Injectables

What Is Masseter Botox?

Masseter Botox: Slim Your Jawline Without Surgery

Dreaming of a slimmer jawline—without going under the knife? Masseter Botox could be your new best friend. It’s quick, minimally-invasive, and subtly reshapes your face by slimming the jawline.

What’s Masseter Botox, Anyway?

The masseter is one of the major muscles along your jawline—the one you use when you chew. For some people, this muscle is naturally larger or overactive, which can make the face look more square or bulky. Botox works by relaxing the muscle, which helps it shrink gradually. Over time, this can give your jaw a more tapered, V-shaped appearance.

How It Helps Slim Your Face

As the masseter muscle gets smaller, your face starts to look smoother and narrower. This creates a slimmer jawline—no surgery required.

Masseter Botox is great for people who:

  • Want a softer, less square lower face
  • Prefer gradual, natural-looking results
  • Don’t want to commit to surgery

How Much Botox Do You Need?

Everyone’s facial structure is different, so the number of Botox units used will vary. In general:

  • If your masseter muscle is smaller: around 20 units per side
  • If it’s more prominent or stronger: 36–40 units per side

The injections are spaced out evenly in three spots along each side of the jaw, so the results look smooth and balanced.

How Long Does It Last?

Typically, results last about 3 to 4 months. If it’s your first time or if your muscles are on the stronger side, the effects might fade a bit sooner. But with regular treatments, the muscle gets smaller over time, so results tend to last longer.

When Will You See Results?

You won’t see the change overnight. According to Dr. Will Kirby, Board Certified Dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer at LaserAway, “It takes a couple of days for Botox to work. Day 14 is when it’s at its peak, and it looks the most natural about six weeks after the treatment.”

Aftercare: What to Do (and Avoid)

You’re good to go right after your appointment—no major downtime! Just keep a few things in mind for the first day:

  • Skip the gym or intense workouts for 24 hours
  • Don’t lie flat for at least 4 hours
  • Hold off on makeup or facials near the jaw
  • Avoid hats or anything tight near the injection area
  • No yoga inversions or hanging your head down for 24 hours

Are There Side Effects?

When done by experienced professionals, masseter Botox is very safe. Dr. Will Kirby reminds us, “It’s one of the most studied medications in the world—it’s been on the market for over 20 years.” Side effects are usually mild and temporary, if they happen at all.

Most common:

  • Slight bruising or swelling
  • Redness where the needle went in
  • Occasional headache (rare)

Less common:

  • Uneven smile
  • Chewing weakness (temporary)
  • Rare muscle bulging if some of the muscle remains active

What About Xeomin for Jawline Slimming?

Botox isn’t the only option for slimming the jawline—Xeomin works in a very similar way. It relaxes the masseter muscle just like Botox does, leading to a more contoured, V-shaped look over time. The main difference? Xeomin is a more affordable alternative. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with comparable results, Xeomin might be the perfect fit.

Why Get It at LaserAway?

When it comes to your face, you want precision. Masseter Botox isn’t just about injecting Botox—it’s about understanding facial anatomy, symmetry, and how to enhance your features without changing your natural expression.

At LaserAway, our medical professionals are experts in treatments like this. We use advanced techniques to slim your jawline, helping you feel confident from every angle.

Ready to give your jawline a glow-up? Book a free consultation and see how masseter Botox can help transform your profile—without surgery.

References

  1. “Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in Masseter Muscle Hypertrophy for Lower Face Contouring,” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, May 2022.