New York Masseter Neurotoxin Injections

Masseter neurotoxin injections treat both the cosmetic and functional concerns associated with masseter muscle hypertrophy.

The masseter muscle contributes to our normal chewing movements. This muscle runs along the side of the face to the mandible (jawbone). Hypertrophy, or enlargement, of this muscle often occurs in patients between 18 and 45 years of age. Enlargement can lead to a square-appearing lower face, which makes the face look prematurely aged. In some patients, only one side of the face is affected, especially if one side is favored with chewing or tooth grinding. This can lead to an asymmetric or uneven facial appearance.

Jaw clenching and tooth grinding are common in patients with masseter muscle hypertrophy. Many patients complain of pain or bruxism when masseter enlargement is associated with tooth grinding. Often, tooth grinding occurs while a person is sleeping and is unable to control his or her jaw movements.

Neurotoxin addresses these symptoms by reducing muscle activity in the injected muscle. Over time, this leads to a decrease in the size (atrophy) of the muscle and jawline. Multiple clinical studies by plastic surgeons have demonstrated a significant and safe reduction in masseter volume following treatment.

Masseter Injections with Neinstein Plastic Surgery in NYC

The area in which neurotoxin is commonly injected is near the angle of the jaw in the lower portion of the face. The amount of neurotoxin which is needed per treatment varies depending on the strength and thickness of the muscle. At the time of your consultation, your jaw movements and the amount of muscle in this area will be carefully assessed to develop your treatment plan.

Neurotoxin injections take about 10 minutes in the office.

Basic Pre- and Post-Care Instructions

It is preferred that patients do not come to their neurotoxin appointment with make-up on.

To avoid bruising with neurotoxin and fillers, a week before your cosmetic injection appointment, we recommend you stop taking: aspirin, ibuprofen, Excedrin, Motrin, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, flax oil, cod liver oil, fish oil, vitamin A, vitamin E and other essential fatty acids. Also, avoid drinking alcohol a few days before your treatment. Do not stop prescriptions from your doctor. When used as directed, Arnica may help prevent bruising and swelling, and is highly recommended. You may not receive injectable treatments if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Additional customized instructions will be given to you by your provider.

Results

Masseter injection results can be noticed within weeks. Patients typically first notice a reduction in size at two weeks following treatment and the full reduction can be seen by the 2-4 month mark.

Patients often report a decrease in forceful biting and grinding with treatment and many patients break the habit of tooth grinding altogether, following injections.

To avoid the return of masseter size and maintain injection results, we usually recommend repeating injections at 6 months.

Multiple studies have shown a high level of patient satisfaction with this treatment.