Since 1980, ophthalmologist Jean Carruthers found that neurotoxic injections reduce wrinkles, making them the most popular cosmetic procedure in the US.
Botox injections are like a perpetual present if administered by a trained expert. Injections containing the neurotoxin have become the most popular form of cosmetic surgery in the United States ever since their wrinkle-reducing effects were discovered in the 1980s by ophthalmologist Jean Carruthers. Although the forehead and crow’s feet are two of the most common areas to get Botox, other, off-label areas, such as the masseter, are gaining in popularity.
You may have heard that those suffering from TMJ or jaw pain can get some relief from Botox injections. Botox injections into the masseter muscle paralyze or weaken the muscle, and this procedure is known as “Masseter Botox.” The masseter is a muscle used for chewing that is situated in the area of the jaw, which is a place where people often carry stress and tension.
People may choose to get the injection there for a variety of reasons. Here, I’ll explain everything you need to know about masseter Botox, from its price to whether or not you’re a good candidate for the treatment.
What is the procedure for Masseter Botox?
Getting Botox for your masseter looks very similar to getting the injection anywhere else, with one key difference. The muscle receives an injection of the toxin. Medical professionals frequently have patients clench their jaws tightly so they can feel and sometimes even see the masseter muscle.
Depending on how much Botox is available, practitioners may inject at multiple points in the masseter due to its size (usually there are about three to four injections total). They should also let patients know that the full effects of masseter Botox may not be visible for up to two weeks and that the injections typically lose their effectiveness after three to four months.
Masseter Botox’s Advantages
People get this treatment for a variety of reasons, and the main ones are both cosmetic and medical. The masseter contracts when you chew, and you might feel a tough muscle along the side of your face. The muscle is necessary for chewing, but occasionally it works too well and enlarges as a result. This enlargement can be hereditary or acquired through excessive use from habits like gum chewing, teeth grinding, or other similar repetitive motions.
An enlarged masseter muscle, also called “masseter hypertrophy,” can make the lower face and the area behind the jaw appear disproportionately broad and thick. This can also trigger medical conditions, including migraine headaches and TMJ. In addition, those with particularly robust masseter muscles may be able to clench their jaws to the point where they crack their teeth.
Here’s How to Figure Out If Masseter Botox Is Right for You
The choice to undergo a procedure, like all others related to your appearance and health, is one you must make for yourself. However, if you’re still on the fence about getting masseter Botox, here are a few things to think about. Some people will know they are ready when they have tried everything else to fix their problem. You may want to try this if other treatments for headaches, TMJ, or jaw pain have failed to alleviate your symptoms.
Masseter Botox paralyzes the muscle, therefore once it’s completely functional, it will shrink owing to lack of use, changing the appearance of the area.
Others will know they need masseter Botox when they consider their lower face to be too wide or square because of their pronounced masseter muscles. Since masseter Botox paralyzes the muscle, once it’s fully functional, the muscle will start to get smaller over time due to lack of use, altering the shape of the area. If you’re considering masseter Botox but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, it’s best to consult a licensed medical or dental professional who can answer any questions you may have before deciding to get the injections.
Masseter Botox’s Disadvantages
Not everyone can benefit from Botox injections in the masseter muscle. If you’ve been getting injections to treat TMJ or jaw pain, you might notice that they’ve altered your face’s appearance. Since the paralyzed muscle isn’t being used, it atrophyes when exposed to the neurotoxin. For this reason, many people choose to forego treatment; if you fall into this category, discuss mouth guards, massages, and other pain relief options with your healthcare provider as alternatives.
What Is the Price of Masseter Botox?
Botox prices, like those of most other treatments, can range widely from patient to patient and injector to injector. However, unlike many primarily cosmetic treatments, Masseter Botox occasionally qualifies for insurance coverage. Injections of Botox into the masseter muscle are sometimes covered by insurance because they are sometimes administered for medical or dental purposes. It’s best to talk about payment with your doctor before getting an injection because most insurance companies require preapproval and not all injectors are willing to accept insurance.
With this newfound knowledge about masseter Botox, you can take one more step toward achieving your health and beauty targets. Whether you’re considering an injectable, surgical, or other procedure, it’s important to work with trained professionals who can address your concerns and provide you with all the information you need before making a final decision.
Medical practitioners can now take advantage of available Botox training. Courses are available online at https://dentox.com/all-courses/, and in-person with live patients can be viewed at https://dentox.com/live-courses/. Gain knowledge that can be applied to the betterment of patients’ health, vision, and overall quality of life.
