Masseter and TMJ Botox in Santa Monica
Botox injections have widespread acceptance for the treatment of bruxism or TMJ disorders in which the masseter muscles are hyperactive and hypertonic. If you experience jaw clenching or teeth grinding at night, you may have a condition in which the masseter muscles are excessively strong and tight. Clinicians inject a small amount of Botox into the masseter muscles and TMJ in order to relax the muscle, and decrease the amount of jaw clenching.
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is a double board-certified plastic surgeon, practicing in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. His expertise in the treatment of TMJ and masseter hypertrophy allows him to optimize the treatment for patients suffering from bruxism or TMJ disorders. Our approach uses small amounts of Botox that are carefully placed along the vertical length of the masseter muscle, as well as the periphery of the temporomandibular joint TMJ.
How often are Botox injections for TMJ?
Patients who have Botox injections may need frequent doses of the medication at intervals of about 3 to 4 months in order to reduce masseter strength and jaw clenching. Once the Botox wears away, patients gradually notice a return of the jaw clenching if the underlying problem is not repaired. In some patients, Botox injections are the only viable option barring surgery.
For our patients that receive Botox injections for TMJ or bruxism, these treatments are life-changing and can significantly improve quality of life, teeth grinding, jaw clenching, tense masseter muscles, and a gradual widening of the lower face from large masseters.
Dr. Karamanoukian is renowned for his expertise and professionalism in plastic surgery. To schedule a consultation at Kare Plastic Surgery and Skin Health Center in Santa Monica, please call 310-998-5533 and speak to one of our patient care coordinators .
Botox injections into the masseter muscle can help masseter hypertrophy and TMJ symptoms included with bruxism. This study examined the effects of Botox injections on masseter stiffness and function; which demonstrated a decrease in stiffness of the muscle and relaxation of muscle tone. In addition, the findings also showed an increase in compensatory muscles of mastication including the temporalis muscles, after injection of Botox. This compensatory mechanism is likely explained by the underuse of the masseter muscle after Botox treatment, while the temporalis muscle compensates by becoming stronger. In our cosmetic surgery clinic in Santa Monica, we utilize definitive research like this to improve patient outcomes after Botox injections. It is important to seek the treatment of a board certified plastic surgeon and an expert in Botox injections to the TMJ and masseter.