TREATMENTS

Masseter Reduction

Masseter reduction is a popular procedure where injections are used to reduce the size of the masseter muscles (large muscle in jaw) to reduce bruxism related symptoms and slim the lower face.

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Suitable For

Jawline slimming, treatment of teeth grinding/clenching, treatment of headaches

Downtime

Nil

Pregnancy Safe?

Cost

Dependent on personal needs, starts at $600

Longevity

Average of 6 months

How It Works

Masseter reduction for both treatment of teeth grinding and for the cosmetic purpose of slimming the lower face is a simple and effective procedure.

The procedure involves an injection into the large masseter muscles and works by relaxing (not paralysing) the muscle, resulting in less habitual grinding or clenching and eventual atrophy or shrinkage of the muscle.

Masseter Hypertrophy

Enlarged masseter muscles are common and may occur naturally or can grow from excessive teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), which is often related to stress.

With overuse from habitual teeth grinding or clenching, the muscle becomes large and overdeveloped, altering the shape of the lower face often in an asymmetrical manner.

People who suffer from bruxism often report daily headaches, TMJ pain, ear and facial pain, worn down teeth and dental problems
Previously the only available treatment was expensive dental splints and physiotherapy which often didn’t address the pain associated symptoms.

FAQS

Every new client of Southern Skin Clinic will require a full cosmetic consultation. This consultation will include clinical photography, skin assessment and facial assessment based on your concerns and expectations. Dr Khossousi and Nurse Wei will then tailor a treatment plan that is specific to you.

The treatment is comfortable and topical numbing cream is available to you if you wish to use it.

The anti-wrinkle injections are injected into the masseter muscle on each of side of the face and spread out at multiple points within the muscle to produce reduction. The amount of anti-wrinkle varies but in general larger amounts are needed when compared to the treatment of wrinkles.

Facial slimming and jawline reduction can be seen anywhere from 2-8 weeks. With most patients reporting a symptomatic relief of facial pain and headaches within 2 weeks.

There is no downtime following anti-wrinkle treatment, meaning that normal activities can be resumed following. You may experience mild swelling and redness at the injection site and occasionally bruising may occur.

General aftercare to reduce the risk of side effects and ensure the best results include

Ice can be applied to reduce discomfort, swelling and bruising
Avoid strenuous or heat inducing activity for 12 hours
Avoid makeup to the treated area for 12 hours
Do not rub or massage the area for 24 hours
Do not lay flat for 4 hours post treatment
Do not have any facial treatments for 2 weeks following.

The masseters are two bulky muscles on each side of the jaw. They are the muscles responsible for chewing. A common concern with treatment of the muscles is that the muscle will be paralysed leaving you unable to chew.

Given the large size and strength of the muscle, and the use of other smaller muscles for mastication, chewing is not affected by this treatment.

Generally results will last for approximately 6 months.

In some cases, a repeat treatment performed 8 weeks later may be required to ensure the best result. This is more common in initial treatment for those with severe symptoms or very large muscles.

Over time with regular treatment, the muscle will shrink meaning less muscle relaxant is needed with longer periods between treatment, The results improve drastically over the first year of treatment, with people often finding they no longer require a large dose as the habit of grinding or clenching has been broken.

Any medical procedure caries risk and your doctor/nurse will discuss this in detail at your consultation.

Side effects are uncommon but include:

Bruising
Redness
Itching
Mild headache or pain

Some more uncommon side effects include:

Temporary drooping of the eyelids (ptosis) may occur. This occurs in less than 1% of patients and is temporary, lasting approximately 4 weeks.
Dropping of the eyebrows or a heavy forehead.
Asymmetry in treated area
Double vision in rare cases with treatment to the eyes
Difficulty swallowing, whistling and speaking – with certain mouth treatments