Masseter Botox: What To Expect, Cost & Financing Options

Botox has become the most widely popular anti-wrinkle treatment. It is used in a wide range of aesthetic procedures, from Botox injections for brows, lips, necks, and even calves. But that’s not even the full extent of its use. Botox is also sometimes used for medical conditions; for instance, injecting Botox in masseter muscles helps prevent muscle contractions and relax nerves in the targeted area to relieve jaw pain, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching, and it also helps you achieve a slimmer face. In this blog, we talk all about ‘what is masseter botox’, ‘masseter botox cost’, and everything you need to know before going in for this procedure. So, read on!

What Is Masseter Botox?

Botulinum toxin type A, widely recognized by its commercial name Botox, is a neurotoxin that functions in the body much like a muscle relaxer when injected into a specific area, or in other words, it paralyzes the muscle temporarily. Most of us are familiar with Botox because of its effect on wrinkles. It works in a similar way for the masseter muscle.

Masseter Botox is often used for treating medical conditions such as jaw pain due to TMJ syndrome (temporomandibular joint pain), jaw tension, teeth clenching or grinding in your sleep, or to improve the facial appearance for men/women who have a chubby jaw/face, giving them a slimmer look.

What Is Masseter Botox Used for?

Masseter Botox is used for different types of medical conditions or aesthetic enhancement purposes:

1. For Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)

An overactive masseter muscle often leads to jaw tension, which can induce involuntary responses such as teeth clenching or grinding during sleep. These can cause teeth damage, jaw pain, headaches, or other symptoms.

How Masseter Botox Helps: An injection with approx. 10 units of Botox is injected into the targeted pain-causing masseter muscle, followed by a second injection with 15 units (less or more as needed). It weakens the muscle to prevent the teeth-grinding issue.

However, the effects of masseter botox are temporary, and you may need to get another round of botox a few more times until the muscles gradually lose the grinding habit.

2. For Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Joint Pain)

TMD or TMJ syndrome, i.e., pain in the temporomandibular joint, or masseter muscle hypertrophy (jaw tension), can make it painful when you move the jaw joints. It affects the muscle flexibility, making jaw movements harder.

How Masseter Botox Helps: Injecting Botox in masseter blocks nerve signals that cause muscle contractions, relieving the jaw tension and relaxing the muscles. This weakens those muscles that usually lead to involuntary teeth clenching, grinding, and hypertrophy. It also reduces the size of the masseter muscle, which leads to a slimmer lower face.

3. For a Slimmer Face

A wide jawline or square face can be due to different factors, such as a wide jawbone, facial fat, or an enlarged masseter muscle in the outer lower cheek area. If the latter is the cause, then masseter botox can be an option to achieve a slimmer face.

How Masseter Botox Helps: When it comes to injecting Botox in masseter for cosmetic purposes, usually 3 injections are used to target the upper, middle, and lower masseter muscles. How many units of Botox are needed depends on the area to be treated. The procedure helps reduce plumpness, soften your jawline, improve jawline definition, and reduce the appearance of a double chin. The results may vary depending on the amount of fat deposits and other factors.

Here’s a Masseter Botox before and after photo showing what you can expect from the treatment.

How Much Is Masseter Botox?

Masseter Botox costs $400 to over $1000 per treatment. In a session, 40–60 units of Botox are used, and the per-unit cost is typically between $10 and $25, but in major cities, 1 unit can be as expensive as $35. The costs vary depending on the clinic and location as well.

Cost of Masseter Botox in Major Cities:

City	Average Masseter Botox Cost (Per Session)	Botox Cost Per Unit
New York City, NY	$525–$1,000	$10–$25
Jersey City, NJ	$400–$900	$10–$20
Rockville, MD	$400–$1,500	$10–$25
Orlando, FL	$400–$1,200	$10–$25
Los Angeles, CA	$400–$1,500	$10–$30
Menlo Park, CA	$400–$900	$10–$25
Fairfax, VA	$750–$1,000	$10–$30
Minneapolis, MN	$300–$1,000	$10–$20
Chicago, IL	$750–$1,000	$10–$15
Seattle, WA	$400–$1,000	$10–$20
Scottsdale, AZ	$408–$1,400	$10–$20
Houston, TX	$500–$1,000	$14–$18
Philadelphia, PA	$600–$1,000	$10–$20
Miami, FL	$400–$1,200	$10–$25
Royal Oak, MI	$500–$1,800	$10–$15
Queens, NY	$400–$960	$10–$16
Cleveland, OH	$400–$900	$10–$15
Denver, CO	$480–$840	$12–$14
Atlanta, GA	$400–$1,500	$10–$25
Bronx, NY	$400–$960	$10–$16
Austin, TX	$750–$1,000	$10–$15
Las Vegas, NV	$625–$1,000	$12–$20
Alexandria, VA	$300–$1,000	$10–$30
Richmond, VA	$750–$1,000	$10–$15

Does Insurance Cover Masseter Botox?

