BOTOX® FOR MASSETER HYPERTROPHY

The masseter muscles aid in helping us chew. They are located by the sides of the face, right by the jawbones. While many muscles in the body are used for multiple functions, the masseter muscles are unique in that their sole function is for mastication (chewing). The masseter muscles should be symmetrical with neighboring facial features. Patients with asymmetrical masseter muscles may find relief from Botox® for masseter hypertrophy in NYC.

WHAT IS MASSETER HYPERTROPHY?

Masseter hypertrophy is when either one or both masseter muscles appear enlarged, swollen, and uneven with surrounding facial features. Enlarged masseter muscles can also cause temporomandibular joint pain and restrict the range of motion of the jaw.

There can be many reasons why masseter hypertrophy occurs. Teeth grinding, clenching, or any other movement that puts stress on the jaw can lead to masseter hypertrophy. When the masseter muscles get overworked, swelling may occur, which would give the jawline a protruding appearance. Masseter hypertrophy can also be genetic, stemming from someone’s natural anatomy rather than bruxism, TMJ, or other causes. It is more common to see patients with a square-shaped facial anatomy to have masseter hypertrophy, but patients with varying facial shapes can still be susceptible. While surgical options have been the traditional method to treat masseter hypertrophy, many patients can improve their symptoms with more conservative options. Fortunately, Botox® injections can greatly relieve any painful or cosmetic symptoms of masseter hypertrophy.

Symptoms of masseter hypertrophy may include:

• Enlarged masseter muscles
• Bruxism
• Temporomandibular joint pain
• Restricted range of motion along the jaw
• Facial asymmetry

HOW CAN BOTOX® INJECTIONS HELP MASSETER HYPERTROPHY?

Botox® injections can calm any painful symptoms and improve the facial symmetry of those that suffer from masseter hypertrophy. The reason that Botox® works so well for masseter hypertrophy is because it treats teeth grinding, clenching, and other bruxism symptoms that exacerbate masseter muscles enlarging, which leads to an asymmetrical facial appearance. Botox® works by stopping neurotransmitters that signal the jaw to clench and grind teeth together. When the neurological trigger to grind teeth is gone, this gives the masseter muscles time to heal and decrease in size.

As the masseter muscles return to a more normal size, this allows the jaws to function more properly because there are no interfering muscles causing jaw immobility. When the jaw can chew correctly, any pain that may have been felt before should subside. Patients can expect a better quality of life with an improved appearance and lack of pain from enlarged masseter muscles.

Botox® injections for masseter hypertrophy may help:

• Reduce masseter muscles to a normal size
• Stop teeth grinding, clenching, and symptoms related to bruxism
• Relieve pain of the temporomandibular joint
• Increase range of motion previously restricted from enlarged masseter muscles

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM BOTOX® INJECTIONS FOR MASSETER HYPERTROPHY?

Our NYC oral surgeons will help determine if Botox® injections for masseter hypertrophy are right for you. They will ask if you have felt any jaw pain, discuss other treatments that may have been tried, perform x-rays of the jaw, and any other additional questions to determine the proper treatment.

We use a topical anesthetic when we administer injections to make sure patients feel comfortable during their procedure. Small quantities of Botox® are injected into the enlarged masseter muscles. Botox® stops the neurotransmitters that cause the jaw muscles to repeatedly grind or clench. Botox® will also weaken the masseter muscles to help relax them. We will never use an amount of Botox® that would make chewing, talking, creating facial expressions, and other everyday facial movements more difficult than it was before.

Patients should start to notice a reduction in the size of the masseter muscles two weeks after they received their injections. Swelling will decrease and facial symmetry will continue to improve in the following months.

DO I NEED ADDITIONAL BOTOX® INJECTIONS FOR MASSETER HYPERTROPHY?

While Botox® is very effective for treating the pain and swelling associated with enlarged masseter muscles, the results don’t last forever. However, the masseter muscles maintain results longer than other sites typically used for Botox® injections. Patients can maintain great results by receiving treatment every 6 months. Dr. Stein will discuss what frequency of injections is right for you.

HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH BOTOX® FOR MASSETER HYPERTROPHY IN NEW YORK CITY?

Dr. Stein, Dr. Koslovsky, and our staff would be happy to discuss Botox® injections for masseter hypertrophy with you. Please call 212-888-4760 or schedule an appointment online to arrange for a private consultation at our office.