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Masseter injections in Edinburgh

Injections into the masseter muscle ease teeth grinding, jaw tension and TMJ symptoms, and soften a square jawline. The treatment takes about 15 minutes and lasts three to four months.

Your practitioner
Clinician feeling the masseter muscle at the jaw
Areas treated
Masseter Muscles (Jawline)
Treatment time
Typically 10-30 minutes

Content

Who masseter injections suit

Ideal candidates include individuals who:

  • Experience jaw clenching or teeth grinding.
  • Seek a non-surgical approach to facial slimming.
  • Suffer from TMJ disorders.
  • Are in good overall health without contraindicating conditions.

What the procedure involves

  • Consultation: A thorough assessment to determine suitability and discuss individual goals.
  • Preparation: Cleansing and marking the targeted areas on the jawline.
  • Injection: Giving precise injections into the masseter muscles using fine needles.
  • Duration: The procedure typically takes about 15 minutes, with minimal discomfort and no downtime.

What masseter injections can and can’t do

Muscle-relaxing injections into the masseter are a good treatment for jaw clenching and a wide lower face. They weaken the muscle for a few months; they do not cure grinding, and chewing can feel different while they work.

It can

  • Reduce the force of clenching and grinding, easing jaw ache, morning tightness and tension headaches linked to the jaw muscles.
  • Soften a square or wide lower face over six to eight weeks, as the muscle shrinks with less use.
  • Be repeated as the effect wears off, usually every three to four months.
  • Work alongside a night guard or dental treatment from your dentist, rather than replacing them.

It can’t

  • Cure grinding. The habit, stress and sleep factors behind it stay, so grinding returns when the effect wears off.
  • Leave your chewing untouched. Chewing tough food can feel tiring for the first few weeks. Bite strength returns within about three months.
  • Fix a jaw joint problem on its own. Clicking, locking or joint pain are assessed first by Dr Nassar, who is a dentist, and she refers on if something else needs looking at. The injections may be one part of a plan.
  • Slim the face overnight. Any change in shape takes six to eight weeks and is modest after a single session.
  • Suit every face. In people with less facial fat or looser skin, shrinking the muscle can make the cheeks look hollow or the jowls more noticeable.

Your practitioner will tell you at your consultation which of these apply to you.

What does masseter treatment cost?

At Waterfront Private Hospital, treatment is priced at £400 per session. This includes a comprehensive consultation to tailor the treatment to your specific needs.

Our aesthetic practitioner

This treatment is administered by our aesthetic practitioner and dentist, Dr Katy Nassar.

Dr Katy Nassar

Dentist and aesthetic practitioner

GDC-registered dentistMSc Skin Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine

I love my experience at Waterfront

I love my experience at Waterfront, and Dr Nassar is wonderful. She gave me good advice and we discussed my treatment in length. I will definitely be coming back and recommend the Waterfront hospital.

Ms Hutson
Sep 2026 Read on Trustpilot (opens in a new tab)

4.9TrustScoreout of 5

581 reviews

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Risks, and how often they happen

Every treatment carries risk. Here they are in three groups, with how often they happen where the evidence allows. Your practitioner will go through them with you, and they are in your written consent.

Expected Almost everyone, and they settle

  • Tenderness or a bruise at the injection points for a few days.
  • A tired or weak feeling when chewing tough food for the first few weeks.
  • A delay of one to two weeks before you notice the effect on clenching.
  • A mild headache for a day or two in some people.

Uncommon Some patients, and some need further treatment

  • Difficulty chewing, beyond mild tiredness, needing softer food for a few weeks.
    About 1 in 7one small trial; figures vary widely between studies
  • A lopsided or stiff smile, if the injections reach the small muscles that pull the corner of the mouth. It lasts one to two months.
    Uncommon2 of 13 in one small trial
  • Asymmetry between the two sides, corrected with a small top-up.
    Uncommon
  • A bulge when you clench, where part of the muscle has been left untreated, corrected with a small top-up.
    Uncommon

Rare but serious

  • Hollow cheeks or more visible jowls, if the muscle shrinks faster than the skin tightens, more likely in older or slimmer faces. It settles as the muscle recovers.
    Rare
  • Spread of the effect beyond the treated area, causing weakness, or swallowing or breathing difficulty. This is reported mainly at the much larger doses used for medical conditions, but it carries a warning in every product’s safety information.
    Very rare
  • Allergic reaction, including a serious reaction.
    Very rare

For the long term

  • The effect lasts about three to four months. Bite strength returns over about three months; the slimmer shape fades more slowly if you stop.
  • Repeat treatment keeps the effect. Treatments are spaced out and reviewed rather than given on a fixed schedule.
  • Long-term effects on the jaw bone are not fully known. Small studies have raised the possibility of reduced bone density under the muscle with repeated treatment.
  • Your dentist stays involved, because grinding damages teeth and a guard may still be needed at night.
Where these figures come from

Figures are drawn from product safety information and published studies, and your own risk may be higher or lower. More from the NHS on before you have a cosmetic procedure.

