A doctor-performed treatment to help reduce the activity of the temporalis muscle. The temporalis is the large fan-shaped muscle on the side of the head that contributes to jaw movement and clenching. When it is overdeveloped or chronically tense, it can create visible bulk at the temples, contribute to tension headaches and add to the discomfort of jaw clenching. M1 Med Beauty treats the temporalis at our Sydney CBD and Melbourne CBD clinics. Free consultations.
The temporalis is a broad, flat muscle that fans across the side of the skull from above the ear to the cheekbone. It is one of the primary muscles involved in closing the jaw and plays a significant role in chewing and in sustained jaw clenching. You can feel it tense when you clench your teeth.
When the temporalis is overdeveloped or chronically active, it can do several things simultaneously: it creates visible bulk at the temples that widens the appearance of the upper head; it contributes to tension and headache pain in the temporal region; and it adds force to jaw clenching alongside the masseter. For patients with any of these concerns, treating the temporalis can provide both aesthetic and functional relief.
When the temporalis muscle is particularly developed, it creates a visible ridge or bulk at the sides of the head above and in front of the ears. This can make the upper head appear wider and more prominent. A doctor-performed treatment that reduces the muscle’s activity allows it to gradually reduce in size over the following weeks, slimming the temporal area. The change is gradual rather than immediate.
The temporalis is heavily involved in the sustained jaw clenching that many people do unconsciously, particularly at night. Chronic temporalis tension can manifest as a dull aching or tightness in the temples, headaches that arise at the sides of the head, and a general sense of jaw fatigue. Reducing the muscle’s activity can significantly decrease the force of this clenching pattern and can provide meaningful relief from the associated discomfort. If you are already treating the masseter for bruxism or jaw tension, your doctor may assess whether the temporalis warrants treatment alongside it.
A doctor-performed treatment is placed in precise points across the temporalis muscle. This can temporarily reduce the muscle’s contractile force, allowing it to relax and, for patients seeking a slimming effect, to gradually reduce in bulk. Results develop gradually and are temporary. Your doctor will advise on expected longevity at your consultation.
Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Some mild tenderness at the treatment points is possible for a day or two. Your doctor will provide specific aftercare instructions before you leave.
The temporalis is the large fan-shaped muscle that covers the side of the skull above the ear. It is one of the main jaw-closing muscles and plays a key role in chewing and clenching. When it is overdeveloped or chronically active, it can create visible bulk at the temples, generate tension headaches in the temporal region and contribute to jaw clenching. A doctor-performed treatment that temporarily reduces its activity can address these concerns without surgery or any extended recovery.
Both the temporalis and the masseter are jaw-closing muscles, but they sit in different locations and contribute differently to overall jaw function and facial shape. The masseter is the prominent muscle at the lower jaw, responsible for the visible jaw bulk that creates a square jaw profile. The temporalis is higher, at the temples, and contributes to the width of the upper head as well as to sustained clenching. Many patients who clench their jaws heavily have both muscles overactive, and treating both may give a more complete result. Your doctor will assess whether one or both muscles warrant treatment at your consultation.
For headaches that originate from muscle tension in the temporal region often worsening with jaw clenching or sustained jaw use. Reducing the temporalis activity can provide meaningful relief. The treatment is not a medical headache therapy, and your doctor will discuss whether this is likely to be relevant for your specific pattern at consultation.
Results are temporary and vary between individuals. Your doctor will advise on the expected longevity and when a follow-up appointment would make sense at your consultation.
