Masseter Botox London
Visit Dr. Hanson to reduce the jaw, and tackle habitual grinding or clenching of teeth
Ideal For
Reducing grinding of teeth
Treatment Areas
The jaw
Treatment Time
10-15 Minutes
Downtime
None
Masseter botox at our clinic in London also known as jaw reduction or jawline slimming is an effective method to aesthetically reduce jaw width due to masseter hypertrophy and functionally decrease the complications of bruxism.
The masseter muscle is one of the major muscles involved in mastication (chewing). It is located at the angle of the jaw. Hypertrophy of the masseter muscle, or its enlargement, can give the face a more squared or bulky appearance. Additionally, an overactive masseter muscle can be a primary factor in bruxism — the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, especially during sleep. This condition can lead to tooth wear, pain, and jaw joint disorders.
Botulinum toxin provides a non-surgical approach to address both aesthetic concerns and functional issues associated with the masseter.
What is Botulinum Toxin?
Botulinum toxin is a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When introduced in precise amounts into the body, it can temporarily block nerve signals to muscles, leading to a relaxation of the targeted muscle.
How Does It Address Masseter Hypertrophy and Bruxism?
By injecting botulinum toxin into the masseter muscle, its activity is decreased, leading to muscle relaxation. This reduction in muscle activity:
- Aesthetically: Reduces the bulkiness of the masseter, giving the face a softer or more oval appearance.
- Functionally: Decreases the force of teeth grinding and clenching, helping alleviate symptoms of bruxism.
How Long Does Masseter Botox Last?
The slimming effect on the jaw and reduction in bruxism symptoms typically last 4-6 months, though individual outcomes may vary.
How do I know Botulinum Toxin is right for me?
“It’s more than just a procedure - it’s an art form.”
– Dr. Hanson Yu, MBBS MSc MBCAM, qualified and licensed doctor under the esteemed General Medical Council
What to Expect During Your Masseter Botox Treatment:
- Consultation: A thorough consultation with a qualified practitioner is essential. The practitioner assesses the individual’s anatomy, the degree of masseter hypertrophy, and the severity of bruxism symptoms to determine the correct dosage and injection points.
- Preparation: The jaw area is cleaned. A topical anaesthetic might be applied, although many patients find the injections bearable without it.
- Injection: Using a fine needle, the practitioner administers botulinum toxin into specific points of the masseter muscle on each side.
- Duration: The treatment is usually swift, typically completed within 10 -15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Masseter Botox
What is the masseter muscle?
The masseter muscle is located on each side of your jaw and is one of the primary muscles involved in chewing. Frequent chewing or teeth grinding can cause the masseter muscles to enlarge, potentially affecting the shape of your face.
What causes the masseter muscle to increase in size?
The most common reasons for an increase in the size of the masseter muscles include genetics, ethnicity (with many patients from Asia experiencing larger masseter muscles), clenching (bruxism), particularly at night, grinding, excessive chewing, and chewing on only one side of the mouth.
How many injections might you need in the masseter?
The number of injections needed in the masseter muscle can vary from person to person. It depends on factors such as the size of your jaw, the severity of clenching, and any pre-existing asymmetry.
What should you avoid after masseter botox?
After masseter Botox, you should avoid alcohol and nicotine for 24 hours, refrain from lying down for the first four hours, avoid applying pressure to the treated area, and skip exercise for 24 hours. If you notice redness, swelling, or bruising, apply ice packs to the area.
Does masseter botox need to be repeated?
Yes, masseter Botox injections need to be repeated, as they are not a permanent treatment. The effects typically last for three to four months, after which you may need a top-up treatment, whether for cosmetic or medical reasons.
Does having masseter botox hurt?
Masseter Botox is a minimally invasive procedure, so there is minimal discomfort. The injections are generally well tolerated by patients at Dr Hanson’s clinic, and a topical numbing agent can be used to reduce any pain or discomfort associated with needles.
Start your journey
Contact Dr. Hanson
Dr. Hanson is a highly qualified and licensed doctor under the esteemed General Medical Council. With his careful and graceful approach, Dr. Hanson skilfully restores the natural arcs and convexities of the face and body, leaving his patients with beautiful and natural-looking results.
The clinic in Harley Street, London, offers non-surgical aesthetic treatments that not only preserve youthfulness but also reverse the signs of ageing.