Neuromodulators (Face Masseters)
Key Takeaways
Masseter neuromodulators relax overactive jaw muscles to ease clenching, grinding, and TMJ-related discomfort while preserving normal chewing function.*
This treatment can slim a bulky or square lower face by reducing masseter muscle bulk, which may refine the jawline and create a softer, more balanced facial shape over time.*
A thorough consultation, precise dosing, and careful injection technique help reduce risks such as asymmetry or unwanted weakness in nearby muscles.
Most people return to normal activities right after treatment, notice functional changes within 1 to 2 weeks, and see contouring benefits develop gradually over 4 to 6 weeks.*
Mirror Plastic Surgery Med Spa provides detailed, personalized masseter assessments and treatment planning. Schedule a consultation with Stephanie to discuss your jawline and TMJ concerns.
What Sets Mirror Plastic Surgery Apart in Masseter Treatments
Mirror Plastic Surgery focuses on safety, function, and aesthetics in every masseter neuromodulator treatment. Consultations can last up to an hour and include discussion of jaw symptoms, bite patterns, and facial shape so your plan fits both your comfort and cosmetic goals.
Each injection site is chosen with detailed knowledge of facial anatomy and your muscle activity. The masseter sits close to important nerves and neighboring muscles, so careful placement helps reduce clenching without affecting everyday chewing or nearby expressions.
Meet Your Injector: Stephanie DeSimone
Stephanie DeSimone combines a mathematics background, years of surgical assisting, and a strong understanding of muscle function to guide her approach to masseter treatments. She studies your bite, facial structure, and expression patterns so jawline contouring supports natural balance instead of creating an overtreated look.
Understanding Neuromodulator Treatment for Masseters
Anatomy of the Masseter Muscle
The masseter is a thick, paired chewing muscle that runs from the cheekbone to the lower jaw. Its fibers control powerful bite force and fine jaw movements that you use for chewing and speaking. The masseteric nerve, a branch of the trigeminal nerve, activates these muscles, so treatment must respect this anatomy to keep normal function.
What the Procedure Involves
Stephanie begins by feeling the muscles as you clench to map areas of overactivity. Several small injections are then placed into each masseter with a fine needle. The visit usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, and most people return to regular activities right away.
Available neuromodulators include Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify, and Jeuveau. The choice and dose depend on your muscle size, prior treatment history, and goals, with a focus on maintaining comfortable chewing while easing clenching.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Masseter Neuromodulators?
Good candidates often:
Clench or grind their teeth, especially at night
Have TMJ discomfort, jaw tension, or morning jaw fatigue
Notice a wide or square lower face from bulky masseter muscles
Prefer gradual, noninvasive jawline refinement over surgery*
Candidates should have realistic expectations and be comfortable with temporary, maintenance-based treatment. Certain medical or neurological conditions, as well as pregnancy, may mean treatment should wait or be avoided.
Expected Outcomes*
Most people notice less clenching, grinding, and jaw tension within about 1 to 2 weeks. Aesthetic changes, such as a slimmer or more oval lower face, tend to appear over 4 to 6 weeks as the muscle slowly reduces in bulk.* Treatment works by rebalancing how the masseter and surrounding muscles share the workload rather than stopping jaw movement.
Results usually last 3 to 4 months for symptom relief and up to about 6 months for contouring benefits.* Regular treatments can help maintain comfort and jawline shape.*
Preparation for Your Masseter Neuromodulator Treatment
Mirror Plastic Surgery's Consultation Style
The consultation reviews your jaw symptoms, dental history, bite, and facial proportions. Stephanie evaluates how strongly your masseters contract, how wide the lower face appears, and how treatment could interact with other aesthetic plans, such as chin or cheek treatments.
You also discuss neuromodulator options, expected timelines, possible side effects, and maintenance needs so you know what to expect before moving forward.
Pre-Treatment Guidelines
Plan to:
Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications or supplements for 24 to 48 hours when medically appropriate
Tell the team about recent dental work, TMJ flares, or new jaw symptoms
Arrive with clean skin on the lower face and jaw area
Skip strenuous exercise for the rest of the day after treatment
People who are prone to cold sores may receive preventive antiviral medication if needed.
What to Expect the Day of Treatment
Your visit includes a quick review of the plan and marking of injection points while you clench and relax the jaw. The area is cleansed, and photos may be taken to document your baseline. Most patients find treatment very tolerable, and ice or topical numbing remains available for added comfort.
Lifestyle Factors That Support Results
Stress management, good sleep habits, and consistent use of any dentist-prescribed night guard can support your results and protect your teeth. Softer foods in the first day or two may feel more comfortable if your jaw is mildly tender.
