3d rendered medically accurate muscle anatomy illustration – Masseter muscle
The Masseter muscle is the strongest muscle (based on its weight) in the body. There are two of these muscles, one on each side of the face (in front of the lower ear). These muscles are one of many that play a role in mastication (chewing/eating). As with any muscle in our body, when the muscle is constantly being worked, the muscle gets bigger (similar to a man who works out his arms with heavy weights all the time, his arms eventually grow in size). People who grind their teeth or clench their jaw tend to have bigger Masseter muscles. When these muscles get larger in females, it gives that female a large appearing face and/or square jaw appearance. Most women do not like this because it makes them appear more masculine. Instead of having an oval shaped face–which is a characteristic of femininity, she ends up with a square shaped lower-face. One way to work towards a slimmer-appearing face is to inject Botox into each Masseter muscle.
The Botox will begin to kick in around day 3 to day 10. Once the muscles are weakened a little, and not used as forcefully, eventually these muscles will begin to atrophy (get smaller). While the Botox begins to work early on, the ‘slimming’ effect of the face takes up to 4 weeks to be noticeable (have to wait for the muscles to atrophy). The amount of Botox needed for this treatment varies per each individual and their own unique anatomy. Also in 4 weeks, at the follow-up appointment, more Botox can be added if desired. The treatment lasts on average 6 months.
Probably the most frequently asked question (and a very good question) I get with this specific treatment is;
“If we are injecting Botox into my Masseter muscles- which are the muscles that help me to chew and eat, then will I be able to chew/eat after getting Botox in these muscles, because doesn’t Botox weaken/paralyze the muscle?”
And the short answer is—YES, you will still be able to chew and eat. Like I explained earlier, the Masseter muscles are very strong muscles, injecting Botox in them will only weaken them slightly, and not only that, but there are several other muscles that also aid in mastication (eating/chewing). The other primary muscles of mastication include; the Temporalis muscle, the Medial Pterygoid muscle, and the Lateral Pterygoid muscle. The only side effect that one might notice after having this treatment, is that he/she may feel a little more fatigued when eating a large meal.
If you want to learn more about this treatment or any other injectable treatments that we offer, call us or direct message us on our social media pages!
XOXO, Align Injectable Aesthetics
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