What Is Masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox involves injecting botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin or Nabota) into the masseter muscles to reduce their bulk. It is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments in Singapore, driven by demand for the V-shaped or heart-shaped face ideal. It is also medically indicated for bruxism (teeth grinding) and TMJ joint pain.
How Does It Work?
Botulinum toxin temporarily blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, causing the masseter to relax. With reduced use, the muscle gradually atrophies over 4–8 weeks — reducing the bulk that creates a square, heavy lower face. The effect is temporary: most patients see results lasting 4–6 months, requiring repeat treatment for maintenance.
What Results Look Like
Visible slimming of the lower face begins at 4–8 weeks. The full aesthetic effect — a noticeably slimmer and more defined lower jaw angle — is typically seen at 8–12 weeks. Initial muscle relaxation is felt within 5–7 days. After 1–2 years of regular treatment, many patients find the masseter stays smaller for longer and maintenance doses can be reduced.
Technique and Safety at IN Eternity Clinic
Dr Sin Yong personally assesses masseter thickness and symmetry using clinical palpation before every treatment. If asymmetry exists — one masseter larger than the other, common in patients who chew predominantly on one side — doses are adjusted individually per side. Treatment takes 10–15 minutes. Results are reviewed at 4 weeks, allowing correction of early asymmetry if needed.
Common technique errors to avoid: injecting the sublingual space rather than the muscle body (causes paradoxical widening), using insufficient dose for the muscle mass (no effect), or over-treating (causes difficulty chewing, excessively slim appearance). All treatments at IN Eternity Clinic are performed personally by Dr Sin Yong.
Masseter BTX for Bruxism
Bruxism — teeth grinding — causes significant masseter hypertrophy over time and can lead to headaches, jaw pain, dental wear and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Masseter BTX reduces the force of bruxism-related clenching, providing relief from jaw pain and headaches while simultaneously reducing the facial widening from masseter hypertrophy. Many patients pursue treatment primarily for therapeutic reasons and notice the aesthetic slimming as a welcome secondary benefit.
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All treatments performed personally by Dr Sin Yong at Orchard Road, Singapore.
WhatsApp +65 8023 7170Frequently Asked Questions
4–6 months initially. With regular repeat treatment, the masseter gradually reduces and many patients move to twice-yearly maintenance or less.
Very safe when performed by a qualified physician. The masseter is a large, accessible muscle with well-defined anatomy. Complications from poor technique include asymmetric results and difficulty chewing from over-dosing.
The dose depends on masseter thickness. Dr Sin Yong assesses each patient's masseter individually — doses typically range from 20–40 units per side. Men generally require higher doses than women due to greater muscle mass.
Very high doses causing significant masseter atrophy can alter bite mechanics. Dr Sin Yong uses appropriate doses targeting aesthetic slimming without compromising chewing function. Bite assessment is part of the pre-treatment evaluation.