The masseter muscle is a facial muscle that connects your lower jaw to your cheek. It is one of several muscles responsible for chewing. When this muscle becomes enlarged, usually in patients who grind or clench their teeth, it can dramatically change the shape of your lower face.
For example, an oversized masseter can make an oval face appear square. It can also cause facial asymmetry by making one side of your jaw more prominent than the other.
There are several reasons you might choose Masseter BOTOX®. This treatment could be right for you if:
While this minimally invasive treatment is safe for most, there are some situations where a different service might be a better fit. If you’re in poor general health, have a bleeding disorder, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or already have muscle weakness around the Masseter, Dr. Patel can recommend alternatives. You’ll be asked about any disqualifying conditions at your consultation.
There’s very little preparation required before BOTOX® injections. If you’re prone to bruising, avoiding anti-inflammatory medications in the week leading up to your appointment can reduce the risk.
You should also consider your schedule when preparing for Masseter BOTOX®. While most patients are fine to return to the office the same day, you might not want to get this treatment right before a big event due to possible swelling.
After your treatment, you should avoid strenuous physical activity for 24 hours to prevent contributing to inflammation. It’s also ideal to skip makeup or harsh cosmetics immediately after your appointment. Using a gentle cleanser will also keep down any irritation around the injection site.
For best results, you should sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first few days. You should also avoid massage or heavy pressure on your face for at least a week after treatment.
Generally, patients who get BOTOX® Cosmetic to reduce lines and wrinkles see the full effect of treatment in one to two weeks. Because Masseter BOTOX® is often used to reduce the size of the muscle over time, full results might not be visible for several months.
These results can last up to nine months, but following a treatment schedule of injections once every six months is preferred for maintenance.
Choosing a highly-skilled provider is the best way to ensure you get the results you want from Masseter BOTOX®. Dr. Patel graduated with honors from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and went on to complete his residency at New York University. He developed an interest in laser and injectable aesthetic treatments during his fellowship training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
He continued to learn everything he could about minimally invasive treatments. As a highly trained injector, he’s been recognized with the Platinum Level provider status by Allergan (the makers of BOTOX®), and as a President Level injector by Galderma. He also trains other physicians on the use of Dysport® and fillers as part of the Galderma Aesthetic Injector Network faculty.
In addition to his extensive experience and technical knowledge, Dr. Patel has a reputation for kindness and attentiveness in consultations. His goal in each appointment is to make sure patients feel heard and comfortable as he answers any questions and discusses the benefits and limitations of treatment options.
BOTOX® Cosmetic injections are a great way to reduce the size of your masseter muscles and restore your proper facial proportions. To learn more about achieving a tapered face shape with BOTOX®, call (786) 618-5039 to schedule a consultation at Miami Skin & Vein today. We happily welcome patients from Miami, Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and nearby areas of Florida.
Normal jaw movement doesn’t typically cause masseter muscle enlargement. But when you exercise your muscles, they get bigger — and the masseter muscles are no exception.
The most common behaviors that contribute to an enlarged masseter muscle are clenching and grinding your teeth. You may do these things under stress, or even while you are sleeping. These behaviors are hard to notice, and they can be even harder to unlearn. Thankfully, BOTOX® can help. BOTOX® injections will relax your masseter muscle while potentially helping with grinding and clenching.