Northwest Face & Body

Procedure Time

30 mins

Recovery Time

1 day

Masseter Botox

One of the biggest beauty trends of the 21st century is a defined, slim jawline for both men and women. Various circumstances can cause the jawline to become wider or lose definition including aging, medical conditions, and overusing the jaw muscle. Cosmetic surgeries and procedures can bring the jawline back into proportion with facial features as well as create a more defined look. Among the many options, one of the most versatile and effective methods for facial slimming is masseter BOTOX. Dr. Ludwig Allegra and Northwest Face & Body offer the best masseter BOTOX Bellevue and Kirkland provides.

Masseter BOTOX Summarized

Masseter BOTOX, also known as jaw BOTOX, that partially and temporarily deactivates the masseter muscle to slim the face. The jaw can widen or become asymmetric for many reasons. Some of these reasons include:

In some cases, treating the underlying problem may provide some relief. However, once the overuse of the masseter ceases, it will still take time for the muscle to weaken. BOTOX can assist with this to achieve a slimmer look. Other times, treatment of the underlying cause of masseter overgrowth may not make a cosmetic difference. Therefore, BOTOX can also address this and slim the face.

Medical Uses

Masseter BOTOX is sometimes used to treat certain conditions and disorders related to the jaw or facial muscles. For example, the largest medical use of BOTOX injections in the masseter is for the treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Also known as TMJ, this condition restricts the movement of your jaw and may cause pain and headaches.

Injecting BOTOX into the masseter muscle, which contributes to the movement of this joint, can prevent TMJ sufferers from grinding their teeth and promote the normal function of the joint. This can temporarily relieve pain and headaches. While it may not completely cure TMJ, it may contribute to ongoing management and over time may reduce the need for treatment.

Another similar use for jaw BOTOX is to prevent teeth grinding. Some people may involuntarily grind their teeth in their sleep due to stress or another medical condition. BOTOX can prevent these unnecessary movements that cause pain and teeth issues. Since the masseter muscle largely controls jaw movement, injecting it with BOTOX can prevent and cease this hyperactivity. In general, BOTOX also treats many medical conditions including migraines, hyperhidrosis, and muscle disorders.

Benefits

Northwest Face & Body is among the top BOTOX providers on the Eastside and focuses on achieving your desired facial slimming results. Whether seeking Bellevue masseter BOTOX for medical or cosmetic reasons, or a combination of both, it offers many benefits. Among some of the medical benefits and advantages including:

  • Slimmer face
  • More defined jawline
  • Reduction in teeth grinding
  • Treatment of painful TMJ symptoms
  • Balances facial symmetry
  • Non-surgical procedure
  • Takes less than an hour
  • Little to no downtime required
  • Lasts on average six months
  • Little to no pain
  • Minimally invasive
  • No implants or fillers necessary
  • May relieve headaches caused by TMJ or bruxism
  • Easy to combine with other BOTOX injections

How BOTOX Works In The Masseter

BOTOX is a type of injectable called a neuromodulator, or neurotoxin. These injectables including BOTOX, Dysport, and Xeomin use botulinum toxin to temporarily and partially paralyze targeted muscles and nerves. These types of injections commonly treat wrinkles such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. When injected in the masseter, BOTOX reduces the frequency and strength at which the muscle can work. This slims the face because the masseter will no longer project outward as much.

Along with slimming the face, these jaw BOTOX injections also reduce involuntary muscle activity that occurs during teeth grinding and other disorders. Over time with repeated treatments, BOTOX can weaken and shrink the muscle. This means that with consistent BOTOX injections, you may need fewer units, treatments, or be able to go longer between jaw BOTOX appointments.

Before And After Masseter BOTOX

Before

The first step to achieving your non-surgical face slimming goals is to schedule a consultation at Northwest Face & Body. At this consultation, your provider will discuss your goals for the treatment and concerns with your facial appearance. They made then inquire about your medical history or lifestyle to determine if you are a good candidate for BOTOX injections. Finally, before making the final decision on if jaw BOTOX is right for you, your provider will physically examine your face.