Post treatment care

  • Avoid massaging the treated area and engaging in vigorous exercise for 24 hours.
  • Refrain from lying down or bending over for several hours post-treatment.
  • Anticipate results to last approximately 3-4 months, with maintenance treatments as needed.

Frequently asked questions

How much do masseter injections cost?
Masseter injections at Waterfront Private Hospital are £400 per session, including a consultation to plan the treatment for you.
What are masseter injections?

Masseter injections use botulinum toxin type A, a prescription-only medicine, injected into the masseter muscles on either side of the jaw. This procedure aims to relax these muscles, providing relief from conditions like bruxism (teeth grinding) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders while also contributing to a slimmer facial appearance.

Do masseter injections help with teeth grinding and TMJ pain?
They can. Relaxing the masseter muscle reduces the force of clenching and grinding (bruxism) and can ease jaw tension and some symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. They do not fix the cause, and the effect wears off, so treatment is repeated. Your dentist should still check for damage to your teeth.
Is this the same as "masseter Botox"?
Yes. "Masseter Botox" is the common name for injections of a prescription-only muscle-relaxing medicine into the jaw muscle. Botox is one brand. Your practitioner chooses a licensed product at your consultation.
How do masseter injections work?

Injecting the medicine into the masseter muscles blocks the nerve signals that prompt muscle contraction. This reduction in muscle activity alleviates jaw tension and diminishes the size of the masseter muscles over time, leading to a more contoured jawline.

Who is an ideal candidate for masseter injections?

Individuals experiencing jaw clenching, teeth grinding or seeking a non-surgical method for facial slimming may benefit from masseter injections. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or those with certain neuromuscular conditions.

What can I expect during the procedure?

The treatment typically lasts about 15–30 minutes. A qualified practitioner will assess your suitability, cleanse the targeted areas, and administer precise injections into the masseter muscles using fine needles. Discomfort is generally minimal, and no downtime is required.

When will I see the results, and how long do they last?

Initial effects may become noticeable within a week, with full results apparent in two weeks. The outcomes usually last 3 to 4 months, after which maintenance treatments are advisable to sustain the benefits.

When will I start to see facial slimming effects after masseter injections?

Initial changes, such as reduced jaw tension, may be noticeable within the first week after treatment. However, visible facial slimming typically becomes apparent between 6 and 8 weeks as the masseter muscles gradually relax and decrease in size.

Are there any side effects or risks?

Common side effects include temporary tenderness, bruising, or swelling at the injection sites. Less often, chewing feels weak for a few weeks or the smile is uneven for a month or two; allergic reactions are very rare. Consulting with a qualified practitioner minimises these risks.

Can masseter injections affect my smile or facial expressions?

While uncommon, improper injection techniques or incorrect dosing can lead to unintended effects on facial expressions, such as an asymmetrical smile or changes in facial contours. To minimise these risks, consulting with a qualified, experienced practitioner who understands facial anatomy and appropriate dosing is essential.

Is there a risk of muscle atrophy with repeated masseter injections?

Regular treatment of the masseter muscles can lead to muscle atrophy, reducing muscle size over time. While this effect contributes to facial slimming, excessive atrophy may impact functions like chewing. It’s crucial to have treatments spaced appropriately and under professional guidance to balance aesthetic goals with functional health.

How do masseter injections interact with dental treatments or conditions?

If you have ongoing dental treatments or conditions like misaligned teeth, it’s important to inform your practitioner. Masseter injections can interact with dental health, and a coordinated approach between your dentist and practitioner ensures optimal outcomes and avoids complications.

Are there any long-term considerations with masseter injections?

Long-term treatment of the masseter muscles requires careful management to prevent potential issues such as muscle atrophy or changes in facial structure. Regular consultations with your practitioner are essential to monitor progress and adjust treatments to maintain aesthetic and functional health.

Can masseter injections help with headaches?

Yes, masseter injections can help reduce headaches linked to muscle tension in the jaw area. Relaxing the masseter muscles decreases jaw clenching and teeth grinding, commonly contributing to tension-type headaches.

What types of headaches can masseter injections alleviate?

Masseter injections are particularly effective for tension-type headaches resulting from overactivity of the jaw muscles. It may also benefit individuals with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, where jaw tension contributes to headache symptoms.

Are masseter injections effective for migraines?

While similar injections are an approved treatment for chronic migraine, treating the masseter muscles primarily targets jaw-related tension and may not directly alleviate migraines. For migraine, injections are given in different areas of the head and neck.

Written by

Dr Katy Nassar, dentist with a special interest in facial aesthetics

Dr. Katy Nassar, BDS, GDC 80528, is an Aesthetic Practitioner at Waterfront Private Hospital in Edinburgh. She graduated from the University of Glasgow Dental School in 2002 and worked in general dental practice for fifteen years before moving into facial aesthetics. In 2022, she completed a Master’s degree in Skin Ageing & Aesthetic Medicine at Manchester University, which she was awarded with distinction. Katy is dedicated to expanding the range of non-surgical procedures offered at Waterfront Private Hospital.