Masseter Muscle Botox be used for medical
The masseter muscles are the two large jaw muscles on each side of your face. They are responsible for chewing and biting down on food. The masseter muscles tighten as you age, which can narrow your lower face and square off or widen your jawline. Masseter Botox, which is FDA-approved for treating a variety of conditions, can be used to relax the muscle and reduce its thickness to create a slimmer, more defined lower face or jawline. Injections are performed at a local aesthetic practice or doctor’s office and do not require an anaesthetic. The injections are painless and very quick. You can return to your daily activities immediately after treatment.
Many people who have enlarged masseter muscles are bothered by the appearance of their facial features and may also have temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, which can be caused by clenching or grinding the teeth or a misaligned bite. Masseter Botox can be used to relax the muscle and prevent this clenching or grinding, which can lead to teeth deterioration or damage, as well as headaches. In some cases, masseter Botox can be combined with orthodontic treatments to correct a misaligned bite.
Masseter Botox can be used for medical purposes or cosmetic purposes, but it is important to choose a provider with extensive experience in this procedure. It is possible for the injections to be injected too far forward into the masseter muscles, which can have a negative impact on other muscles involved in facial expression and can cause asymmetry. It is also possible for the Botox to affect the parotid glands, which can cause dry mouth. Shear wave elastography is a helpful tool to monitor the effectiveness of Masseter Muscle Botox injections by measuring the stiffness of the muscle and helping determine whether the dosage is appropriate.
Can Masseter Muscle Botox be used for medical purposes?
It can take up to two weeks after treatment for the masseter muscles to relax completely, which can be a delay for those seeking cosmetic results. It is also important to be aware that even after one session of masseter Botox, the jaw muscle can return to its tight state. It is recommended to schedule follow-up appointments for masseter Botox to maintain the cosmetic effects.
Injections of the masseter muscle can be an excellent option for men and women who want a slimmer, more angular face or jawline. Injections of the masseter muscle are also an effective solution for patients who grind or clench their teeth, which is a condition known as bruxism. Studies have shown that bruxism is a significant source of TMJ and jaw pain, headaches, and tooth wear.
A 2019 systematic review found that Botox is an effective treatment for bruxism, reducing pain and frequency of episodes. The study also showed that it was more effective than traditional bruxism treatments like mouthguards. However, masseter Botox is not a treatment that is covered by insurance companies. If you are interested in pursuing a masseter Botox treatment, contact your insurance company to learn more about coverage options.