Botox injections in Kelowna has a variety of medical and cosmetic uses – both of which functions apply to masseter Botox. Masseter or jaw Botox not only slims the jawline for a narrowed face but also alleviates painful symptoms of teeth clenching and grinding. Continue reading to learn more about how this treatment works and how you can benefit.
What is Botox?
Botox is a neuromodulator that relaxes muscles. When injected into the muscles, Botox temporarily reduces muscle contractions to the treated muscles. Muscle contractions and repeated facial movements are the main cause of fine lines and wrinkles, which makes Botox one of the most effective treatments for those signs of aging.
However, Botox can also be used to treat medical conditions like excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and jaw pain. The neurotoxin works similarly in these areas, either blocking nerve signals to the sweat glands or blocking signals to the jaw muscles to relax them. Treatment for jaw clenching or TMJ disorder is typically called masseter Botox or jaw Botox.
What is Masseter Botox?
Botox is popularly known as a wrinkle treatment, but this injectable has even more benefits that are not as well known. An innovative use for Botox is in the treatment of TMJ or jaw clenching and grinding. This is a painful condition that can cause tooth damage, sore or swollen muscles, and tension headaches. Masseter Botox, or Botox injected into the masseter muscles, is a great way to treat this condition and slim the jawline.
What is the Masseter Muscle?
The masseter muscle is one of the muscles in the lower jaw that is responsible for chewing. It is located toward the back of the jaw and connects to the cheek. Although this muscle is small, it has a lot of strength and is responsible for jaw contracture (opening and closing the mouth).
What Causes Enlarged Jaw Muscles?
Just like any other muscle, exercise and constant movement will enlarge the masseter muscles. “Exercising” the jaw muscles includes behaviors like chewing, clenching, and grinding. Oftentimes, people do these things while they sleep or unconsciously while they are stressed. This clenching and grinding bulk up the masseter muscle, causing it to become larger and overdeveloped. This ultimately creates a wider, square and boxy look to the lower face.
How Do You Know if You Have Enlarged Jaw Muscles?
People that constantly clench or grind their teeth can develop an enlarged masseter muscle, which also enlarges and/or alters the shape of the lower face. If you feel that the lower part of your face is boxed or rounded more than it used to be or your muscles are strained, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chetty at Cerulean Medical Institute and he can assess your jaw to determine whether the muscles are enlarged.
Facial injury, bacterial infection, viral infections, and throat problems like swollen lymph nodes, salivary gland problems, or tonsilitis could also be the cause of your swollen jaw. If you have other symptoms accompanying these illnesses, this will be taken into consideration, and we may recommend you visit your primary care doctor or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor).
Who is a Candidate for Masseter Botox?
If you have muscle hypertrophy (enlarged muscles) or strained and sore muscles, this could be a sign that you have been clenching and grinding your teeth. Tooth pain in the morning and tension headaches are also an indicator of enlarged jaw muscles. If you have any of these symptoms, you may benefit from masseter Botox.
Botox will relax the masseter muscle, so that it does not contract as hard while clenching or chewing. By reducing the pressure on the masseter muscle, it will become less enlarged, and the bottom of your face will narrow. This is commonly desired by women who want a more narrow, feminine jawline.
How to Prepare for Masseter Botox Treatment
Before receiving Botox injections, you should stop taking anti-inflammatory medications for about one to two days, especially if you bruise easily. You should also avoid drinking alcohol for a day before your treatment since this can worsen swelling and bleeding. Before your appointment, we recommend coming in makeup-free. We will cleanse your face before injections and can remove any makeup as needed.
What to Expect from Masseter Botox Treatment
Botox injections are minimally painful and the entire appointment takes no more than 20 minutes. Dr. Chetty can apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area at the start of your appointment if you are concerned about discomfort. Most patients find Botox treatment to be minimally painful.
After your treatment, mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the injection site is rare but can occur. This will subside within a few days. Keep your head elevated, apply a cold compress, avoid touching the injection site, and take over-the-counter pain medication as needed to alleviate any discomfort or swelling.
How Long Do the Results of Masseter Botox Last?
It takes a few days for the positive effects of Botox to develop, and you may notice gradual facial slimming for a few weeks after your appointment. Depending on the size and stage of your masseter muscle hypertrophy results can last 3-4 months (similar to wrinkle treatment). Once therapeutic outcome has achieved in acute treatment, maintenance masseter Botox is performed annually.
Masseter Botox in Kelowna
Are you bothered by the appearance of a square jaw and/or have jaw pain from clenching and grinding? Masseter Botox can resolve all these concerns to help you feel and look great! Schedule your consultation with Dr. Praven Chetty at Cerulean Medical Institute by calling our Kelowna office on (778) 760-5050 today.
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