Mechanism of Action for Masseter Botox
Masseter Botox is a popular beauty treatment, but it also works as an effective medical tool to treat several conditions. It uses the neurotoxin, botulinum toxin, to paralyze muscles and make wrinkles and fine lines less noticeable. While the majority of people use it for anti-aging, it can also be used to slim the jawline and help treat problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
The masseter muscle is a powerful facial muscle that wraps around your lower jawbone and cheek. Its job is to open and close your jaw while you chew and talk, but when it becomes enlarged in some individuals – usually those who clench or grind their teeth – it can transform an oval face into one that looks square and masculine. Injection of the masseter muscle with Masseter Botox can temporarily block nerve signals to the masseter, causing it to relax and shrink, resulting in a slimmer jawline.
Botox can also aid in reducing the jaw pain and headaches that often occur due to excessive teeth grinding and jaw clenching, a condition called bruxism. Bruxism affects the TMJ and can cause teeth breakage, jaw discomfort, tension and stress, and even neck and back pain. By lowering the activity of the masseter muscle, Botox Masseter can alleviate these symptoms.
Masseter Botox – What is the Mechanism of Action for Masseter Botox?
During the Masseter Botox procedure, a qualified provider will first cleanse your skin and mark the area where the injections will be made on both sides of your jaw. Then, they will inject the Botox directly into the masseter muscle. The injections are quick and relatively painless.
After the injections are complete, a trained provider will massage the injection sites to ensure they have a smooth and consistent appearance. Then you can go on with your day, although it is important to avoid strenuous exercise or excessive facial manipulation for the first 24 hours after the treatment to prevent the Botox from migrating to areas where it shouldn’t go and affecting the results.
The effects of Masseter Botox typically last between three and six months, depending on your individual needs and the desired aesthetic outcome. Some patients may require follow-up treatments every few months in order to maintain the desired results. The exact mechanism of action for Masseter Botox is not fully understood, but it is thought that the treatment decreases the stiffness of the masseter muscles by lowering the activation of the cranial muscle nociceptors. This is due to the reduction of glutamate and CGRP.
Those who are ideal candidates for Masseter Botox are those who have bulky, square-shaped jawlines that result from an overactive masseter muscle and muscle hypertrophy. These individuals are often those who habitually clench and grind their teeth, which can be caused by stress, anxiety, misaligned bite or other factors. Good candidates are also those who suffer from TMD disorders and want to try non-invasive therapies before considering surgery. If you are interested in getting Masseter Botox, contact a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and concerns.