Mastering Masseter Botox: A Guide for Aesthetic Injectors

Performing Jawline Slimming Treatments

As aesthetic practitioners, understanding the masseter muscle’s anatomy and treatment approach is crucial for successful botox jaw slimming procedures. Let’s break down the essential knowledge from current expert consensus.

Understanding the Masseter Muscle

The masseter is a powerful quadrangular muscle divided into superficial and deep parts:

• Originates from various sections of the zygomatic arch
• Inserts along the angle of the lateral surface of the mandibular ramus
• Innervated by the massetic nerve
• Blood supply from the massetic artery

Patient Selection and Assessment

Critical considerations before performing botox face slimming:

1. Underlying Cause Assessment
   • Consider potential malocclusion
   • Evaluate for stress-related bruxism
   • Assess psychological factors contributing to clench
2. Anatomical Evaluation
   • Have patient clench to feel masseter muscle
   • Assess anterior and lateral borders
   • Be cautious in patients with pronounced medial cheek fat pad
   • Evaluate if width is primarily muscle or bone structure

Treatment Planning

Dosage Guidelines:

• 20-40 units (50-100 Speywood units) per side
• Adjust based on muscle size:
  • 20 units for masters 3-5cm wide
  • Up to 40 units for larger masters

Key Assessment Steps:

• Palpate for “rock-hard” masseter muscles
• Evaluate facial shape while clenching
• Consider impact on overall facial harmony

Safe Injection Technique

Modern Safety Approach:

• Draw line from root of helix to mental crease
• Avoid traditional tragus to oral commissure marking
• Stay in lower third of muscle
• Keep 1.5cm safety margin from muscle end

Injection Depth and Technique:

• Use longer needle for deeper injections
• Aim for approximately 5mm depth
• Administer at slight posterior angle
• Target 4-6 injection points total

Understanding Complications

Potential Side Effects:

• Bunching of superficial fibers
• Smile asymmetry if risorius affected
• Parotid gland effects
• Potential jowl formation in susceptible patients

Prevention Strategies:

• Keep injections deep enough
• Avoid superior muscle region
• Maintain safe margins from risorius
• Consider patient age and tissue laxity

Treatment Timeline

Expected Results:

• Initial muscle relaxation: 2 weeks
• Visible facial slimming: 6 weeks
• Duration: approximately 4 months
• May extend with subsequent treatments

Post-Treatment Assessment:

• Evaluate muscle feel at 2 weeks
• Should feel “spongy” rather than hard
• Full aesthetic results visible at 6 weeks

Special Considerations

Important Notes:

• Older patients require careful assessment
• Consider support role of masseter for lower face
• Evaluate risk of jowl formation
• Start conservative with dosing

Treatment Success Factors:

• Accurate anatomical marking
• Proper depth of injection
• Careful patient selection
• Regular follow-up assessment

This evidence-based approach to botox jawline contouring ensures both safety and optimal results. Remember that successful outcomes depend on thorough assessment, precise technique, and understanding of facial anatomy.

Botox® is a registered trademark of Allergan Aesthetics plc.

Introducing Pro Tox

If you have been waiting to stop second-guessing yourself during botulinum toxin treatments, deliver flawless results that keep patients coming back, unlock advanced techniques, minimise complications, and finally feel like the expert injector you know you can be; find out more about the Pro Tox system from Dr Tim Pearce.

With Pro Tox, you will have the tools and comprehensive training to deliver consistently flawless results that keep your patients loyal, happy, and referring their friends - without needing review appointments or competing on price.

Pro Tox Course