What It Is
Masseter Botox is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure where botulinum toxin is injected into the masseter muscles located at the sides of the jaw. These muscles are responsible for chewing and clenching. In some individuals, they are naturally large or become enlarged due to habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) or frequent chewing.
By carefully injecting Botox into the masseters:
- The muscle activity is temporarily reduced.
- The muscle gradually slims down in size over weeks.
- This creates a sharper, slimmer, and more V-shaped jawline.
In Korea, Masseter Botox is one of the most popular facial slimming procedures, especially since the V-line facial contour is considered a key element of beauty.
Why It’s Done
Patients undergo Masseter Botox for both aesthetic and medical reasons:
➝ Jaw slimming → Creates a V-line face shape by reducing bulky jaw muscles.
➝ Facial harmony → Balances wide jaws with other facial features.
➝ Teeth grinding relief → Helps reduce bruxism and jaw tension.
➝ TMJ pain reduction → Relieves discomfort from temporomandibular joint strain.
➝ Youthful contouring → Prevents a square, heavy lower face appearance.
➝ Confidence boost → Provides a sharper profile and more photogenic look.
In Korean aesthetics, smaller faces and slim jawlines are highly desired. Masseter Botox is one of the fastest and most effective ways to achieve this look without surgery.
Alternatives
While Masseter Botox is highly effective, alternatives may be recommended depending on the individual:
- Jawline surgery (mandible contouring) → Permanent but invasive with downtime.
- Thread lifts (jawline or midface threads) → Lift sagging but do not reduce muscle bulk.
- HIFU (Shurink, Ultherapy, Doublo) → Tightens skin, refines jawline, but does not shrink muscles.
- Thermage FLX (RF tightening) → Improves elasticity, often combined with Botox for contouring.
- Fat dissolving injections → Target submental or jowl fat, but not muscle.
- Chin fillers or implants → Enhance chin projection, balancing a wide jaw.
In Korea, combination treatments are common, such as Masseter Botox + HIFU for jawline definition or Masseter Botox + chin filler for balanced proportions.
Preparation
Preparation ensures safe and effective treatment:
➝ Consultation → Doctor examines jaw width, muscle strength, and chewing habits.
➝ Medical history → Patients disclose prior Botox use, medications, or neuromuscular conditions.
➝ Avoid blood thinners → Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, or supplements 5–7 days before (with medical guidance).
➝ No alcohol or smoking → At least 24–48 hours before.
➝ Clean skin → Arrive with no makeup or creams on the jaw area.
➝ Numbing (optional) → Topical cream may be applied, though injections are quick and tolerable.
How It’s Done
A Masseter Botox session usually takes 10–20 minutes:
- Cleansing & sterilization → The jawline area is disinfected.
- Marking injection points → Typically 3–5 points on each masseter muscle.
- Injection process →
- Fine needles deliver precise amounts of Botox into each masseter.
- Care is taken to balance both sides for symmetry.
- Post-treatment care → Gentle cooling pads may be applied.
Treatment plan:
- Results begin in 2–4 weeks as the muscle gradually weakens.
- Jawline slimming becomes visible in 6–8 weeks.
- Effect lasts 4–6 months, sometimes longer with repeated treatments.
- Maintenance recommended 2–3 times per year.
Recovery
Recovery is minimal and requires almost no downtime:
- Immediately after → Small red bumps or mild swelling at injection sites, fade within hours.
- Day 1–3 → Possible mild tenderness or slight chewing fatigue.
- Week 2–4 → Gradual reduction in muscle bulk begins.
- Week 6–8 → Noticeable jawline slimming and sharper contour.
- Month 4–6 → Effect reaches its peak, then slowly fades.
Aftercare tips:
➝ Stay upright for 4 hours after injections.
➝ Avoid massaging or pressing the jaw area.
➝ Skip hard chewing (gum, tough meats) for 1–2 days.
➝ Avoid alcohol, saunas, or vigorous workouts for 24–48 hours.
➝ Continue with regular dental and jaw care routines.
Complications
Masseter Botox is very safe in experienced hands, but potential side effects include:
➝ Bruising or swelling → Temporary, resolves in days.
➝ Jaw soreness or fatigue → Common for the first week.
➝ Asymmetry → Rare, corrected with touch-up injections.
➝ Smile changes (rare) → Can occur if Botox spreads to nearby muscles.
➝ Difficulty chewing (temporary) → From reduced muscle strength, usually mild.
Korean specialists avoid complications by using precise injection mapping, micro-dosing, and FDA/KFDA-approved products.
Treatment Options in Korea
In Korea, Masseter Botox is one of the most frequently requested facial slimming and contouring treatments, widely offered in dermatology and aesthetic clinics. Patients can choose from:
- Preventive Botox for patients in their 20s–30s to stop jaw muscle enlargement.
- Corrective Botox for those with square or bulky jaws due to hypertrophic masseters.
- Masseter Botox + chin filler or thread lift for complete lower-face contouring.
- Masseter Botox + HIFU or Thermage for simultaneous slimming and skin tightening.
- Jawline refinement packages that combine Botox with skin boosters or fat-dissolving injections for a slimmer, smoother contour.
Final Thoughts
Masseter Botox in Korea is one of the most effective, non-surgical ways to achieve a slimmer, sharper, and more V-shaped jawline. It not only improves facial aesthetics but also provides medical relief for teeth grinding and jaw tension.
Korean clinics are world leaders in precision injection techniques, natural-looking outcomes, and combination contouring treatments. For patients seeking a balanced, elegant, and youthful facial profile, Masseter Botox in Korea is one of the most advanced and reliable options worldwide.
