You should get jaw Botox if you suffer from jaw pain, teeth grinding (bruxism), TMJ issues, or tension headaches, as it relaxes the masseter muscle; however, consult a professional (dentist, neurologist, or cosmetic surgeon) first, as it's not for everyone, especially for simple jawline slimming without underlying muscle issues, and improper injection can cause problems like sagging or smile distortion.
Whether you're seeking a more contoured jawline or relief from jaw tension, this treatment is often worth the cost. With its long-lasting effects and minimal downtime, it's an excellent option for those looking to enhance their appearance or improve their quality of life.
Rarely will individuals undergoing this treatment experience adverse side effects such as muscle weakness, difficulties swallowing, blurred vision, speech difficulties, and problems breathing. If you experience rare side effects, promptly notify our dentist's office near you.
Patients and practitioners need to be aware that jaw muscle activity is an important element of jaw bone health, and that removing muscle activity with paralytic agents like Botox® has a deleterious effect.
The riskiest areas for Botox involve locations with crucial blood vessels and delicate muscles, primarily the glabella (between eyebrows) due to arteries that can cause blindness if blocked, the forehead/brow area risking eyelid droop (ptosis) or unnatural brow shapes, and the perioral region (mouth area), where poor placement can affect speech, smiles, or cause puckering. The masseter muscle (jaw) and neck (platysmal bands) are also sensitive, potentially causing chewing difficulty or swallowing issues with improper technique, requiring expertise to avoid complications like necrosis or paralysis.
Where should Botox never be injected? Botox should never be injected in certain areas where its effects can lead to serious complications or adverse outcomes including the eye area, deep facial muscles, inside the mouth, and large muscles in the body.
If it's right for you, The Look of 3® is an opportunity to be treated in 3 areas, with 64 units, at least 3 times a year. For moderate to severe forehead lines, frown lines, and crow's feet in adults. *Treatments should be spaced 90 days apart.
Preventative Botox typically starts in the mid to late 20s or early 30s, when fine lines first appear from repetitive facial movements. Starting early helps train facial muscles to relax and prevents deeper wrinkles from forming.
“I think there is a certain amount of fear among many Gen Zs,” says Dr Sophie Shotter, an aesthetic doctor. “They see the results of some people who have gone too far with injectables and they want to avoid that.”
After receiving Masseter Botox injections, there can be a noticeable transformation in the face shape. The treatment relaxes and reduces the size of the masseter muscles, leading to a softer, more oval-shaped face which can oftern create a slimmer and more refined jawline.
The "Botox 4-hour rule" means you should stay upright and avoid pressure or lying down for at least four hours after injections to prevent the neurotoxin from migrating from the treated muscles to unintended areas, which can cause side effects like drooping or uneven results. This helps the Botox settle precisely where it's needed for optimal wrinkle-smoothing effects, so avoid bending, rubbing, or strenuous activity during this critical period.
Can Botox make you look older over time? Commencing extensive Botox treatments at a young age can potentially accelerate the aging process, resulting in an older appearance over time. Adopting a premature and overly aggressive approach to Botox injections may lead to a frozen and over-treated facial expression.
Most people describe Botox as a quick pinch or tiny sting that's over in seconds. Forehead and crow's feet are usually a 0–2/10 on a pain scale; lip flips and masseter (jaw) can feel more like 3–4/10 because the skin and muscles there are more sensitive.
It is a common concern and an important one to address. The truth is that masseter Botox does not directly cause jowls. Jowling usually appears due to natural aging, skin laxity, or improper injection technique rather than the treatment itself.
Botox can deliver different results depending on when you receive it. If you get Botox in your twenties, it can prevent wrinkles from forming in your early thirties, but if you get it in your thirties, it will reduce the wrinkles that have formed and prevent them from becoming deep-set.
After 10 years of regular Botox, you generally look younger with smoother, brighter skin and significantly fewer deep wrinkles because the muscles have been trained not to frown, but you might experience subtle muscle weakening, less facial expression (which some find positive), and potentially thinner skin or more visible veins in some areas, while the skin remains refreshed and well-maintained.
The Signs of Botox
“If you do too much Botox on your forehead for many, many years, the muscles will get weaker and flatter,” cautions Wexler, adding that the skin can also appear thinner and looser. Moreover, as your muscles become weaker, they can start to recruit surrounding muscles when you make facial expressions.
A common concern is whether your skin will sag after you stop Botox treatments. The good news is that Botox itself does not cause sagging, nor does stopping it lead to sagging skin. However, it's important to remember that the aging process continues, regardless of whether you've had Botox or fillers in the past.
Botox is ideal for slimming and softening a wider jawline by relaxing the masseter muscle. Fillers add volume and structure to create a more defined, angular jawline. Results from Botox are more subtle and take time to develop, while fillers offer immediate, visible changes.
Most patients benefit from Botox injections every three to four months. This schedule keeps symptoms under control and prevents the muscles from fully regaining their strength. The good news is that over time, the need for frequent treatments may decrease.
Botox® for TMJ might be recommended if a dentist determines you have problems with your temporomandibular joints that are being caused by overactive muscles or if other treatments have failed.
A good price to pay for Botox typically ranges from $10 to $20 per unit, but the total cost depends on how many units you need. Most people require 20 to 60 units for common treatment areas like forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines.
From 2025, following a landmark decision by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), new regulations for aesthetic injectables will ban nurses from prescribing botulinum toxin remotely face-to-face consultations will be mandatory before treatment.
Injecting too often can create a form of resistance.
The FDA and manufacturers such as Allergan (Botox®) also recommend no more than 3 to 4 sessions per year. This ensures the long-term safety of the treatment.