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For many men and women, an overdeveloped jaw muscle (masseter) results in a broad and squarish face shape that appears unattractive. Jaw Botox, or masseter reduction with botulinum toxin, is a minimally invasive solution that can help slim the face to achieve a more refined and balanced appearance.
An overactive jaw muscle (masseter) may also lead to functional issues such as teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw tension, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, headaches and migraine. In this article, we’ll discuss jaw Botox, how it works, its benefits, and what you should expect during the treatment process.
Jaw Botox is a procedure where botulinum toxin is injected into the masseter muscles, the muscles located on either side of your jaw responsible for chewing. These muscles can become overdeveloped due to genetics or habitual activities such as teeth grinding, creating a square or wide jaw appearance.
When botulinum toxin is injected into the masseter, it will temporarily reduce the masseter’s activity, relaxing the muscle over time. With relaxed muscles, the jawline appears slimmer and more contoured, relieving symptoms associated with overactive masseter muscles, such as jaw tension and teeth grinding.
Jaw Botox Masseter Reduction is indicated for the following aims:
For individuals with a square jawline and broad face, jaw Botox reduces the bulk of the masseter muscle which in turn slims down the lower face, creating a more oval or V-shaped contour. This reshaping effect can be particularly appealing to those who feel their facial structure is too masculine or broad. Jaw Botox is hence nicknamed the “face slimming injection” or “V shape face injection”
Bruxism, a condition in which individuals grind their teeth or clench their jaws, can lead to significant discomfort and wear and tear of teeth. Jaw Botox temporarily relaxes the masseter muscles, reducing the frequency and intensity of these habits. This not only protects the teeth but also alleviates related symptoms such as tension headaches and jaw pain.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull and can become inflamed or strained due to overactive masseter muscles. Botox injections into these muscles relieve tension, helping to alleviate pain, jaw stiffness, and even clicking or popping sounds associated with TMJ disorders.
The jaw Botox procedure is straightforward, with minimal preparation or downtime. During the initial consultation, your doctor will assess your facial anatomy and masseter size and discuss your desired result. On the day of the procedure, the treated area will be cleansed, and an ice pack may be applied to enhance comfort.
The injections are administered using a fine needle and take only a few minutes to complete. Most patients only feel a slight pinching sensation during the process, but it is generally well-tolerated and not painful.
After the procedure, you can go back to doing your normal activities, although you should avoid rubbing the injection site or engaging in strenuous physical activities for at least 24 hours.
Your desired jawline transformation will unfold over several weeks, with changes becoming progressively more noticeable. Knowing what to expect at each stage can help you track your progress and appreciate the treatment's subtle yet impactful effects.
During the first week or two following your treatment, you may notice a reduction in muscle tension in the jaw area. Decreased muscle tension is especially beneficial for individuals with jaw discomfort, teeth grinding, or tension headaches, as the masseter muscles relax.
However, visible slimming of the jawline is usually not apparent at this stage since the muscle atrophy process has just begun.
By the fourth week, the effects of Botox become more pronounced. The masseter muscles, having been less active for several weeks, start to shrink, leading to noticeable jawline slimming.
Many patients find this stage exciting as the contours of their lower face begin to look softer and more balanced. Functional improvements, such as reduced grinding and clenching, are also more evident at this point.
The most dramatic results typically occur between the third and sixth months. By this time, the masseter muscles have undergone significant atrophy, revealing a more refined and contoured jawline. This is the stage when the full aesthetic impact of the treatment is visible, often enhancing overall facial harmony and symmetry.
For those addressing functional issues, this period also represents the peak of relief from jaw pain, tension, or related symptoms.
The effects from Jaw Botox are temporary and need to be maintained. The botulinum toxin wears off over time, and the masseter muscles will gradually regain activity. Most patients find that the results last approximately 4–6 months.
We recommend repeat treatments to maintain the desired aesthetic and functional benefits. Regular maintenance sessions sustain the slimming effect and may also lead to longer-lasting results over time as the muscles continue to weaken with consistent treatment.
Jaw Botox is generally safe, but some potential side effects include:
Choosing a qualified and experienced provider minimises these risks and ensures optimal results.
The effectiveness of jaw Botox depends on several factors such as dosage, the precision of injection and patient factors such as masseter muscle size and expectations. In Singapore, four brands of Neurotoxins are approved for - Botox®, Dysport®, Nabota® and Xeomin®.
While all brands are effective, slight variations in formulation can affect diffusion, onset of results, and longevity. With repeated usage of a particular brand of botulinum toxin, neutralising antibodies may develop which affect the outcome of treatment and require a change of brand. During the treatment, your provider will discuss the subtle differences between brands and recommend the best brand for your needs, ensuring optimal results. At Bay Aesthetics Clinic, all four locally approved brands of botulinum toxin are available at the same price, ensuring that you get the treatment you need without worrying about cost.
Determining Your Eligibility
The best way to confirm if jaw Botox is right for you is through a consultation with a licensed provider. During the consultation, your provider will:
They will evaluate your masseter muscles' size and activity level to determine if Botox can address your concerns.
A detailed discussion of your medical history, including any existing conditions or medications, will help ensure the procedure's safety.
Your provider will take the time to understand your aesthetic or functional goals and set realistic expectations for what masseter Botox can achieve.
By selecting an experienced professional, you can receive tailored advice and a treatment plan designed to meet your unique needs safely and effectively.
Jaw Botox is a versatile treatment that offers both aesthetic and therapeutic benefits. Consulting a qualified provider in Singapore can help you achieve your desired results. Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa provide aesthetic treatments in Singapore, prioritising tailored solutions for individuals seeking masseter Botox and other cosmetic enhancements.
We are staffed with experienced doctors specialising in facial aesthetics. Our expertise ensures accurate placement of Botox injections, delivering natural-looking results that enhance your facial harmony.
Book a jaw Botox appointment today.
While some individuals may notice mild weakness in their chewing ability immediately after the procedure, this is typically temporary and resolves within a few days.
Masseter Botox is unsuitable for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with neuromuscular disorders, allergies to Botox ingredients, or someone with an unrealistic expectation
After the Botox treatment loses its effect in 4-6 months, the jaw muscle gradually returns to its original size and symptoms of teeth grinding and jaw clenching may recur. There is no long-term effects from Jaw Botox
This depends- for older clients (40-50 years old and above) with some skin laxity, the reduced size of the masseter muscle may make facial sagging appear to be more obvious- these individuals can consider skin tightening and face lifting treatments such as Ultherapy. For younger clients (below 40 years old) typically there is enough skin elasticity and firmness and there is no visible facial sagging after jaw botox.
Facial asymmetry may be due to uneven size of masseter muscles or jaw bone structure- if the cause is due to a difference in the size of jaw muscles, then Jaw Botox may be able to help.