking
- Preservation of dental structure
Over time, as the muscle becomes less active and slightly reduces in size, patients often notice a slimmer, more contoured jawline, enhancing the overall harmony of the face.
The Cosmetic Bonus: Jawline Slimming
An added aesthetic benefit of this treatment is the gentle slimming of the lower face. As the masseter muscle reduces in size from decreased activity, the jawline becomes more tapered, especially when viewed from the front.
This is particularly effective for patients who feel their face looks too square or heavy in the lower third—even if they’re not seeking treatment for grinding or pain.
What to Expect from the Treatment
At your appointment, Dr. Anita Dhunna, an expert medical aesthetics practitioner, will assess your facial structure, muscle strength, and symptoms to create a bespoke treatment plan. The procedure itself takes around 15–20 minutes, and there is minimal to no downtime.
Results typically include:
- Pain relief within 1–2 weeks
- Cosmetic slimming over 4–6 weeks
- Effects that last 3–6 months (with regular maintenance advised)
Is Botox for Masseters Right for You?
If you suffer from jaw discomfort, frequent grinding, or simply wish to refine the shape of your lower face, this treatment could be an ideal, non-invasive solution.
As always, choosing a qualified and experienced medical aesthetics practitioner is essential to ensure safe, effective results that enhance both function and facial balance.
Book Your Consultation
To learn more about Botox for Masseters, or to find out if this treatment is right for you, contact Dr. Anita Dhunna’s clinics today. With locations in London, Essex, and Hertfordshire, your journey to relief—and refinement—begins here.