Insurance coverage depends on the purpose of the procedure. Masseter Botox can be used for both medical and aesthetic purposes. So, if the need for masseter Botox arises due to some medical issues, your insurance may cover part of the costs. The extent of coverage depends on the specifics of your insurance plan. However, if the reason for getting the treatment is purely to improve your aesthetic appearance, you may need to foot the bill yourself, or you may find financing options at the clinic.

Most clinics offer a range of payment options (like Credee), which make it easy to get the desired cosmetic procedure without the burden of paying it all out-of-pocket.

How to Pay for Masseter Botox Without Insurance?

If you want to get masseter Botox for aesthetic reasons, chances are that your insurance won’t be covering it. In that case, you can explore the following financing options available at the clinic.

Here are the top ways to make Masseter Botox affordable:

1. Medical Credit Cards

If you have a medical credit card, i.e., CareCredit, AccessOne, etc., you can use it for cosmetic treatment, like Masseter Botox if applicable. Most medical credit card programs require good credit score(i.e., above 620) and a hard credit check for approval. While this may seem like a convenient option, always check the fine print for repayment terms and interest rates.

2. Flexible Financing Options

Many cosmetic clinics nowadays offer flexible financing options using Credee. This is ideal for those who want to skip the hard credit check, as the ‘no-credit-check’ payment plans allow them to choose a budget-friendly way to pay in monthly payments.

3. Payment Plans with 0% APR

Some providers may offer payment plans at no interest or a zero percent APR for a set promotional timeframe, for example, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, etc. This can be an excellent option to pay for masseter botox in several manageable payments with zero interest during the duration given. Thus, you may also want to consider deferred interest payment plans offering 12 months of no interest.

4. Microloans

Private financing with microloans from third-party providers is another option. Microloans can help you access the funding you need in the form of a short-term loan. Nevertheless, these loan options may include high interest rates; therefore, it is best to explore all your options and compare them to see which works best for your finances.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Masseter Botox?

It is a non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure, generally safe when performed by an experienced Botox expert, board-certified dermatologist, or cosmetic surgeon. However, sometimes potential issues can arise due to improper injection placement. Here are some of the risks associated with it that you should be aware of.

Here’s What Happens If Masseter Botox Has Gone Wrong:

• Overslimming or unnaturally narrow jawline
• Sagging cheeks or jawline (occurs if you lack skin elasticity)
• Droopy lower or upper lips
• Difficulty moving the mouth or slurred speech
• Crooked, uneven, or asymmetric smile or drooling
• Sunken cheeks due to improper Botox distribution
• Prolonged swelling, bruising, or signs of allergic reaction to Botox, i.e., difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Infection at the Masseter Botox injection site
• Headache, nausea, upset stomach or worsened symptoms of TMJ syndrome
• In rare cases, nerve damage may occur

How Can I Avoid Problems From Masseter Botox?

Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts you should follow:

Do’s	Don’ts
Choose a highly experienced and board-certified medical practitioner for optimum results.	Do not rub, massage, or apply pressure to your face.
Avoid lying down immediately after treatment. Stay upright for at least 4 hours before sleeping or reclining.	Skip facials, facial massages, or dermal treatments, as these could interfere with the Botox.
Be patient—results may take 1–2 weeks to appear. Full effects may take up to 3–4 weeks to become visible.	Do not consume alcohol for at least 3 days. Alcohol can worsen bruising and slow healing.
Expect mild swelling, bruising, or headaches. These side effects are temporary and should resolve within a few days.	Avoid excessive chewing or hard foods (e.g., steak, candy, gum) if your jaw feels weak. This can cause discomfort and strain the treated masseter muscles.
Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet. Proper hydration and nutrition support healing.	Avoid putting direct pressure on your face and avoid sleeping on your side for the first night as a precaution.
Use a cold compress for any swelling or bruising. Avoid direct ice application to the skin.	Do not engage in intense exercise or heavy lifting for 24 hours.
Smile and move your facial muscles naturally. This helps the Botox settle into the muscles properly.	Avoid blood-thinning medications or supplements (like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, or vitamin E).
Monitor for any unusual reactions. Mild soreness and weakness are normal, but contact your doctor if you experience severe pain or difficulty chewing.	Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and sunbathing for 24 hours. Heat can increase bruising and may affect Botox placement.
Plan ahead for social events. Since minor swelling and bruising are possible, schedule Botox at least a week before important occasions.	Avoid unnecessary facial movements that put pressure on the injection sites. While natural expressions are fine, strictly avoid any exaggerated movements.

