How does masseter Botox® work for face slimming and TMJ (TMD)?

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• Masseter Botox® injections can sculpt the jawline for a face slimming effect
• TMJ Botox® injections can be life changing for those who grind or clench their teeth
• Is it safe to get TMJ or masseter Botox®?
• What is the cost of TMJ or masseter Botox®?
• Is Botox® for pain covered by health insurance?

Botox® is commonly used in the cosmetic industry to treat wrinkles. But it has several uses, and has been applied in medicine for decades. One of the uses of Botox® is to shape the face in some areas. It can also be used to help with different kinds of pain. These two goals converge when it comes to masseter Botox® treatments.

Masseter Botox® can be used to both slim the jawline and treat temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) on – you guessed it – the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We’ll explain how this works, and what you can expect from this treatment, below.

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Masseter Botox® injections can sculpt the jawline for a face slimming effect

You don’t have to be in any pain to seek masseter Botox® injections. Many people desire to slim their jawline contour with this method.

Botox® is a neurotoxin that essentially stops neurotransmitters from reaching your muscles. As a result, your muscles have no choice but to relax. They become semi-deactivated, in a way.

In the face, near the jawline, you have a masseter muscle. When you chew, speak, laugh or use your mouth, this muscle is exercised. And, just like flexing body muscles makes them grow, the same effect happens on the face. Thick masseter muscles can give people the appearance of a rounder face, or more defined jawline.

There are those who like this look. It is typically associated with masculinity. But others, especially feminine women, prefer a V-line face shape. That’s where masseter Botox® injections come in.

Masseter Botox® treatments can relax the muscle that has grown along the jawline. When this muscle is no longer used as much, it begins to shrink. It’s the same concept as no longer exercising your body muscles. Eventually, they will shrink too.

So, the end result is a slimmer face, which is the goal for some people seeking this treatment.

Results begin to show about 1 – 2 weeks after injections. Treatments need to be repeated every 3 – 4 months, depending on how your body reacts to the Botox® substance.

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TMJ Botox® injections can be life changing for those who grind or clench their teeth

Interestingly, Botox® for facial slimming also has the effect of treating TMD. This is why “masseter Botox®” is sometimes referred to as “TMJ Botox®.” The injection points are nearly the same, even though the goals can be different.

The masseter muscle is, of course, the muscle in this area. But the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint. Both of these components are needed to help you chew.

If you grind your teeth (a condition known as “bruxism”), you may have TMJ pain syndrome. Medically, this is called “temporomandibular joint disorder,” or, TMD and TMJD for short.

However, TMD is a term that encompasses a variety of issues that lead to a misalignment of the TMJ to your skull and face muscles. It can be caused by injury, arthritis or other health issues. You can learn more about it here.

TMD is not just an issue for dental health; clenching can cause pain too. People with this condition can wake up with headaches – even migraine headaches. They can also experience pain or tension in their neck, face, and ear. Not to mention, their teeth!

On that note, if you do have TMD or bruxism, you probably know about it. You may have been prescribed a mouth guard to wear at night. Or, you may have seen your doctor about chronic pain in this area.

The good news is that Botox® can be used to relax the muscles around the TMJ regions. When this happens, the involuntary impulse to clench, bite or grind is inhibited. Your muscles just won’t allow it, since they become partially paralyzed by the neurotoxin.

This can have life-changing effects for people who suffer from TMJ pain. It can be a long-term replacement for medication. The same is true of Botox® for migraine headaches or other types of joint pain.

Like other uses of Botox®, repeat treatments are necessary to maintain its effects. Results begin to show 1 – 2 weeks after injections, and can last 3 – 4 months, depending on the person.

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Is it safe to get TMJ or masseter Botox®?

Using Botox® for TMD or in the masseter muscles is considered an off-label use of Botox®. This only means that it hasn’t been extensively studied or approved by the FDA or Health Canada for this use. That said, doctors are still able to prescribe this treatment to their patients. There is nothing wrong with that.

The main potential for side effects from Botox® have to do with the way it is injected. Treating the jawline with Botox® is not the same as treating the forehead for wrinkles, or the hands and feet for hyperhidrosis. The injector needs to be highly skilled in this practice, and for this particular area.

If too much Botox® is used, or if Botox® is improperly placed, unintentional, but temporary, paralysis can occur. In the case of the jawline, this can make it hard for you to chew or speak. It can also result in drooling, or an uneven mouth shape. But, since Botox® wears off, these side effects can as well.

More serious side effects of Botox® are very rare, and can be related to underlying health conditions. A doctor or nurse administering this treatment should go over all possible risks with you before treatment. They should also answer any questions you have about it.

It goes without saying that you should always seek a professional, trained and licensed medical practitioner for Botox® treatments.

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What is the cost of TMJ or masseter Botox®?

To effectively treat TMD or masseter muscles with Botox®, a good, strong dose is needed (without over-treating the area!). Using too little will not get you the effects you are looking for. This can play a factor in the pricing for this treatment.

Each Botox® provider will have their own rates and pricing structure. This can depend on the geographic area they practice in, as well as their years of experience.

However, we would advise you not to look at cost per unit when seeking a Botox® injector. Very skilled Botox® injectors can rely on technique, rather than mere dosage, to achieve the results you want. Always opt for skill over price.

To be very general, you expect to pay around $625 – $1500 to treat masseter muscles and TMJ with ​​Botox®. But, a consultation is usually required to determine your end-price. This is because your case can differ from another person’s.

See our article:

• What is the price of Botox® in Vancouver?

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Is Botox® for pain covered by health insurance?

Unfortunately, Botox® for TMJ or other types of pain is not typically covered under health insurance plans. This includes the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in British Columbia. Botox® is considered a cosmetic treatment, and patients pay for it out of pocket.

However, Allergan, the parent company behind Botox®, does have a discount program available for those seeking Botox® for migraine headaches. You can learn more about it here.

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TMJ and masseter Botox® treatments are only an appointment away!

As we’ve seen above, masseter Botox® and TMJ Botox® are very similar treatments. They both result in a slimmer, V-line face shape. And, they treat jaw clenching pain from TMJD or bruxism. Botox® can be a long-term solution for these concerns, lasting 3 – 4 months at a time. It can be a great relief to some, especially if they are suffering from chronic facial or head pain.

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