According to the general aesthetic understanding, a wide and square jaw structure is desired in men, while in women, an oval and narrow jaw structure is preferred. The masseter muscle is the chewing muscle located on both sides of our jaw. In some individuals, this muscle may be excessively enlarged structurally or due to reasons such as teeth clenching (Bruxism), chewing gum excessively, and asymmetric chewing. When toxin is applied to the masseter muscle located in the lower part of the face, a reduction in muscle volume and narrowing of the lower jaw contour result in a more oval appearance.
Masseter toxin application, like other toxin applications, is performed by injection and the procedure is completed in a short time, approximately 5 minutes. The application does not affect eating and drinking functions. The reduction in muscle volume begins to be observed approximately 2 weeks after the application and lasts for about 4 months. However, in individuals who consume constant hard foods and chew gum, the duration of the effect of the procedure may be shortened because the muscle activity increases. For patients with high muscle density, it is recommended to perform the application regularly every 4 months to achieve higher efficiency from the procedure. Once the desired level is reached after 3 or 4 sessions, the application intervals can be extended.
Masseter Toxin is a non-surgical treatment involving the injection of botulinum toxin type A into the masseter muscles in the lower jaw. These muscles are located on the sides of your face that become visible when you clench your jaw. The injected neurotoxin blocks the nerves that send signals to the muscles, causing them to relax. The patient can still chew, but masseter movement is limited, and the jaw shrinks due to decreased activity.
Why Do We Use Masseter Teeth Clenching Treatment?
Patients choose masseter toxin application treatment for the following reasons:
- To slim down a square, protruding jaw.
- To manage involuntary teeth grinding (bruxism).
- To reduce possible pain caused by teeth grinding.
Note: If your jaw is square due to your bone structure, toxin application will not help. Masseter teeth clenching treatment only slims down your jaw if it has been excessively active and caused prominence in the masseter muscles.
How is Masseter Teeth Clenching Treatment Done?
Masseter toxin application is a quick intervention that does not require any preparation by the patient. The first step is to consult with a specialist doctor. The doctor examines your jawline and asks about the reason for the procedure. They also review your medical history to see if any underlying condition may prevent you from receiving toxin treatment.
The treatment itself only takes a few minutes. The doctor cleans your skin to minimize the risk of infection. They mark the area between your cheekbone and lower jawbone on both sides, where the masseters are located. Then, they inject toxin into the target area. The amount of toxin depends on the problem being treated.
After the injections, your doctor massages the injected area to help the toxin settle and minimize swelling and bruising.
You can resume your normal daily activities immediately after the procedure.
When Should Botox Application Be Applied?
There is no gender difference in toxin application. The starting age for application is generally towards the end of the 20s, but it can be started earlier if needed. The aim of toxin application is to prevent the permanent formation of mimic lines that become more pronounced over time. Therefore, toxin application should be started as soon as mimic lines begin to form.
Is There Any Procedure that Replaces Botox Application?
There is no procedure that can replace toxin application. All procedures aimed at treating scars and improving skin quality, such as laser, gold needle, and mesotherapy, help reduce fine wrinkles on the skin surface but cannot affect mimic muscles like toxin application. Additionally, there are no cream-type applications that can have an effect similar to toxin application.
How Long Does Botox Application Last?
The duration of toxin application varies from person to person. Approximately 1 or 1.5 months after toxin application, mimic movements gradually return, and complete resolution occurs in about 3.5-4 months. However, this period can extend up to 6 months for individuals who use fewer mimics. In individuals with intense mimic use, those who do intense sports, thyroid patients, those who use intense antioxidant supplements, and during summer months, the effect of toxin application may be slightly shorter compared to winter months.
How is Botox Application Done?
Toxin application is a procedure performed by a doctor through injection. The procedure is relatively painless, but if the person is nervous or has a very low pain threshold, topical anesthesia or cold application can be performed before the procedure. First, the area to be treated is sterilized, then the points where the application will be made are marked, and the appropriate amount of toxin is injected using very fine needles. The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes. Patients can return to their normal daily life immediately after the application.
When Does the Effect of Botox Application Start?
The effect of toxin begins to be felt approximately 3-4 days after the application. This effect continues to increase in the following days and generally reaches its maximum level around the 15th day.
For this reason, the patient is called for a follow-up on the 15th day, and additional doses can be administered to the areas deemed necessary.
Precautions Before Botox Application
To reduce the risk of bleeding before the application, aspirin and other blood thinners and painkillers should be discontinued 1 week before the procedure. If there is a herpes (cold sore) or any other skin infection in the treatment area, the treatment should be applied after the infection is treated.
Precautions After Botox Application
- The application area should not be touched with water or cosmetic products on the day of the procedure.
- Alcohol should not be consumed on the same day, and sports should be avoided, and traumatic procedures such as massage should be avoided for one day.
- It is recommended not to enter very hot environments such as a bath, sauna, or solarium after the procedure.
Side Effects of Botox Application
Botulinum toxin has been used for many years for both aesthetic and therapeutic purposes and is an FDA-approved, reliable substance. The important thing here is the expertise of the applying doctor and determining the correct dose according to the needs of the individual.
As with any injection procedure, mild redness and swelling may occur, but these effects disappear within approximately 10-15 minutes. Rarely, small bruises due to bleeding may occur at the injection sites. These are expected effects. Complications occurring after toxin applications are mostly due to incorrect applications.
Who Should Not Receive Botox Application
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers
- Children under the age of 12
- Individuals with significant motor weakness in the treatment area
- Patients with immune deficiencies
- Those who use medications that interact with botulinum toxin
- Individuals with muscle diseases such as Myasthenia gravis
- Those with bleeding problems
- Presence of skin infections such as cold sores or wounds in the treatment area
Each skin is unique to the individual. Therefore, it is very important to provide the health solutions and medical support the person needs with a treatment approach tailored to them. Dr. Pınar Koç specializes in dermatological disorders as well as aesthetic and cosmetic dermatology, laser applications in dermatology, and hair diseases. You can contact us for
