How Does the Treatment Work?
Botulinum Treatment of Masseter Hypertonia / Hypertrophy
The shape of the jawbone and the volume of the masseter muscles are very important for the appearance of the rear contour of the lower face. Masseter hypertrophy produces a wider lower face or a “square face”. This feature is aesthetically perceived as unfeminine.
It can also be responsible for functional problems, with pain in the jaw and the temporomandibular joint, and headaches.
Why Botox in the masseter?
Masseter hypertrophy can be treated conservatively with the use of muscle relaxants and occlusal splints, or surgically with partial resection of the hypertrophic masseter muscle.
Botox is a simple alternative to surgery: it improves the contour of the lower face and reduces muscle tone and excessive contraction.
Unlike the treatment of facial wrinkles with Botox, the treatment of masseter hypertrophy is based on temporary muscle atrophy.
The results will therefore be seen later than we usually see when treating facial wrinkles: 10–14 days after the injection.
Most patients show a significant reduction in muscle mass about 3 months after the injection, and an improvement in facial contour between 3 and 6 months after the injection, which lasts up to 9 months after treatment.
In addition to the aesthetic advantages, many patients benefit from an improvement in teeth clenching and bruxism.
Facial aesthetic medicine
Masseter Muscle Action
The masseter is the most powerful muscle in the body, capable of exerting a force of about 100 kg, and its action in raising the jaw is essential for chewing and swallowing. It is involved in teeth grinding both in its static form (clenching) and in its dynamic form (bruxism).
Because of stress or neurological conditions, this muscle tends to remain in continuous contraction both at night and during the day. This continuous clenching leads to reduced mouth opening, with muscle pain and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In addition, the hypertrophy of the masseter muscles that consequently develops leads to changes in the facial profile (square face).
What is Botox in the masseter muscle used for?
Botox in the masseter muscle is typically used to:
- Relieve teeth grinding
- Reduce pain and teeth clenching
- Relieve headaches
- Change the contour of a square jaw and achieve a balanced facial shape
Technique
The technique involves 3–5 injections with micro-doses of protein per point.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The procedure generally takes 15 minutes.
Facial aesthetic medicine
Aftercare Instructions
After the treatment you can return to your usual activities. No recovery time is needed.
However, you should avoid the following for the next 24 hours:
- Rubbing the treated area
- Applying pressure to the treated area
- Physical exercise
- These actions could spread the toxin to other parts of the face.
The full result appears in about 1 week. Some people start to see results within 1 to 3 days.
It is worth noting that the effects of Botox are temporary. They usually last 3 to 4 months. To maintain the results, the procedure needs to be repeated.
What are the benefits of masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox offers the following advantages:
1. It reduces teeth grinding and symptoms such as:
- Pain in the jaw, neck or face
- Tooth sensitivity or pain
- Headaches
- Damage to the teeth
- Ear pain
2. It improves the shape of the face in the case of a square jaw.
Studio Ciobanu · Milan
Your next step,
together.
Via San Pietro all’Orto 3
20121 Milano
Monday to Friday, 9:00–18:00, open throughout the day. Saturday by appointment, booked only by telephone on +39 02 3928 3740. Closed on Sunday. Second floor, lift and wheelchair access. Email: [email protected].
Dr. Alexandrina Ciobanu – P.I./C.F. 06756470966
Direttore sanitario Dr Alexandrina Ciobanu, iscrizione all’albo degli odontoiatri di MILANO n 4931