Masseter hypertrophy, i.e. an overdevelopment of the masticatory muscle called masseter, can be resolved by botulinum toxin.
- What is this mandibular hypertrophy that causes facial disharmony and how can botulinum toxin, when injected into this area, reduce it?
- Masseter hypertrophy: what is it and what are the functional and aesthetic consequences?
The masseter muscle is one of the masticatory muscles located on the sides of the jaw, up to the temporomandibular joint.
The increase in volume is a condition called masseter hypertrophy.
Overdevelopment of the masseter muscle can have a variety of effects, and the causes can be varied.
In some individuals, these muscles may be more developed for congenital reasons (due to the original conformation of the jaw) or they may increase due to:
- bruxism ;
- excessive use of chewing gum; and
stress (or neurological reasons).
Causes also include excessive and involuntary use of the muscles in question, such as muscle tics, clenching of the teeth.
The lower contour of the face may be :
- more voluminous ;
- with a more prominent jaw;
squarer face
as opposed to the normal trapezoidal appearance one should have.
These are all unsightly, less smooth and, for women, less feminine features.
The functional consequences of this condition are as follows
- frequent headaches
- disturbance of sleep at night ;
- neck pain ;
- dizziness;
- pain when chewing;
- pain in the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) area.
Botulinum toxin for the treatment of masseter hypertrophy: what are the benefits?
Botulinum infiltration is one of the most effective and least invasive solutions for controlling this physical condition of the mandibular area.
This substance is not only used to reduce wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes, but is also recommended to inhibit the movement of the jaw muscles.
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by a bacterium that is divided into two types.
Type A is used in cosmetic medicine, its purpose being to inhibit the release of a neurotransmitter, aceticoline, commonly used to treat dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that form over time and are caused by repeated movements in a specific area).
Botulinum toxin treatments significantly improve the situation:
- bruxism
- Masseter hypertrophy;
- TMJ symptoms;
- facial profile (improved appearance).
This technique does not affect the ability to chew, but relaxes the treated muscle. These treatments should only be performed by a professional cosmetic doctor or plastic surgeon. The procedure consists of intramuscular micro-injections of Botox using a fine needle (a now scientifically approved procedure), which weakens the action of the treated muscle.
As the masseter muscle is thicker than in other areas of the face, the plastic surgeon can inject more doses, unlike the wrinkle removal treatment.
The result of this technique is a reduction in symptoms, a reduction in contractile activity during repetitive chewing and general benefits for the entire dental and joint area.
How long does the effect of botulinum toxin last and how many sessions should I book?
Only a doctor experienced in aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery can guarantee the patient an effective and optimal result. During the first visit, the doctor must carry out a three-dimensional study of the face by palpating the masseter area, or he may ask the patient to undergo an ultrasound scan. Treatment with botulinum toxin lasts about 6 months, and it is possible to schedule treatment several times a year. It is advisable to repeat the treatment constantly in order to reduce the hypertrophy of the masseter in the long term.
After the treatment, the patient will notice a slight alteration in muscle tone, which may last for a few days, especially when clenching the teeth. This « post-treatment » sensation is quite normal, as it means that the injected medication is having an effect in the muscle concerned. The result of the botulinum toxin technique will be visible after a few weeks.
