Medical professionals are increasingly recognizing the dual benefits of Botox injections in the masseter muscle, addressing both functional pain relief and aesthetic facial reshaping. Dr. Chelsea Venditto, a board-certified plastic surgeon, highlights the procedure's effectiveness in treating bruxism and jaw tension, with treatment intervals potentially extending from the traditional three-month schedule to six months or longer. The medical intervention involves injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin into the chewing muscle located at the jaw's angle.
The minimally invasive treatment typically requires 15 to 30 minutes and develops results gradually over two to four weeks, with no required recovery period. Beyond pain management, the procedure offers aesthetic advantages for patients with masseter hypertrophy. By strategically weakening the jaw muscle, physicians can help transform a squared lower facial profile into a more heart-shaped silhouette, potentially reducing the appearance of an aging or heavier facial structure.
However, medical professionals caution patients about potential long-term implications. Concerns exist regarding repeated muscle weakening potentially contributing to facial soft tissue changes. Dr. Venditto suggests that significant alterations would likely require years of consistent treatments, with any initial changes being subtle. Patients considering the treatment should consult qualified medical professionals to understand individual risks, potential benefits, and personalized treatment strategies tailored to their specific physiological characteristics and aesthetic goals.
