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Is Jaw Slimming Worth It? Debunking the Masseter Botox and Jowls Myth
If you’re considering Masseter Botox—whether for jawline slimming or relief from teeth grinding—you may have stumbled across a common concern: “Will it cause jowls?” It’s a valid question, especially if you’re focused on maintaining a youthful facial structure.
At MD Skin Lab, a medical clinic in Toronto, we offer Masseter Botox injections administered by physician injectors with advanced training in facial anatomy. In this blog, we’re diving into the science behind Masseter Botox, debunking myths about jowls, and explaining how patient selection, proper dosing, and experience all play a role in outcomes.
Let’s start with the essentials of this treatment!
What Exactly Is Masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox is an injectable treatment used to relax the masseter muscles—the strong, thick muscles located at the back of your jaw, responsible for chewing and clenching. Over time, these muscles can become enlarged due to excessive grinding (bruxism), jaw tension, or even genetics.
By injecting Botox, a neuromodulator, into the masseter muscles, the area gradually relaxes and softens, often leading to:
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Jawline slimming or facial contouring (especially in individuals with a square jawline)
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Reduction in jaw pain, teeth grinding, and tension headaches
The treatment is safe, quick, and non-surgical, with results that typically last 3–5 months.
Why are People Worried About Jowls?
The fear around jowls typically stems from misunderstanding the mechanics of how Botox works and how facial structure changes with age.
Jowls are the result of:
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Age-related volume loss in the midface
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Reduced skin elasticity
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Descent of facial fat pads
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Weakened structural support in the lower face
So naturally, some people worry: “If I relax a major jaw muscle, could that cause the skin above it to droop and form jowls?”
Let’s clear that up!
Can Masseter Botox Cause Jowls?
The short answer: Not if the treatment is done correctly and you're a suitable candidate.
In patients with good skin elasticity and strong midface volume, Masseter Botox will not cause jowling. In fact, it often results in a slimmer, more refined lower face, without any noticeable sagging. Here’s why:
Reason #1: The masseter muscle is deep
Botox is injected deep into the muscle, not into the skin or superficial fat. The treatment reduces the bulk of the muscle, not the surrounding tissue.
Reason #2: Sagging comes from loss of support—Botox doesn’t cause that
Jowls typically form when there’s a loss of collagen, fat, and support from the cheeks and chin, not because the masseter shrinks. In fact, by improving the symmetry of the lower face, Masseter Botox may even enhance facial balance.
Reason #3: Dosing and technique matter
When performed by experienced medical professionals, like our physician injectors at MD Skin Lab, the treatment is tailored to your anatomy. Over-treatment or incorrect placement can result in imbalances, but this is avoidable with proper training and correct dosing.
When Could Masseter Botox Lead to Jowls?
While it’s rare, there are a few cases where jowls may appear more prominent after treatment, but it’s not because Botox is causing them. Instead, it’s due to pre-existing skin laxity or lack of midface support.
You might be more prone to jowling if:
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You already have loose skin or mild jowls
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You’ve lost significant volume in your cheeks or temples
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You’ve had multiple aesthetic treatments that reduced midface support
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You’re genetically predisposed to facial sagging
In these cases, Masseter Botox may slightly unmask existing jowling, not create it. It’s essential to recognize that aging and volume loss are natural processes, and Botox alone doesn’t accelerate them.
The Importance of a Holistic Approach
At Toronto’s MD Skin Lab, we take a comprehensive approach to facial aesthetics. That means we don’t just treat one area in isolation—we assess the entire face to ensure balance, support, and natural-looking outcomes.
If you’re concerned about jowls, we may recommend combining Masseter Botox with supportive treatments, such as:
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Dermal fillers in the cheeks to lift and contour
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Biostimulatory treatments like Radiesse to support collagen and facial structure
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Skin tightening technologies, such as Morpheus8, are used to improve elasticity
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Preventative care with medical-grade skincare to preserve firmness
Your physician injector will perform a thorough consultation to help determine the best treatment plan for you when you book your appointment.
What You Can Expect After Masseter Botox
The effects of Masseter Botox gradually appear over 2–6 weeks and can include:
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Slimmer, V-shaped jawline
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Less jaw tension and clenching
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Improved facial harmony
The treatment doesn’t affect your ability to chew or speak; there’s minimal downtime.
At your consultation, we’ll assess factors like facial volume, muscle strength, skin laxity, and your goals to determine the right treatment plan. If you’re not a candidate for Masseter Botox alone, we’ll guide you through other safe and effective options.
Common Questions About Masseter Botox and Jowls
Q: I have mild jowls already. Will this make them worse?
A: Not necessarily. If you already have jowls due to volume loss or skin laxity, we’ll assess whether Masseter Botox is still suitable, or if a combined approach with fillers or tightening treatments would better support your goals.
Q: Can I do anything to prevent jowls from forming?
A: Yes! Investing in skin health early is key. Treatments like Morpheus8, biostimulatory fillers, and consistent skincare can help maintain facial structure and prevent early sagging.
Q: What if I’m not happy with the results?
A: Botox is not permanent, and any changes will gradually wear off. At MD Skin Lab, we use conservative dosing and prioritize safety and satisfaction.
Final Thoughts: Trust Experience, Not Myths!
Masseter Botox is an advanced treatment that, when done correctly, does not cause jowls in patients with healthy skin and good facial support. Like all aesthetic procedures, results depend on proper assessment and professional technique.
At MD Skin Lab in Toronto, all injections are performed by our experienced physician team. We’ll take the time to understand your concerns, assess your anatomy, and build a customized treatment plan that enhances your natural features, without compromising facial support.