Jawline Slimming in 2024: Key Facts on Masseter Reduction

One of my favourite treatments to perform is jawline slimming or masseter reduction.

I see many people who present with hypertrophic masseter muscles. For many large jaw muscles are just part of their normal anatomy, however others have problems with excessive teeth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism. With overuse from habitual teeth grinding the masseter muscles become larger and over developed. Over time this alters the shape of the lower face, creating a square jaw line.

In addition to the aesthetic reasons behind treating the masseter muscles, many people with bruxism also suffer from pain and discomfort which has previously only been treated with special splints and physiotherapy.

Masseter reduction or jawline slimming for cosmetic purposes is a simple and effective procedure which is why it is so popular. This procedure involves the injection of Wrinkle Relaxer into the large masseter muscles to create a slim and more feminine jawline.

The simple procedure of injecting wrinkle relaxers into these bulky muscles is extremely effective in relaxing (not paralysing) the muscle resulting in a softer and smaller appearance of the masseters and eventual atrophy (or shrinkage) over time.

The treatment can transform your face completely; many people go from having a square and masculine jaw to a narrow and oval face in a matter of weeks.

What are the masseters?

The masseters are two bulky muscles on each side of the angle of your jaw. They serve as muscles of mastication, which means they help you chew. A common concern with treatment of these muscles with muscle relaxants is that the muscle will freeze and you won’t be able to chew your food. Given the large size of the muscle and the use of other smaller muscles of mastication, chewing is not affected by this treatment, although some people may report feeling a bit ‘funny’ chewing tough foods like steak immediately following treatment.

What does jawline slimming involve?

Wrinkle relaxers are injected into the masseters on each side of the face and spread out at multiple points within the muscle to produce jaw reduction results. The amount of wrinkle relaxer used does vary but in general much larger amounts are needed when compared with treatment of wrinkles. Often a repeat treatment will need to be performed 4-8 weeks later to ensure the best results with followup in 6 months.

Over time as the muscle atrophies less muscle relaxant is needed with longer periods between treatments. The results improve significantly over the first year of treatment.

The procedure is highly effective, with minimal or no pain and absolutely no downtime at all. Face slimming and jaw reduction effect is seen at any time between 2 to 8 weeks.

Treating Dr Kate (Myself)

I have always had a square shaped jaw, but it has never really bothered me as my face has always been in proportion. However it was after seeing a photograph taken at a party a few years ago that I realised that things had changed. In the photo my face appeared widened at the bottom and the right side looked like it was ‘bulging’ out, I looked odd. Compared to photos taken a few years prior to this, something had certainly happened and I had lost that symmetry in my face. It looked square and more masculine.

I have never suffered from bruxism (teeth grinding), however as I do clench my jaw and teeth when I am stressed, concentrating, worried,  and also during my sleep. This has actually resulted in me breaking teeth, chewing through splints, developing early arthritis in my TMJ and I have needed to have braces to correct my moving teeth. This combined with my bulky masseters resulted in me seeking another treatment option.

So what could I do? Stop stressing? Yes, that was possible. Stop concentrating? I wish.

I have since been injecting my masseter muscles with wrinkle injections ofr the past 2 years. Not only has this cured my clenching and stopped the damage to my teeth and jaw, but it has returned my face to its natural shape. The results are long lasting (I now get them treated every 8 months) and very natural.

Not only is the procedure relatively pain free (just a strange pressure-like sensation) I have had no side effects and have continued to eat my food as normal. My masseter muscles feel less bulky, my face is smoother and more ‘heart shaped’ and it is now difficult for me to clench my teeth. I still will need to wear my retainer to protect my teeth in case of a return to night time clenching and also monitor my stress and other triggers for the clenching. However having regular masseter injections has certainly changed my life for the better (plus I look much nicer with a slimmer jawline).

Dr Kate x

Wondering if Masseter Reduction (Slimming The Jawline) is right for you? Book in a consultation with a Youth Lab practitioner and find out.