Masseter Botox

Masseter Botox: In facial aesthetics, the fineness and balance of the lower jawline has a great impact on a person’s overall expression. Especially the wide appearance of the jaw corners can cause a square face type, which can lead to aesthetic concerns in both female and male individuals. At the same time, excessive activity of the masseter muscle, which is associated with functional disorders such as teeth clenching, night guard use, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, is one of the areas that modern aesthetic medicine intervenes in both functionally and cosmetically. Masseter botox application, which is both an effective and non-surgical solution for these problems, is widely preferred today.

ENT Specialist Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen, who serves in his own clinic in Istanbul, evaluates masseter botox applications from both aesthetic and functional perspectives, enabling his patients to achieve balanced, lasting, and natural results on their jaw shape and health.

In this article, all topics such as what masseter botox is, how it is done, who it is suitable for, what to consider after the procedure, possible effects, and frequently asked questions will be discussed in detail.

What is Masseter Botox?

Masseter botox is the process of reducing the volume of the masseter muscle and controlling its contraction by injecting botulinum toxin (botox) into this muscle located at the corners of the lower jaw.

The masseter muscle is an important component of chewing function. However, overdevelopment of this muscle can both create a distinctive squareness in facial shape and cause problems such as teeth clenching (bruxism), pain in the jaw joint, and chewing difficulties.

Botox injection provides temporary weakening of this muscle. Thus:

• Thinning and softening in facial features is achieved.
• The jaw contour becomes more elegant.
• Teeth clenching and grinding problems decrease.
• Significant relief is provided in TMJ pain.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen, as a surgeon who knows the anatomical structure of the masseter muscle very well, ensures satisfactory results both aesthetically and functionally by applying injections with extremely precise planning.

Who is Masseter Botox Suitable For?

Masseter botox is an effective application not only for aesthetic purposes but also for eliminating functional problems that develop due to excessive activity of the chewing muscle. Suitable candidates for the procedure may have the following characteristics:

• Individuals with a square face shape who want thinning of the lower face contour
• Those with complaints of teeth clenching (bruxism) or teeth grinding
• People who have to use night guards at night
• Individuals experiencing pain, stiffness, or contraction in the jaw joint
• Those whose facial expression has hardened due to the prominence of the masseter muscle
• Those who are not warm to aesthetic surgery but want softening in facial shape

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen determines what dose should be applied to whom by evaluating his patients’ facial anatomy, muscle strength, and jaw movements in detail before the procedure.

How is Masseter Botox Applied?

Masseter botox procedure is a procedure that is completed in a clinical setting, under sterile conditions, and in a very short time. Anesthesia is not needed; only cold application or anesthetic cream applied locally to the injection site is sufficient. The procedure takes an average of 10-15 minutes.

Application Stages:

Assessment and Planning:

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen evaluates the patient’s jaw movements, masseter muscle strength, facial symmetry, and expectations in detail. If necessary, advanced imaging methods such as jaw x-ray or MRI can be used.

Marking:

After determining the volume and boundaries of the muscle, injection points are marked on the skin. Symmetry is meticulously evaluated at this stage.

Injection:

Botulinum toxin is injected into the determined points with fine-tipped needles. Usually only a slight stinging sensation is felt during the application.

Post-Application Cold Compress:

Cold application can be made to the injection sites after the procedure. This both reduces bruising formation and increases the patient’s comfort.

Masseter botox does not completely disable the jaw muscles. The aim is to prevent excessive functioning of the muscle, reduce muscle size, and thereby reduce problems such as pain, grinding, and jaw clenching.

Things to Consider After Masseter Botox

The recovery process after the procedure is quite fast. One can return to daily life immediately. However, some simple rules need to be followed for an effective and problem-free result:

• The facial muscles should not be used excessively for the first 4-6 hours after the procedure. For example, chewing gum or consuming hard foods should be avoided.
• No massage should be done for the first 24 hours, and no pressure should be applied to the injection site.
• Heavy sports activities are not recommended on the first day.
• Lying face down should be avoided.
• Showering is allowed after the procedure, but contact with very hot water is not recommended.
• If bruising occurs, ice application can be made.
• Initial effects are usually felt within 5-7 days. It may take 2-3 weeks for full effect.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen closely follows the post-procedure process and ensures optimal results are achieved by making control applications or additional dose adjustments when necessary.

Effects, Duration, and Risks of Masseter Botox

Masseter botox application is a temporary procedure, but with regular applications, muscle memory changes over time and more permanent contour effects can be achieved.

Effects:

• Significant thinning in jawlines
• More oval and elegant facial appearance
• Reduction in teeth clenching and jaw pain
• Improvement in headaches and TMJ-related discomforts
• A softer, more rested expression on the face

Duration of Effect:

• In initial applications, the effect lasts 4-6 months.
• With regular applications, it can extend up to 8-12 months.
• In the long term, the masseter muscle can become smaller, providing a more permanent thinning.

Risks:

Masseter botox is a very safe procedure. However, some temporary side effects, although rare, may be seen:

• Slight bruising or swelling at the injection site
• Asymmetry (usually temporary and can be corrected with a control dose)
• Short-term weakening in chewing strength
• Difficulty swallowing or speech disorder (very rare, in excessive dose)

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen offers a safe application process by reducing such complications to a level close to zero with the right dose, right point, and right muscle analysis.

Is masseter botox done for aesthetic or treatment purposes?

Both are possible. It can be applied both to thin the face and to treat jaw clenching and TMJ disorders.

Will my face look thin after the procedure?

Facial features become more elegant. However, as long as it is applied in the correct dose, not thinness but proportion and aesthetic balance are provided.

Is the effect permanent?

Although initial applications are temporary, muscle volume can permanently decrease with regular sessions. However, the effect of botox is biologically temporary.

Does masseter botox change facial expression?

No. The goal is only to stop excessive activity of the muscle. Mimicking muscles are not affected by this procedure.

Who should not get masseter botox?

It is not applied to pregnant women, nursing mothers, those allergic to botulinum toxin, and people with muscle disease.

Masseter botox is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option that can both reshape aesthetic facial features and solve serious functional problems such as teeth clenching and jaw pain. The fact that it does not require surgical intervention, can be applied in a short time, and has a rapid recovery process has made this procedure one of the most popular facial aesthetic applications today.

ENT Specialist Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen, who serves in his own clinic in Istanbul, achieves natural, balanced, and long-lasting results thanks to dose planning suitable for individual anatomy and detailed preliminary evaluation in masseter botox applications.

If you also want thinning in your facial features, want to get rid of your jaw clenching problems, or want to gain a more rested expression; you can contact Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen to get detailed information about the evaluation and personalized application process.