Masseter Reduction and Excessive Teeth Grinding

Excessive teeth grinding and clenching (Bruxism) can result in headaches, jaw pain, Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) wear and pain and dental issues such as stress fractures in your teeth.

Chronic overuse of these muscles result in hypertrophy (enlargement) which can result in a widened square shaped appearance of the jaw. Injection of wrinkle relaxers into the masseters relaxes the muscles resulting in a softer more feminine jawline and a reduction the symptoms of teeth grinding. Over time the masseters will atrophy (shrink).

At B Cosmetics a consultation with one of our doctors is required prior to booking a treatment. Your consultation involves a full skin and facial assessment and provides you the opportunity to discuss your area(s) of concern and expectations. You will also have clinical photography so we can monitor your treatment outcome and progress. Our consultation process is a very important step in tailoring a treatment plan specifically for you that is appropriate and safe, whilst addressing your concerns.

Muscle relaxants are injected into the masseters on each side of the face over multiple points. Given the size of the muscle a larger amount of medication in required when compared to the treatment of wrinkles.
The effect of facial jawline sliming can be seen between 2-8 weeks. Most patients will report an improvement in the symptoms of teeth grinding within 2 weeks.

Comprehensive after care information and emergency contact details for our clinic will be provided after your treatment.

A follow up appointment is recommended in 2-4 weeks to review your results and assess the need for any dose adjustments. Post treatment clinical photos will be taken and reviewed with you to ensure you are satisfied with your treatment.

Depending on the size of the masseter muscles and the severity of symptoms patients may require multiple treatments initially. Over time as the muscle atrophies less muscle relaxant is required per treatment and the time between treatments become longer.

In general, the treatment should last between 4-6 months.

You should be able to resume your usual daily activities after the appointment, experiencing little to no downtime. Immediately after treatment, you may experience slight redness, mild swelling, occasional bruising, tenderness at the injection sites. Ice can be applied to reduce discomfort.

To reduce the risks of side effects we advise the following precautions:

• Do not rub or massage the affected area for 24 hours.
• Do not lie down flat for 4 hours post-treatment.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive heat exposure for 24 to 48 hours.
• Do not apply makeup to the treated area for 12 hours.
• Do not have any facial treatments such as laser or peels for 2 weeks post-treatment.

Comprehensive after care information and emergency contact details for our clinic will be provided after your treatment.

There are risks involved with all medical procedures. Your doctor will discuss all risks and contraindications prior to performing any procedure. 

Some people will have the following effects post treatment including injection site reactions such as bruising, redness, swelling, itching and tenderness.

Some uncommon side effects include:
• Asymmetrical smile due to product diffusion to adjacent muscles
• Over treatment of the masseter muscles causing problems with chewing

It is important to note the masseters muscles are large and work together with other accessory muscles of mastication. Injecting a muscle relaxant into this large muscle with the appropriate dose and time interval will not affect chewing.

Following your aftercare instructions and letting your doctor know of any health conditions you may have or medications you are taking will help minimise complications.

Masseter injections cannot be given to pregnant or breastfeeding women.