Masseter Treatment
Aesthetic and Medical Benefits
This injectable treatment slims the face by treating the large jaw-clenching muscles, known as the Massetters
In some people this muscle can become enlarged are a result of over-clenching or teeth grinding resulting in a condition called Bruxism. The medical benefits of this treatment is a reduction of the strength of this muscle which improves the pain and headaches often associated with this condition.
The cosmetic effect of this treatment is that the muscle strength is reduced, so therefore size, in the jaw area. The result of this is softening of a square-shaped face and slimming of the lower face.
How does it work?
Botox, a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, is commonly used to target the masseter muscle, which is one of the muscles responsible for chewing and jaw movement.
When administering Botox to this muscle, a deep injection is typically inserted into three specific areas on each side of the jaw. The neurotoxin works by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in signalling muscle contractions. By blocking this neurotransmitter, Botox effectively disrupts the signals from the nerves to the muscles, preventing the masseter muscle from contracting.
This results in reduced muscle activity and can help alleviate conditions such as bruxism (teeth grinding) and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
Additionally, the treatment has a cosmetic effect on the jaw area by reducing muscle strength and size. As a result, it softens the appearance of a square-shaped face and slims down the lower face, creating a more contoured and sculpted look.
You can view examples of Botox before and after images on our gallery page.