Masseter Botox and Jowls: What You Need to Know
Clemens Face + Body | Brookline, Boston
Masseter Botox—often known as “jawline slimming” or “facial slimming”—has become one of the most popular lower-face treatments for patients seeking a softer, more contoured appearance. It works beautifully for many people by relaxing the masseter muscles, which can appear bulky or cause facial width due to clenching and grinding.
But a common concern we hear from new patients is:
“Can Masseter Botox cause jowls?”
At Clemens Face + Body in Coolidge Corner, Brookline, we believe education is essential to achieving safe, natural results. Let’s discuss why this concern arises, who’s most at risk, and how to prevent it.
Understanding the Role of the Masseter Muscle
The masseter is one of the strongest muscles in the body. It sits at the angle of the jaw and plays a key role in chewing and clenching. Over time, from habits like bruxism or jaw tension, the muscle can enlarge—creating a square or heavy jawline.
Masseter Botox works by relaxing this muscle, gradually reducing its bulk and creating a softer, more tapered lower face.
However, like any treatment, balance is everything. The goal is to reduce overactivity—not completely deactivate the muscle.
Can Masseter Botox Cause Jowls?
The short answer: It can, but only under certain circumstances.
When the masseter muscle is overtreated, it can atrophy too much, leading to a subtle loss of structural support in the lower face. Without that support, skin and tissue may begin to descend, creating the appearance of mild jowling or softening along the jawline.
Other contributing factors include:
Pre-existing skin laxity or jowls
Rapid overuse of masseter Botox without allowing the muscle to recover
Overcorrection in patients with thinner faces or already low facial volume
Prevention Starts with Proper Dosing and Technique
The best way to prevent unwanted changes is through moderation and expertise. At Clemens Face + Body, we approach masseter treatment conservatively—prioritizing long-term facial balance over aggressive slimming.
Our treatment philosophy includes:
Gradual reduction – We start with modest dosing to observe your response before making further adjustments.
Allowing muscle regrowth – It’s important not to retreat the masseter too frequently. Giving the muscle time to partially recover helps maintain structural integrity and prevents lower-face sagging.
Comprehensive facial assessment – Before treating, we evaluate facial proportions, existing laxity, and tissue quality to ensure the treatment enhances—not weakens—the lower face.
Who Should Not Get Masseter Botox
Masseter Botox isn’t for everyone. In fact, patients with pre-existing jowls or significant skin laxity may not be ideal candidates for this treatment.
If your goal is to tighten and lift the jawline rather than slim it, alternative options like filler for jawline support, collagen stimulators (Radiesse, Sculptra), or wrinkle relaxers in the platysma (neck bands) may provide better results.
During consultation, we always discuss whether masseter Botox will complement your anatomy—or whether another treatment is more appropriate.
What If You Already Developed Jowls After Treatment?
If you’ve experienced jowling after masseter Botox elsewhere, don’t panic—this change is often temporary. Once the masseter muscle begins to recover (typically after 3–6 months), its regained tone will help reestablish support for the jawline.
In the meantime, treatments such as jawline filler or skin tightening with collagen stimulators can help restore balance and lift.
The Bottom Line
Masseter Botox is a safe, effective way to contour the lower face—when done thoughtfully. The key is maintaining structural support, allowing muscle regrowth, and selecting the right patients for the treatment.
At Clemens Face + Body, our approach to facial injectables is rooted in anatomy, balance, and restraint. We’ll always prioritize what’s right for your face—not just what’s popular.
Considering Masseter Botox?
Book your consultation to learn whether this treatment is right for you—and how we can help you achieve a defined, balanced lower face safely.
