When you think of getting “tox” (or Botox), you likely think of treating the forehead or crow's feet for fine lines and wrinkles. But to the surprise of many, these injectable neurotoxins have many other functions alongside neuromodulation.
Neuromodulators can be used to temporarily relax muscles and treat various medical conditions. For example, masseter Botox can be used for migraines, headaches and TMJ pain. The masseter muscle is a muscle that attaches to the jaw from the cheek and is useful for chewing. When relaxed by ‘tox, for example, overall tension is eased.
At Trouvaille Med Spa, located in Tinley Park, Illinois, we’ve observed that the most common concern raised about injectables is the fear of looking overdone or unnatural. That’s why our approach is focused on natural-looking results, enhancing your features while maintaining your unique beauty. Beyond this, injectables also target certain medical conditions such as migraines and chronic jaw clenching.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how toxins added to the masseter muscle work as well as additional unexpected benefits.
How Do Masseter Muscle Injectables Work?
[Myths about neuromodulators]
Within our systems, we possess a chemical messenger called Acetylcholine (Ach), which is involved in communication between nerve cells and other cells, such as muscle cells, that cause muscle contraction.
Neurotoxins prevent this, making muscles relax instead. This is why these injectables must be administered in small, controlled doses and by professionals.
But its effects are temporary, so you don’t have to worry about permanent effects. However, that’s why multiple follow-ups are needed with these treatments.
Masseter Injectables for Bruxism
Have you noticed yourself grinding your teeth often, maybe even during sleep?
This condition is called bruxism, and it's often managed with mouthguards or changes in habits.
A more effective approach to addressing teeth grinding is the administration of neurotoxins on the masseter muscle. This helps the muscle relax and become weaker, which prevents intense grinding. As a result, your jaw and teeth won't clench as strongly on their own. The treatment also offers benefits for:
- A tense jaw
- Pain in your jaw, neck, or face
- Experiencing pain or sensitivity in your teeth
- Dealing with headaches caused by teeth-grinding
Masseter Injectables for Clenching
When the masseter muscle works very hard at chewing, it could strain the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), possibly causing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
To combat this, receiving a neurotoxin injectable in the masseter muscle can improve TMJ symptoms.
Masseter ‘tox can also be beneficial for:
- Jaw pain
- TMJ issues
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide
- Occasional jaw locking
- Headaches caused by jaw tension
Masseter Injectables for Face Slimming
Having a round face is fine, but if that's not your preference, you can use masseter muscle to create a slimmer facial appearance.
Neurotoxins applied to the masseter muscle relax and eventually reduce the posterior lower cheek area, which can reduce overall facial fullness. The outcome? Your face appears slimmer, and your jawline becomes more distinct.
This serves as an excellent non-surgical choice compared to the popular buccal fat removal procedure.
Masseter Injectables for Headaches
If you find yourself grinding your teeth often or having a tense jaw, you might experience frequent headaches.
Using these neurotoxins to relax the masseter muscle, whether for treating teeth grinding or TMJ issues, could help alleviate those headaches. This leads to improved sleep quality and enhanced productivity.
Masseter Injectables for Asymmetry
Finally, as ‘tox relaxes the masseter muscles, the jawline becomes more distinct, contributing to an overall balanced and symmetrical appearance of the face.
Visit Us at Trouvaille
Here’s something extra to note:
“The results of neuromodulators typically become noticeable within a few days after the treatment. But it’s important to keep in mind that the full effects may take up to two weeks to develop fully.” Trouvaille
At Trouvaille, we take the time to listen to your goals, assess your facial anatomy, and customize your treatment accordingly. We also make sure to let you know your options. For example, there are alternatives to the more popular Botox that are equally effective in treatment but aren’t as well-known.
Whether you’re still considering a masseter muscle Botox or you’re ready to get started, you can book a consultation with us to discuss your options.
We look forward to speaking with you.
