Masseter Botox Pros and Cons

Botox is an injectable relaxant for muscles. It contains a neurotoxin called onabotulinumtoxinA, which periodically stops the muscle from moving. The injection is commonly used to reduce the appearance of forehead wrinkles. However, when applied in the masseter muscles (around the cheekbones), Botox can alter the structure of your face and alleviate facial pain. This procedure is termed as masseter Botox.

Many people wonder if they should go ahead and get Botox despite the fact that it is a fairly safe procedure performed on millions of people each year. There may be some negative effects, despite the fact that studies have identified an average of one side effect out of 4,000 procedures. A reputable facility with competent staff and a thorough understanding of facial anatomy can reduce these negative effects.

The masseter is a muscle that aids in chewing. It can be noticed on the side of your face and acts as a connection between your cheekbone and your lower jawbone. 

The technique will involve:

• Your skin will be cleaned by a trained medical expert to reduce the likelihood of infection. They may numb the region with a topical anesthetic.
• The botulinum toxin is injected into a syringe by the doctors. 
• After that, the needle is inserted into the masseter muscle of your upper jaw. They remove the needle from the skin gradually as they inject the toxin.
• The treatment may be repeated on the other side. 

You should anticipate seeing the full results in approximately 1 week's time. In certain cases, results might be seen within one to three days.

It is important to keep in mind that the results of Botox injections are just temporary. Usually, results just last for three to four months. Repeat the procedure if you want to keep the results.

Masseter Botox Pros

• Patients who have frequent tension headaches or migraines, patients who do not like the shape of their face because of a square or thick jawline, and patients who want to look more feminine are all good candidates for a Botox injection into the masseter muscle. This treatment is ideal for patients who grind, clench, and wear out their teeth and who need a lot of dental work.
• Botox for masseters is a common and effective treatment. About 30% of the volume of the masseter (jaw muscle) can be lost in about 3 months. This makes the face look thinner and more V-shaped.
• In most instances, Botox does not require a recovery period. Some people may experience little bruising where the needle made contact with their skin, but it recovers in a short period of time.

Masseter Botox Cons

• The transient nature of Botox's effects is both a plus and a minus. If you like the results of Botox, you will need to get injections at least twice a year to sustain that appearance. For the best outcomes, you will need to get injections every 3 to 6 months.
• Botox has the potential to provoke an allergic reaction in some individuals. 
• Multiple Botox injections per year are not exactly economical.