Masseter botox, also known as masseter hypertrophy treatment, involves injecting a small amount of botulinum toxin type A into the masseter muscles located in the jaw area. The masseter muscles are a pair of large, triangular muscles on each side of the face that help you chew by elevating the jaw. Some people experience excessive bulkiness or enlargement in these muscles, known as masseter hypertrophy or “square jaw.”
Masseter botox aims to reduce the size of enlarged masseter muscles using small, targeted botox injections. Botulinum toxin works by temporarily paralysing muscle activity in the treated area. When injected into the masseter muscles, it weakens their contractions and causes them to relax, diminishing their prominence over time. The effects last around 4-6 months before touch-up treatments are needed.
Benefits of Masseter Botox
There are a few key benefits that people commonly seek masseter botox treatment for:
Shaping Facial Contours:
Excessively large masseter muscles can give the lower face and jaw a very square, boxy appearance. Masseter botox helps soften hard jawlines and create a slimmer, more contoured facial profile. It results in a feminised "v-line" shape that sculpts the lower third of the face.
Reducing Bruxism & Jaw Pain:
Bruxism, the medical term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching, can cause the masseter muscles to become overly developed over time. This increased muscle activity at night often leads to headaches, jaw tenderness, and teeth problems. By relaxing the masseter muscles, botox may help alleviate these bruxism symptoms.
Preventing Premature Wrinkles:
Furrowed brows and frown lines are some of the earliest signs of facial ageing. Excessive chewing habits can result in similar premature wrinkling around the jawline due to repeated muscle contractions. Masseter botox aims to prevent dynamic wrinkles by relaxing muscle activity in this sensitive area.
How Masseter Botox Works
When botulinum toxin is injected into the masseter muscle area, it works in three main stages:
- Binding: The toxin binds to the motor nerve endings that communicate with the muscle fibres.
- Internalisation: The bound toxins are internalised into the nerve terminal.
- Inhibition of Acetylcholine Release: Inside the nerve terminal, the toxin cleaves synaptic vesicles that normally release acetylcholine—the chemical messenger that transmits signals from nerves to muscles. Without acetylcholine release, the muscle cannot contract normally.
By paralysing the masseter muscles in this way for 4-6 months, botox causes them to reduce in bulk as they relax and are no longer used for chewing. Over multiple treatments spaced 3-4 months apart, the masseter size can be gradually minimised.
Is Masseter Botox or Jaw Reduction Surgery Better?
For some people, surgical jaw contouring may be a better option than repeated botox treatments:
|
Masseter Botox |
Jaw Reduction Surgery |
|
|
Downtime |
Minimal - back to normal activities right after |
1-2 weeks recovery with facial swelling |
|
Longevity |
Temporary every 4-6 months |
Permanent or long-lasting results |
|
Pain |
None during treatment |
Some pain and discomfort post-surgery |
|
Cost |
Lower upfront but multiple treatments required |
£4,000 - £6,000 average surgery cost |
|
Risks |
Minor bruising/soreness rarely |
Anaesthesia risks, nerve damage, asymmetry |
However, botox is usually preferred initially to test effectiveness and recovery time. Surgery may be considered if botox fails to produce ideal results or becomes too costly to maintain regularly. Both aim to slim the square jawline, but surgery reshapes the bone structure permanently.
Where Can You Get Masseter Botox in London?
One of the top clinics for getting a masseter botox in London is Injectual based in west London. We have a team of experienced injectors and offer complimentary consultations. Individualised treatment plans are created and follow ups provided.
For the best results, seek out clinics like Injectual whose clinicians are certified and have vast experience targeting the intricate masseter muscle area. Consultations help determine suitability and address any concerns.
Getting Masseter Botox in London - Your Questions Answered
Is the treatment painful?
Masseter botox injections involve a small needle prick but are not very painful. Local anaesthetic is sometimes applied beforehand for additional comfort. Most people feel slight stinging or pressure during the process.
How long does recovery take?
The treatment itself only takes around 15 minutes. Minor swelling, bruising or jaw tenderness may occur for 1-2 days after. Most return to regular activities right away with no visible signs of treatment within a few hours.
When will I see results?
It can take up to 2 weeks for full effects to appear as the botox fully relaxes the muscles. Gradual slimming of the jawline continues for 4-6 months before touch-ups are needed. Multiple sessions spaced 3-4 months apart optimise outcomes.
Is it covered by insurance?
Unfortunately, cosmetic masseter botox is considered an elective procedure not covered by insurance. However, Injectual offers Clearpay and Klarna of most treatments.
Book Your Masseter Botox Consultation Today
If you want to achieve a defined jawline and address masseter hypertrophy issues, consider masseter botox in London. With no downtime, it is a minimally invasive option to balance facial harmony.
Leading aesthetic clinic Injectual offers expert masseter botox administered by our highly qualified injectors. Complimentary consultations are available to discuss your goals and concerns. Contact Injectual today to book your consultation and start enjoying the benefits of beautifully sculpted facial contours.
