A doctor-performed treatment that targets activity in the masseter muscle. The masseter is involved in chewing, and in some individuals increased muscle activity may contribute to a broader or more angular jaw appearance.The treatment may also be used in cases where jaw muscle tension or clenching is present, as assessed during consultation.
M1 Med Beauty offers masseter treatment at our Sydney CBD and Melbourne CBD clinics. Treatment suitability is determined by a doctor during a free consultation.
When the masseter muscle is overdeveloped, it creates visible bulk at the sides of the jaw, giving the face a wide, square or angular appearance. This can be a natural genetic characteristic or the result of the muscle being regularly and heavily used through teeth clenching, grinding or frequent chewing of hard foods. A doctor-performed treatment that reduces the muscle’s activity allows it to gradually reduce in size over the following weeks, slimming and softening the jaw and creating a more tapered lower face. The change is gradual, with the full effect typically visible over four to eight weeks.
Many people who clench their jaw or grind their teeth, particularly at night, do so without realising the extent of the problem until they notice jaw pain, headaches, tooth wear or a tight soreness in the jaw and temples on waking. When the masseter is treated, the muscle’s activity is reduced and the force of clenching is diminished.
A doctor-performed treatment placed in precise points across the masseter muscle can reduce the muscle’s contractile force. Over weeks following the treatment, the muscle is less strongly activated and can gradually reduce in size and bulk. Patients who repeat the treatment regularly over time often find the muscle reduces more significantly with each course, requiring less frequent treatment to maintain the result.
Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Some mild tenderness or soreness at the treatment points in the jaw is possible for a day or two. Your doctor will provide specific aftercare instructions before you leave.
Individual results vary. The outcomes shown here are specific to this patient and do not necessarily reflect the outcomes other patients may experience. All cosmetic procedures carry risks. Please consult one of our doctors before making any decisions.
The masseter is the large jaw muscle that runs from the cheekbone down to the lower jaw on each side of the face. It is the primary muscle used for chewing and is one of the strongest muscles in the body relative to its size. When it is overdeveloped, either genetically or through chronic use from clenching and grinding, it creates a visibly wider, squarer jaw and can cause significant pain and tension. A doctor-performed treatment that reduces its activity addresses both the aesthetic and the functional concerns simultaneously.
Treating the masseter muscle can reduce its contractile activity. With less activation over the following weeks, the muscle can gradually reduce in size and bulk, much like any muscle that is no longer being exercised at full intensity. As the masseter slims down, the square bulk at the sides of the jaw reduces, creating a more tapered lower face. The change is gradual rather than immediate.
Reducing the activity of the masseter can significantly decrease the force of jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism). It does not cure the underlying clenching habit, but it reduces the force with which the muscle can contract, which reduces the damage and discomfort. If bruxism is a concern, it is worth discussing with your doctor at consultation so the treatment plan can be structured appropriately.
Results typically last up to four months. After this, the muscle gradually regains its activity and begins to return to its previous size. Patients who have regular treatment over a longer period often find the muscle reduces more over time and may require less frequent treatment to maintain the result. Your doctor will advise on the right timing for a follow-up at consultation.
