In cases of a bulky or over-active masseter muscle activity, this can result in a condition known as bruxism or jaw grinding. This in turn can lead to a series of problems, including erosion of the teeth’s surfaces, pain within the TMJ (the joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull) as well as tension headaches.

If you have a known history of bruxism I would always strongly encourage you to visit a dentist in the first instance in order to rule out any underlying problems with your dentition or joints which would need to be addressed first.

In the context of aesthetic treatments, neurotoxin injections to the masseter would be suitable for those with abnormally enlarged or protruding muscles which disrupt the harmony of the facial shape and cause excessive widening of the lower half of the face.

Neurotoxin injections work by causing a weakening and eventually a degree of atrophy (reduction) of the target muscles.

You will undergo a thorough consultation in clinic to determine the most suitable dosage regimen for you.

Treatment involves 3 or 4 small injections into the masseter muscle, which are over in a matter of minutes. Patients find that they are able to then continue their day as normal with no restrictions.

It takes around 7 days before the effect of the treatment starts to become apparent and usually you are able to feel (and see, in the case of jaw-slimming) the effects of treatment by around 4 weeks. This is longer than with Botox injections for anti-wrinkle purposes, purely because we are dealing with a much stronger muscle.

If at around the 2-4 week mark you feel like you would like a bit of a stronger effect then we would be delighted to administer a top-up dose adjustment if this is deemed clinically suitable.

The main risks associated with injections to the masseter include weakness in bite strength and a potential weakness/asymmetry of the muscles responsible for smiling (this effect is NOT permanent). For this reason it is always advised to seek treatment with a registered and trained healthcare professional in order to reduce this risk as much as possible. Furthermore, if it is felt that by reducing your jaw bulk, this might result in a worsening appearance of skin excess in the jowl area, you will be advised against treatment.

It is recommended that you avoid exercise or excessive straining for 24hours post treatment, as well as avoiding excessive heat or rubbing and pressure to the area. It is also advisable to avoid use of make-up over the puncture sites for a minimum of 6 hours.

Neurotoxin effects tend to last around 3-4 months on average and so to maintain the optimal results it is recommended to keep your treatments regular.

Neurotoxin injections are not suitable for anyone under the age of 21, patients who are breast-feeding or pregnant and those with a known history of neuromuscular disorders.