Masseter Treatment
Masseter Treatment
Masseter Treatment refers to the injection into the masseter muscles, which are located on either side of the jaw and are responsible for chewing and grinding. This procedure is used for a variety of aesthetic and therapeutic purposes, ranging from facial slimming to managing jaw-related issues.
What is Masseter Treatment Used For?
1. Jaw Slimming/Facial Contouring:
1. One of the most common reasons people choose masseter treatment is to slim the jawline and create a softer, more oval facial appearance. Overdeveloped masseter muscles, often due to teeth grinding or habitual clenching, can cause a wider, square jaw. Masseter Treatment can relax and shrink these muscles, resulting in a more contoured, balanced jawline.
2. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) and TMJ Disorder:
1. For individuals who suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, injections into the masseter muscles can help alleviate symptoms like jaw pain, tension, headaches, and discomfort from grinding. Masseter Treatment relaxes the muscle, reducing its overactivity and providing relief from pain.
3. Teeth Grinding Prevention:
1. Many people who grind their teeth, especially at night, seek Masseter Treatment as a way to reduce the strength of the masseter muscle, minimizing the damage to teeth and reducing associated discomfort.
Benefits of Masseter Treatment:
- Facial Contouring: Creates a more balanced and feminine or angular facial appearance by slimming the jawline.
- Reduced Jaw Tension: Alleviates discomfort and tension caused by teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
- Minimised Teeth Grinding: Helps prevent damage to teeth and reduces the risk of dental issues caused by excessive grinding.
- Non-Surgical Option: A non-invasive and minimally painful alternative to surgery for jaw slimming.
The Procedure:
- 1. Consultation: A consultation with a qualified practitioner is essential before undergoing the procedure. During the consultation, your practitioner will assess your jaw structure, discuss your goals (whether it's for aesthetic purposes or to address jaw pain), and determine the appropriate amount of Masseter Treatment required for your desired results.
- 2. Injection: The procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes and involves a few small injections into the masseter muscles on both sides of the jaw. The number of injections varies depending on the individual’s muscle size and desired effect.
- 3. Numbing (Optional): While the procedure is generally not very painful, some practitioners may apply a numbing cream or ice to the area beforehand to ensure comfort.
- 4. Post-Treatment: There is minimal downtime, and most patients can return to their daily activities immediately after treatment. Swelling or tenderness at the injection site may occur, but this is temporary.
- Results:
- Aesthetic Results: Masseter Treatment results typically begin to show within 2-3 weeks and can last for 3-6 months. For facial slimming, you will notice a softer, more defined jawline and a reduction in the width of the lower face.
- Therapeutic Results: For teeth grinding or TMJ-related pain, the relief can be noticeable in just a few days to a week, with full results seen after about 2 weeks. The benefits may last for several months.
Aftercare
- 1. Avoid Touching or Massaging the Treated Area: Do not rub, massage, or put pressure on the treated areas for at least 24 hours after the procedure. This helps ensure the Masseter Treatment stays in place and doesn’t spread to unintended areas of the face, which could affect the results.
- 2. Refrain from Strenuous Exercise: Avoid intense physical activity for 24 hours after your treatment. Strenuous exercise can increase blood flow, which may cause the Masseter Treatment to migrate to other muscles and reduce its effectiveness. Stick to light activities like walking during this time.
- 3. Avoid Heat Exposure: For 24-48 hours, avoid direct heat (such as hot showers, saunas, or sun exposure) as it may increase the risk of swelling or bruising in the treated area.
- 4. Stay Upright: Avoid lying down flat for the first 4 hours after treatment. Staying upright helps the Masseter Treatment settle into the intended area and prevents it from moving to other muscles.
- 5. Don’t Drink Alcohol Immediately After Treatment: It's best to avoid alcohol for 24 hours after the procedure, as alcohol can increase the risk of bruising and swelling.
- 6. Gentle Massaging (If Recommended): If your practitioner advises gentle massage (sometimes recommended for jaw tension), wait until after the initial 24 hours and follow their instructions on how to do this safely.
- 7. Be Patient: Masseter Treatment results typically take 2-3 weeks to fully develop, and the full effect may not be visible immediately. Avoid worrying if the changes are not immediately noticeable.
- 8. Manage Possible Side Effects: Bruising or Swelling: Mild swelling, bruising, or soreness at the injection sites is common but should subside within a few days. If bruising occurs, applying ice or a cold compress to the area (for 10-15 minutes, several times a day) may help reduce the swelling.
- Mild Weakness or Difficulty Chewing: In rare cases, some people may experience mild weakness in the masseter muscles, particularly when chewing. This should improve as the Masseter Treatment settles.
- 9. Follow-Up Appointment: A follow-up appointment is generally scheduled after 2-3 weeks to assess the effectiveness of the Masseter Treatment and determine if any additional injections are needed.
- 10. Avoid Other Facial Treatments: Avoid other facial treatments (such as facials, laser treatments, or microdermabrasion) in the first week following injections, as these can irritate the skin and interfere with the Masseter Treatment settling into the muscle.
- 11. Watch for Unusual Symptoms: While side effects are rare, be on the lookout for signs of infection or unusual reactions. If you experience severe pain, significant swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.