Aesthetic medicine · Cape Town
Masseter Botox
For jaw clenching, grinding and a softer jawline
From R3 60040 min
What it is
The masseter is the thick chewing muscle at the angle of the jaw. In people who clench or grind — often at night, often without knowing — it becomes overdeveloped, causing jaw pain, morning headaches, worn teeth and a visibly squarer lower face.
Botulinum toxin injected into the masseter reduces the force it can generate. The clenching eases, the associated pain and headaches usually settle, and over several months the muscle reduces in bulk, softening the jawline as a secondary benefit.
Who it’s for
Patients with bruxism, jaw tension, morning headaches or TMJ discomfort, and anyone whose dentist has flagged tooth wear from grinding.
It also suits patients seeking a softer, less angular lower face — though the medical benefit is what most people come in for.
The benefits
- Relieves jaw clenching and night-time grinding
- Reduces tension headaches and jaw pain
- Protects teeth from further grinding wear
- Gradually softens a heavy, square jawline
- Quick treatment with no downtime
- Works well alongside a dental night guard
What to expect
The process
Every appointment follows the same considered sequence, so you always know what is coming next.
Step 1
Consultation and assessment
Dr Allison palpates the masseter while you clench to gauge its bulk and strength, discusses your symptoms and any dental history, and checks whether other causes of jaw pain need addressing first.
Step 2
Mapping and cleanse
The muscle's borders are marked out while you clench, keeping injection points safely within the masseter and away from the muscles that control your smile. The skin is then cleansed.
Step 3
Treatment
Three to four injections are placed into each masseter at the correct depth. It takes about five minutes in total and no anaesthetic is usually needed — most patients find it very tolerable.
Step 4
Aftercare
Stay upright for four hours and avoid chewing gum or very tough foods for a few days. Some patients notice mild chewing fatigue in the first week or two, which settles as the muscle adapts.
Step 5
Review and slimming timeline
Symptom relief is reviewed at two to four weeks. Visible slimming of the jaw is slower — it follows the muscle reducing in bulk and typically takes two to three months, becoming more apparent after a second treatment.
Downtime & aftercare
What to plan for
- Downtime
- None
- Results visible in
- 1–2 weeks for symptoms
- Results last
- 4–6 months
You are welcome to contact the practice at any point if something doesn’t look or feel as expected. Individual responses vary — what to expect for your skin is discussed at your consultation.
Pricing
| Treatment | Duration | From |
|---|---|---|
| Masseter — both sides | 40 min | R3 600 |
Prices are a guide and start from the amounts shown. Final pricing depends on the product and quantity your treatment plan calls for, and is confirmed at your consultation before anything goes ahead.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
The questions patients ask most often about masseter Botox. If yours isn't here, ask us on WhatsApp — we're happy to answer before you book.
Botulinum toxin injected into the masseter, the main chewing muscle at the angle of the jaw. It is used to treat clenching and grinding, and to reduce the bulk of an overdeveloped muscle.
The product reduces the force the masseter can generate, so the involuntary clenching that happens during sleep is much weaker. With less work to do, the muscle also gradually reduces in size — which is what produces the slimming effect.
Only briefly. Three or four injections per side, each lasting a second or two, into a muscle that is fairly forgiving. No numbing is usually required and the whole treatment takes about five minutes.
Yes. The dose is calculated to reduce excessive force, not to disable the muscle. Some patients notice mild fatigue with tough foods such as steak or biltong for the first week or two, and then it settles.
Symptom relief — less jaw tension, fewer morning headaches — usually arrives within one to two weeks. Visible jaw slimming is much slower and typically takes two to three months as the muscle reduces in bulk.
Four to six months, generally longer than facial anti-wrinkle treatment because larger doses are used. With repeat treatment the muscle stays smaller and intervals often lengthen.
No — the two work together. A night guard protects the tooth surface; masseter treatment reduces the force behind the grinding. Patients who use both usually get the best outcome, and we're happy to work alongside your dentist.
The lower face softens gradually rather than changing overnight, and the effect is generally flattering. If you have a naturally slim face, Dr Allison will discuss whether slimming is desirable before treating for symptoms alone.
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Ready when you are
Considering masseter Botox?
Book a consultation and we'll talk it through properly — what it can realistically achieve for you, what it will cost, and whether it's the right treatment at all.