4 September 2025

Jawline Slimming and TMD Relief with Botulinum Toxin (Botox/Dysport)

Dr Sharon Millist thumbnail image

Dr Sharon Millist

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The jaw is one of the most powerful parts of the body. The masseter muscles, located at the angle of your jaw, give you the strength to chew and bite. But when these muscles are overworked, they can cause more harm than good.

At Renew Dental Lounge in Upper Mount Gravatt, Brisbane, we see many patients who experience pain, tension, and even changes to the shape of their jaw due to masseter hypertrophy—an enlargement of the jaw muscles. Fortunately, a modern treatment option offers both relief from discomfort and an aesthetic benefit: botulinum toxin injections (commonly known as Botox or Dysport).

This treatment has gained popularity for both therapeutic and cosmetic reasons. Let’s explore how it works and whether it might be right for you.

What Is Masseter Hypertrophy?

Masseter hypertrophy occurs when the jaw muscles become enlarged through overuse. Common causes include:

  • Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), often during sleep.
  • Temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), a group of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
  • Stress and anxiety, which can lead to chronic jaw tension.

This overuse doesn’t just cause discomfort—it can also lead to a visibly square or prominent jawline, which some people find undesirable.

Therapeutic Use: Relieving Pain and Tension

Botulinum toxin can be injected into the masseter muscles to help patients with:

  • Bruxism (teeth grinding): Constant grinding wears down teeth, causes jaw soreness, and leads to headaches. Relaxing the masseter muscles with Botox/Dysport can reduce clenching and protect your teeth.
  • Temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction (TMD): Symptoms of TMD can include jaw clicking or popping, difficulty opening your mouth, ear pain, and tension headaches. By easing the strain on the jaw, botulinum toxin provides much-needed relief.

Patients often report fewer headaches, less jaw pain, and an overall improvement in quality of life after treatment.

Cosmetic Use: Jawline Slimming

Beyond its therapeutic benefits, botulinum toxin has become a popular aesthetic treatment. By reducing the size and activity of the masseter muscles, the jawline appears slimmer and more contoured.

This is especially appealing to those who feel their jaw looks too square or bulky. A softer, more refined lower face can create a more balanced facial shape, which is considered desirable in many cultures.

The Procedure: What to Expect

One of the reasons this treatment is so popular is because it’s:

  • Quick: Usually completed in under 30 minutes.
  • Comfortable: Patients describe only minor discomfort from the injections.
  • Convenient: No downtime—you can return to daily activities immediately.

Botulinum toxin is carefully injected into targeted areas of the masseter muscles. The muscles gradually relax, leading to reduced tension and a softer jawline over time.

When Will You See Results?

The effects are not immediate. Most patients notice changes within 2–4 weeks, with full results visible around the 6-week mark.

The benefits usually last between 3–6 months. To maintain your results, repeat treatments are recommended. Many patients find their jaw muscles gradually weaken over time, so they may need fewer treatments in the future.

Possible Side Effects

Botulinum toxin is considered safe when administered by experienced clinicians. Side effects, when they occur, are usually mild and temporary. These may include:

  • Minor bruising or swelling at the injection site.
  • Temporary chewing weakness or tiredness in the jaw.
  • Very rarely, uneven results if the muscles respond differently (which can be corrected at review).

At Renew Dental Lounge, your safety and comfort are our priority. We always take time to carefully assess your needs and explain what to expect.

Jawline Slimming and TMD Relief at Renew Dental Lounge

Whether you’re seeking relief from jaw pain, headaches, and grinding or you’d like a softer, slimmer jawline, botulinum toxin treatment can deliver both therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.

At Renew Dental Lounge in Upper Mount Gravatt, Brisbane, we offer personalised consultations to assess your needs and determine if this treatment is right for you.

A balanced, comfortable, and confident smile starts here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Masseter Botox

1. Is jaw Botox painful?

Most patients feel only slight discomfort, similar to a small pinch. The procedure is very quick and requires no downtime.

2. How long does jaw slimming with Botox last?

Typically 3–6 months. With repeated treatments, results can last longer as the masseter muscles shrink.

3. Can Botox really help with teeth grinding?

Yes. Relaxing the masseter muscles reduces clenching and grinding, helping to protect your teeth and relieve discomfort.

4. Will I have difficulty chewing after the treatment?

Most patients continue to chew normally. Some may notice mild tiredness when chewing very tough foods, but this usually resolves quickly.

5. Is this treatment safe?

When performed by a qualified dental professional, Botox/Dysport for the masseters is considered safe and effective, with minimal risk of side effects.

Book an appointment today

At Renew Dental Lounge in Upper Mount Gravatt, we're redefining what it feels like to visit the dentist. If you're searching for a dentist in Mt Gravatt, we're here to help you feel at home in your smile. From gentle family dental check-ups, emergency dentist treatment, through to cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening, veneers and dental implants, every visit is built on trust, compassion and excellence.

Patients looking for a dentist in Brisbane southside (Upper Mt Gravatt, Mount Gravatt, Mansfield and Mount Gravatt East) choose us for our spa-like environment, advanced technology and human-centred care that eases anxiety and transforms confidence. No matter where you're starting from, we'll meet you exactly where you are, supporting you with clear advice and personalised treatment options. Book an appointment today.