Masseter Botox for Jaw Slimming & TMJ Relief

The masseter is the powerful muscle on each side of your jaw that does the heavy lifting when you chew. When it's overdeveloped — from genetics, clenching, or grinding — it can make the lower face look wide or square, and it can contribute to jaw pain and headaches. Masseter Botox addresses both the aesthetic and the discomfort, which is why it's become one of the most requested treatments.

How It Works

Botox is injected into the masseter muscle on each side. By partially relaxing it, two things happen over the following weeks:

- The muscle gradually reduces in size with less constant clenching, softening a square jaw into a slimmer, more tapered shape. - The force of clenching and grinding drops, which can relieve the symptoms of TMJ disorder (jaw tension, soreness, and some tension headaches).

Two Reasons People Get It

1. Jaw slimming (aesthetic). For those who feel their lower face looks too wide or angular, masseter Botox creates a softer, more oval contour over time — a non-surgical alternative to more invasive options.

2. TMJ and bruxism (medical-adjacent). Many people clench or grind their teeth (bruxism), often at night. Relaxing the masseter can ease that grip, reducing jaw fatigue and protecting the teeth — and patients often notice both benefits at once.

What to Expect

• •The treatment: A few injections per side; the visit is short.
• •Dosing: The masseter is a large muscle, so it typically needs more units than facial expression lines. Dr. Taborga determines the right dose for your anatomy.
• •Timeline: Relief from clenching often comes within a couple of weeks; visible slimming develops more gradually over one to a few months as the muscle relaxes.
• •Longevity: Results are temporary, and a maintenance schedule keeps them going. With repeat treatments, some people need less over time.

Who It's For

Masseter Botox suits people with a strong or square jawline they'd like softened, and those who clench or grind. It's not right for everyone — a brief exam tells whether your jaw width comes from muscle (treatable with Botox) or bone (which it can't change).

Why a Physician Matters Here

The masseter sits near other muscles involved in smiling and chewing. Precise placement and dosing matter, which is why this treatment is best in experienced medical hands. Dr. Marcelo Taborga, MD, evaluates and performs each treatment personally.

To find out whether masseter Botox is right for you, call our Flatiron District practice at (332) 237-3661.