Non-surgical jawline slimming: Masseter Injections

Masseter injections, also known as masseter muscle injections or jawline contouring with neurotoxins, are a non-surgical cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the jawline. This procedure involves injecting neuromodulators, such as Botulinum toxin (colloquially known as Botox) into the masseter muscles, which are the muscles responsible for chewing and clenching the jaw.

Here's an overview of masseter injections and non-surgical jawline contouring:

Purpose of Masseter Injections:

Face Slimming Effect: Masseter injections can create a slimming effect on the lower face by relaxing and in turn, reducing the size and prominence of the masseter muscles. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with a square or overly developed jawline due to hypertrophy (enlargement) of the masseter muscles and create a more oval, V-shaped or heart-shaped appearance.

How Masseter Injections Work:

1. Neuromodulator Injection: Botox or a similar neurotoxin is injected into specific points of the masseter muscles. These neurotoxins temporarily block nerve signals to the muscles, causing them to relax.

2. Reduction of Muscle Activity: As the masseter muscles relax, they reduce in size over time due to decreased muscle activity. This can result in a softer and more aesthetically pleasing jawline.

Procedure and Recovery:

1. Quick Procedure: Masseter injections are typically a quick and minimally invasive procedure administered using a fine needle.

2. Minimal Downtime: There is usually minimal downtime associated with masseter injections. Patients can generally resume their regular activities shortly after the procedure.

Results and Maintenance:

1. Gradual Improvement: Results from masseter injections are not immediate. It may take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks for the full effects to become noticeable as the muscles gradually relax and reduce in size. The time it takes depends on how large or strong the masseter muscles are and can vary in individuals.

2. Temporary Results: The results are temporary, lasting for an average of 6 months. Maintenance treatments are often recommended to sustain the desired jawline contour and slimming effect. With consistent maintenance treatments, results can gradually last longer than usual.

Other Indications:

1. Relieving symptoms of TMJ disorder: Temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a medical condition that can cause pain, clicking and difficulty in opening and closing your mouth. Masseter injections relax the masseter muscles, which can improve the symptoms of TMJ disorder.

2. Relieve teeth grinding and bruxism: People who grind their teeth at night and clench their jaw can benefit from masseter injections. By relaxing the masseter muscles, the treatment can prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

Risks of Masseter Injections:

1. Bulging: Masseter muscle bulging is a harmless side effect where a part of the muscle remains unaffected by the masseter injections. When you clench your teeth you will notice a small bulge of the muscle. A simple top-up treatment usually corrects this problem, and it will resolve on its own regardless.

2. Asymmetry: While all faces are asymmetrical, if the treatment is not performed carefully, jawline asymmetry may be made more obvious. This can be corrected with a touch-up treatment.

3. Swelling, Bruising, Tenderness: This can potentially occur with all cosmetic injectable treatments. Symptoms will gradually improve after a few days if you experience them.

4. Smile weakness: This occurs when the risorius muscle is injected with botulinum toxin instead of the masseter muscle. The risorius muscle is involved in smiling, and when weakened will cause a change in your smile. If this occurs, it will resolve on its own.

Radianne Skin is located in Melbourne CBD, central to many of Melbourne's suburbs in terms of accessibility. Book a comprehensive consultation with us now to discuss how we can assist you in achieving your aesthetic goals!