\n| Months 3\u20136<\/td>\n | The muscle slowly returns to its old strength<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n The slimming effect takes longer than people expect, so don\u2019t judge it after one week.<\/p>\n <\/span>Aftercare<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- Don\u2019t rub or massage the jaw for 24 hours<\/li>\n
- Avoid heavy exercise, sauna and alcohol on the day<\/li>\n
- Stay upright for about 4 hours<\/li>\n
- Eat soft food for the first day or two if chewing feels tired<\/li>\n
- Skip chewing gum while the muscle settles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>Side Effects and Risks<\/span><\/h2>\nMasseter Botox is off-label. That means the product isn\u2019t officially approved for this use, though doctors have used it for years. Most side effects are mild and short-lived:<\/p>\n \n- Bruising, swelling or soreness at the injection points<\/li>\n
- Chewing tiredness, especially with tough food, for a few weeks<\/li>\n
- A headache<\/li>\n
- A slightly uneven smile or an odd bulge when you clench, if the dose or placement isn\u2019t right<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Some studies suggest the jaw bone can thin when the muscle is weakened again and again over a long time. Research in people is limited. This is why we use the lowest dose that works and don\u2019t recommend constant top-ups.<\/p>\n You can\u2019t reverse masseter Botox. It wears off by itself over a few months.<\/p>\n <\/span>Who Should Not Have It<\/span><\/h2>\nSkip masseter Botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a muscle or nerve condition, have an infection at the injection site, or are allergic to botulinum toxin. Tell the doctor about any medicine you take and any dental or jaw problems.<\/p>\n <\/span>Masseter Botox, Fillers or Other Options<\/span><\/h2>\n\n \n\n\n| <\/th>\n | Masseter Botox<\/th>\n | Jawline filler<\/th>\n | Surgery<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n | \n\n| What it changes<\/td>\n | Muscle size<\/td>\n | Jaw shape and definition<\/td>\n | Bone or fat<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Best for<\/td>\n | Wide, square lower face from muscle<\/td>\n | A sharper, more defined jaw<\/td>\n | Bony jaw angle<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Lasts<\/td>\n | 3\u20136 months<\/td>\n | Longer<\/td>\n | Permanent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Downtime<\/td>\n | None<\/td>\n | Some swelling<\/td>\n | Weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n Many people combine slimming Botox with jawline fillers<\/a> or facial sculpting<\/a> for a more balanced face.<\/p>\n | |