Recovery After Masseter Neuromodulator Treatment
Post-Treatment Care Instructions
Stay upright for several hours after injections and avoid pressing or massaging the treated area. Gentle talking and light jaw movement are fine. Heavy chewing, gum, or forceful clenching should be avoided for about 24 hours.
Brief icing can ease swelling. Acetaminophen can help with mild discomfort, but anti-inflammatory medications are usually avoided for the first day unless your physician advises otherwise. Normal brushing can resume, but very vigorous pressure over the injection area is best avoided for 24 hours.
Healing Timeline*
Initial softening of muscle activity often appears within 3 to 7 days. Full functional effects usually settle in by 10 to 14 days, and jawline contouring tends to become more visible over 4 to 6 weeks as the muscle gradually thins.* Mild soreness or swelling usually fades within 1 to 2 days.
A follow up around 2 weeks allows fine tuning of dosing or placement if needed.
Activity Guidelines
Strenuous exercise should wait 4 to 6 hours after treatment. Dental cleanings, orthodontic adjustments, or aggressive facial massage are best postponed for about 24 to 48 hours. Most work and social plans can continue the same day, with only subtle, temporary changes in chewing effort as you adjust.
What to Look Out For and Avoid
Common Misconceptions About Masseter Neuromodulators
Masseter treatment does not remove the ability to chew. The goal is to reduce overactivity, not shut down function. Changes in facial width also develop slowly, not overnight, and effects wear off over several months unless you continue maintenance sessions.
Using more product does not always create better results. Correct placement and dosing for your muscle size and anatomy matter more than very high unit counts.
The Importance of Choosing a Qualified Specialist
Masseter injections take place close to nerves and nearby muscles that control facial expression. The layered structure of the masseter and its relationship to surrounding tissues means that inexpert treatment can cause asymmetry or biting weakness.
Stephanie’s training and step-by-step evaluation aim to reduce these risks. She explains why each injection point is chosen so you understand how the plan supports both comfort and appearance.
Cost of Neuromodulators for Masseters
Pricing depends on muscle size, the neuromodulator used, and whether your priority is symptom relief, jawline slimming, or both.* People with stronger or larger masseters may need higher doses, which affects total cost.
Your consultation includes a clear estimate before treatment. The focus stays on choosing the dose that matches your anatomy and goals, not on a one-size-fits-all price.
Frequently Asked Questions About Masseter Neuromodulators
How long do the effects of masseter neuromodulators last?
Functional relief, such as less clenching and jaw tension, usually lasts about 3 to 4 months. Jawline contouring improvements may remain noticeable for 4 to 6 months as the muscle slowly regains bulk.* Over time, some patients can extend the interval between sessions as the habit of intense clenching decreases.
Is the treatment painful?
Most people describe a quick pinching or stinging sensation at each injection site. The masseter area is often less sensitive than other parts of the face, and the needle is very fine. Any tenderness usually fades within a day or two, and numbing or ice can be used if you prefer added comfort.
Can masseter neuromodulators affect my smile or chewing ability?
Proper dosing and placement focus on reducing excess tension while keeping everyday chewing and smiling intact. Some people feel that chewing briefly takes less effort or feels slightly different during the first week, then quickly adjust. Smile muscles are separate from the main treatment area, so accurate technique helps keep your expression natural.
What is the difference between aesthetic and functional benefits?
Functional benefits relate to comfort and oral health, such as less grinding, clenching, TMJ discomfort, and morning jaw fatigue. Aesthetic benefits relate to shape, as relaxing enlarged masseters can narrow a square jaw and soften the lower face.* Both effects come from the same treatment but appear on different timelines.
How often are masseter neuromodulator injections repeated?
Most people schedule treatments every 3 to 6 months, depending on how quickly muscle activity returns and how important continuous jawline contouring is to them. Stephanie reviews your response at follow ups and adjusts timing to balance consistent results with practical scheduling.
Book a Consultation for Neuromodulators for Masseters
Masseter neuromodulators can ease jaw tension, reduce grinding, and refine a heavy jawline when thoughtfully planned and precisely delivered. Mirror Plastic Surgery offers in depth evaluations that consider your bite, facial balance, and comfort so treatment supports both function and appearance.
Book an appointment with Stephanie or call 727-361-6515 to schedule your consultation at 780 4th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Learn how a personalized masseter plan can support more comfortable jaw function and a refined, natural-looking lower face.*
*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person. Editorial content, before and after images, and patient testimonials do not constitute a guarantee of specific results.