How Long Does Masseter Botox Last—and Who Should Get It?

Our Sparkle patients have been loving their Masseter Botox treatments lately, so we figured it was time to share this treatment with everyone. If you’ve been experiencing jaw tension, teeth grinding, or are simply looking to achieve a slimmer face shape, Masseter Botox might be the treatment you didn’t know you needed. This non-surgical procedure is increasingly popular for both aesthetic and medical reasons — but how long does it actually last, and is it right for you? Let's break down how Masseter Botox works, how long results last, and who makes a good candidate.

Masseter Botox typically calls for 20-50 units per side.

What Is Masseter Botox?

Masseter Botox involves injecting neuromodulators (i.e. Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) into the masseter muscle, the large muscle at the angle of the jaw responsible for chewing. Overuse of this muscle — from clenching, grinding (bruxism), or excessive chewing — can cause:

• Jaw pain and tension

• TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction

• A square or bulky jawline

• Headaches or facial pain

  
  

When Botox is injected into this muscle, it temporarily weakens its function, reducing both its size and activity.

How Long Does Masseter Botox Last?

Results typically last 3 to 6 months.

Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:

• Week 1–2: Initial softening of the jaw muscle begins. You may notice reduced clenching and less tension.

• Week 4–6: Visible facial slimming begins as the masseter muscle gradually shrinks from disuse.

• Month 3–4: Peak results—your face looks more contoured, and muscle tension is significantly reduced.

• Month 5–6: The effects begin to wear off as muscle activity slowly returns.

Many patients choose to repeat the treatment every 4–6 months to maintain their results or further slim the jaw over time.

 Pro Tip: With consistent treatments, the masseter can atrophy slightly, often prolonging results and requiring less product over time.

Our preferred neuromodulators for Masseter Botox includes Dysport, Botox, and Xeomin.

Who Should Consider Masseter Botox?

1. People Who Grind or Clench Their Teeth (Bruxism)

   1. Chronic teeth grinding can damage teeth, cause jaw pain, and lead to headaches or migraines. Botox helps relax the muscle, reducing clenching and grinding, especially at night.

2. Individuals with TMJ or Jaw Tension

   1. Masseter Botox can ease pain caused by TMJ dysfunction, improving range of motion and reducing the urge to clench or chew excessively.

3. Anyone Wanting a Slimmer, More Contoured Jawline

   1. If you feel your lower face looks too wide, square, or bulky due to muscle mass (not bone), Botox can help soften and slim your jawline — a popular choice for facial contouring in both women and men.

4. People Looking for a Non-Surgical Alternative

   1. Masseter Botox offers a non-invasive solution with no downtime and natural-looking results, ideal for those who prefer to avoid surgery.

      
      

How Is Masseter Botox Different from Other Botox Treatments?

Feature	Masseter Botox	Forehead/Crows Feet Botox
Target Area	Jaw muscle (masseter)	Facial expression muscles
Purpose	Muscle reduction, pain relief	Wrinkle prevention
Results Timeline	4–6 weeks for slimming	3–7 days for smoothing
Longevity	3–6 months	3–4 months

Common Questions About Masseter Botox

1. Is it painful?

   1. Most patients feel only a small pinch or mild pressure. The procedure is quick—typically under 10 minutes—and well tolerated.

2. Is there any downtime?

   1. No! You can return to your normal activities immediately, though it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise and massaging the area for the rest of the day.

3. How many units are needed?

   1. Dosage varies based on your muscle size and goals but typically ranges from 20 to 50 units per side.

4. Can the treatment be covered by insurance?

   1. We do not bill insurance here at Sparkle, but we are happy to give you a visit summary which you can then submit to your insurance. Some Sparkle patrons have been successful with this method. 

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Masseter Botox?

Masseter Botox is a safe, effective, and versatile treatment that provides both aesthetic and therapeutic benefits. Whether you're grinding your teeth in your sleep or dreaming of a more V-shaped face, this treatment offers subtle yet powerful results — often with no downtime and lasting for months. Any of our injectors at Sparkle are happy to do a complimentary consult if you have more questions! If you're looking for jawline slimming, pain relief, or both, Masseter Botox might be the perfect fit for you.