How Can I Make Masseter Botox Results Last Longer?

The effects of Masseter Botox wear off over time, naturally within 6 months at most. To ensure long-term results, it's crucial to follow all the Do’s and Don’ts as recommended by the Botox practitioners post-procedure, as well as go for regular maintenance sessions. It is best to book the next session before the previous Botox completely wears off. So, after 4 months is ideal, but the Masseter Botox revision sessions should not be booked too close together in less than 4 months, as some people may develop a Botox resistance. In that case, the results would last for shorter periods.

Who Should Not Get Masseter Botox?

You should avoid Masseter Botox if any of the following apply to you:

• Allergy to botulinum toxin
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• People who suffer from blood thinning or have a bleeding disorder
• Avoid this treatment if you have any particular skin infections without consulting your doctor
• People with any type of neuromuscular disorder

In any case, it's crucial to consult with your doctor before going for Masseter Botox. Additionally, it's best to provide full disclosure to the Botox expert, dermatologist, or cosmetic surgeon to ensure risks can be minimized.

Bottom Line

Masseter Botox is used for both cosmetic purposes and to treat medical conditions, including bruxism (teeth grinding), jaw pain, and TMJ. For best results, it's crucial to seek treatment from a highly experienced and skilled board-certified cosmetic expert. And while the procedure may not be covered by insurance, flexible payment options like Credee can make the cost manageable via easy monthly payments. So, be sure to discuss the treatment needs and payment option preferences during the initial consultation.

Top Queries on Masseter Botox and Cost

1. What Is Masseter Muscle?

The masseter muscles are on each side of your face, extending from your cheekbones to your jawbones. These muscles aid in moving the jaw for chewing, talking, smiling, yawning, etc. It plays a crucial role in facilitating jaw movement and flexibility. When it is overworked, it can lead to jaw pain, TMJ syndrome (pain in the temporomandibular joint), TMD (temporomandibular disorder), or even grow wider in size, which can, in turn, widen your jawline, making your face look big.

2. Does Masseter Botox Help in Face Slimming?

Yes, after getting masseter Botox injections, you can see noticeable face slimming within 1–2 weeks in both cheeks, though final results are visible in four to six weeks.

3. How Long Does Masseter Botox Last?

Masseter botox effects can generally last three to four months or 6 months at most. A follow-up visit is typically required after four to six months of the treatment to maintain the result.

4. How Many Units of Botox for Masseter Botox Are Needed for 1 Session?

Per cheek, 2 injections are usually used, with each injection containing 10–15 units of Botox. Hence, 25 units per cheek and 50 units overall for both cheeks are needed for 1 session. Though, depending on the individual needs of clients, the number of units used can be increased or decreased. On average, 20–30 units per cheek and 40–60 overall units suffice for most people.

5. How Much Does Masseter Botox Cost?

Per unit usually costs around $10–$25, and 50 to 60 units are typically needed in a single session, with a total cost around $500–$1,500. As most people need 2–4 sessions for optimal results, the overall cost can easily be around $1,500–$4,500 or more.

6. Can I Pay for Masseter Botox in Installments?

Yes, many providers nowadays offer easy payment plans through Credee or other third-party financing providers. So, you can discuss your payment preferences with your provider and work out a payment plan that works best for you.

7. How Many Sessions of Masseter Botox You Need?

Most people need 2‐3 sessions to achieve their goals, whereas some may require 3‐4 sessions, depending on the reason for the procedure, i.e., whether it was medically necessary or for aesthetic reasons. Each session costs $400 - $1000.

8. Is Getting Masseter Botox Safe?

While generally considered safe, in rare cases, where Masseter Botox is incorrectly injected in the wrong areas, it can lead to risks, like an asymmetric/crooked smile, saggy cheeks, sunken cheeks, unintentional drooling, or a bulky jawline.

9. What’s the Process for Masseter Botox and How Long Does It Take?

It's a simple procedure that is non-invasive and causes very little pain. For this procedure, 4 injections overall are used, 2 injections for each cheek, and it takes 15 minutes for each side. One appointment is about 30 minutes long, and regular masseter muscle botox are needed every 3-6 months.

10. What Possible Side Effects Might Occur with Masseter Botox?

You may have some common but temporary side effects, including some swelling, pain, headache, swallowing issues, dizziness, difficulty with jaw movement, stiffness, and difficulty smiling. However, when Masseter Botox has gone wrong, serious adverse effects include facial drooping, sagging and jowls, upper lip drooping/paralysis, and severe allergic reaction.

11. Can I Still Smile After Getting Masseter Botox?

While it may feel strange to smile normally after getting Masseter Botox, you will still be able to smile as the Botox settles. Although your smile may be slightly smaller or crooked until the masseter Botox wears off completely.