Botox for Jaw Reduction
I was interested in jaw reduction botox. Does your office perform this procedure? If so what is the estimated cost?
A.
Dear A.
Thank you for your inquiry. Yes, we do Botox for jaw reduction. It usually takes a few treatments. I space the treatments about 3-4 months apart. It will help to soften a round face, make your face look more feminine, and lengthen your jawline. I have had good success with it for the right person, and really think it can make a nice difference if you have a very angular jaw, or large jaw muscles, or a very round face. I use between 20 and 40 units of botox with each treatment, depending on the individual. The basic cost is $15 per unit of Botox – so between $300 and $600 each treatment. We do have special programs that patients can take advantage of to decrease the cost of the Botox.
Jennifer Reichel MD
Director, Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center
11011 Meridian Avenue N Ste 102
Seattle, WA 98133
ph 206.859.5777
Director, Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center
11011 Meridian Avenue N Ste 102
Seattle, WA 98133
ph 206.859.5777
Will botox for jaw reduction help with teeth grinding problem?
This is a very good question.
There is evidence that botox injections into the muscles used to cause teeth grinding (the Masseter and possibly Temporalis muscles) can help with this condition. In 2012, there was a small study done that involved 23 patients. The patients with nighttime teeth grinding, or nocturnal bruxism, who were given Botox injections reported greater improvement in their condition compared to those given a placebo. The findings suggest Botox could be used to treat nighttime teeth grinding, a common condition for which there is no established treatment. Although dental guards are used to prevent damage to teeth, they do not prevent the grinding itself.
In the study, 23 patients with nocturnal bruxism were randomly assigned to receive a Botox injection or a placebo injection. To be included in the study, patients were tested in an overnight sleep study to confirm they had nocturnal bruxism. Thirteen people received botox in the temple and jaw, and 10 received the placebo. Four weeks later, participants rated the severity of their condition – whether they felt better, worse or about the same as before the study. The ones who received botox felt significantly better.
So, YES, botox injections in the jaw and temple muscles may improve teeth grinding.
But, botox injections into the jaw muscle are also used to lengthen and thin a very round face. It can look really nice on certain patients. I have patients that come to me for this treatment. If you already have a longer face, then botox in the jaw muscle might not be the right treatment for you. Please call our office at 206.859.5777 to schedule a consultation.
Jennifer Reichel, MD
Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center
11011 Meridian Ave N Suite 102
Seattle, WA 98133
206.859.5777