Masseter Reduction & Face Slimming Injection

Facial slimming is a popular procedure among women concerned about the fullness of their jawline and lower face. Masseter treatment uses muscle relaxants to reduce the size of the masseter muscles, slimming and framing the jawline. Masseter reduction injections are also helpful in relieving patients suffering painful symptoms associated with bruxium (teeth griding) or temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).

The overuse of the masseter muscle can be responsible for the appearance of a large jaw and asymmetry of the jawline. Injecting the masseter muscle with anti-wrinkle medicines causes partial paralysis of the muscle, reducing muscle activity. This causes the masseter muscles to reduce in size which is why the face looks much slimmer without losing any weight.

The tension caused by overactive masseter muscles causes some patients to suffer from Bruxism, a condition where patients uncontrollably grind their teeth, even while sleeping. The use of anti-wrinkle medicine can reduce jaw discomfort, pain, tension, stiffness or soreness, grinding, headaches, and migraines.

Face Slimming treatments are perfect for patients who are concerned about the size of their jaw or are suffering painful symptoms from teeth grinding and clenching. Face slimming injections can result in a smaller, more relaxed jaw, that is ideal for those who feel that their jaw is too square, or wide. Those with Bruxism will also find that it releases the tension in their jaw that causes pain in the jaw, or headaches. The procedure is completed very quickly and has minimal downtime, allowing patients to get back to their day.

After facial slimming injections the masseter muscle will reduce in size. Most patients see results after four to six weeks. Some patients will have 2 treatments to reach their desired cosmetic facial slimming goals. It is recommended your face slimming treatments are 3-4 months apart to obtain initial facial slimming results and continue maintenance approximately every 6 months. The masseter muscle is larger and stronger than most of the muscle treated cosmetically and therefore needs additional time to see results.

Your first few treatments will last approximately 3-4 months. Overtime the result will last longer and usually botulinum toxin longevity can last for up to 6 months.

Preparation before your face slimming injection (or masseter reduction) is simple. We recommend avoiding smoking and large intakes of alcohol for 24 hours as this increases the risk of bruising. Please inform your practitioner about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some may also increase the risk of bruising.

The patient is told to chew, so the doctor can feel the outline of the masseter muscle. Ice is applied, then the doctor makes several injections into each masseter muscle on the face. The treatment process is very similar to anti-wrinkle injection, there may be a small sting when the needle pierces the skin, but this sensation is typically short and not too intense. Mild redness and swelling may be evident immediately after the treatment but this will subside within 24 hours.

There is no required downtime after the injection, however, we recommend avoiding the following:

• Pressing or rubbing the injected area
• Applying makeup for at least four hours
• Engaging in vigorous exercise or sports