If they believe you are a candidate for masseter BOTOX in Bellevue, they will describe the procedure in detail and the estimated number of units. In some cases, depending on if you are ready to proceed and the appointment length, your provider may perform your injections during the same appointment.

During

Your provider will begin by disinfecting the injection sites with an alcohol wipe. They may apply numbing cream depending on your preference and the number of necessary injections. The numbing cream takes around fifteen to twenty minutes to kick in.

Your provider will prepare the BOTOX. If during a consultation appointment, they may do this while you numb. Otherwise, they may have the necessary number of BOTOX units ready.

Once numb, your provider will inject the masseter muscle with BOTOX. Generally, jaw BOTOX is injected at three or four separate points that form an oblong triangle shape. Though, injection sites will vary based on the thickness of the muscle and your goals. This mimics the shape of the masseter muscle.

It takes around ten to fifteen minutes to perform all of the necessary injections. You can expect your entire appointment to take around fifteen minutes to half an hour.

After

Following Kirkland masseter BOTOX, you may experience some minor side effects. Some of the side effects possible include:

  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Tenderness
  • Soreness
  • Temporary issues moving the jaw

Side effects are likely minor and temporary. To minimize possible side effects, your provider will discuss the necessary aftercare. This may include avoiding laying down for a few hours, not touching the treated area, and taking Tylenol instead of Aspirin.

Results should become final in about two weeks. Though, some results may become visible before that. Your provider may follow up in two to three weeks to gauge your results and determine if you need more units.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Exercise After Jaw BOTOX?

Following BOTOX injections, your provider will likely advise that you not exercise for around twenty four hours. General everyday activities are usually fine. Exercise and strenuous activities can increase the chances of swelling and bruising. Therefore, it is best to limit these for the first several hours after jaw BOTOX in Bellevue.

How Many Units Of BOTOX In The Masseter For Face Slimming?

The number of units needed for masseter BOTOX depends on how strong your masseter muscle is and your individual goals. It tends to range from 25 units on each side to up to 60 units on each side based on your needs. After your consultation, your provider can provide a better idea of how many units you will need.

Is It Effective For Treating TMJ?

BOTOX is considered an effective treatment for TMJ. While it is not a cure and requires future injections to ensure your results, it can provide relief from some of the more painful symptoms of TMJ. It may not work for every patient with TMJ, but as a non-invasive treatment option, it offers another possible way to alleviate TMJ pain.

How Often Do I Need To Get Injections?

On average, patients refresh their masseter BOTOX injections about twice a year. However, the amount of time between treatments depends on factors such as:

  • Units of BOTOX you receive
  • How fast your body metabolizes the BOTOX
  • If you have received BOTOX injections in the masseter before

Patients with particularly fast metabolisms may need to come in for treatments more. Conversely, if patients have received several masseter BOTOX treatments before, they may find their results last longer because the muscles have already weakened.

What Are The Risks?

BOTOX injections, in general, have few risks. Before undergoing treatment, your provider will screen you for any possible risk of allergic reaction or major issue. Though these are rare, your provider will ensure you are a low risk candidate. The more minor risks include temporary jaw movement problems or pain. This can occur as the BOTOX spreads and kicks in over about two weeks. Usually, if this rare instance happens, it lasts only a few days.

Numbness, an undesired result, a crooked smile, or temporary flu like symptoms may occur. These are usually temporary and rarely happen in a good candidate. Your provider can discuss the risks of the injections with you at your consultation.

Premier Jaw BOTOX In Bellevue And Kirkland At Northwest Face & Body

Northwest Face & Body has served the Eastside’s surgical and non-surgical cosmetic needs for over three decades. As a leading provider of BOTOX, Northwest Face & Body offers injections with Dr. Ludwig Allegra and our team of physician trained injectors. Due to the delicacy of jaw BOTOX, this area is likely best addressed with one of our plastic surgeons who can evaluate your to conclude the optimal treatment plan.

Dr. Ludwig Allegra is an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon with three decades of experience. He performs top rated plastic surgeon as well as high end injectables including the best masseter BOTOX Bellevue and Kirkland offers.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also connect with us online via Price Simulator™, chat, and our contact form.