Botox and Dysport: The Secret to Your Masseter Reduction

Botox® for wrinkles debuted in 1989 to rave reviews. Since then, it’s become a beloved standard in aesthetic anti-aging treatments. Among Botox’s talents are stopping wrinkles between the brows, but it has a list of other uses that can positively affect your appearance, including the shape and contour of your face. 

Our experienced professionals at Pure Touch Skin Center in Glendale and Sherman Oaks, California, are here to help you get the look you want. Our compassionate staff understands how your face affects your confidence, and we offer both Botox and Dysport® for wrinkles, but also help you change the shape of your face to the shape you’ve been wanting. 

I don’t like the shape of my face. 

All of us are born with a collection of muscles that stabilize the jaw. The muscle that’s primarily responsible for moving your jaw is your masseter muscle, a strip of muscle that attaches your jaw to your cheekbone. The masseters don’t work alone; three other muscles work with the masseter muscles to move your jaw up and down, and from side to side. 

Masseter muscles can be larger in some people, creating a wider look to the face. Surgery to reduce the size of the masseter muscle is available for good candidates. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and requires the surgeon to remove portions of the masseter muscle. This doesn’t affect your ability to chew and speak, but it gives you the look of a slimmer face. 

Since the procedure requires general anesthesia, you should plan to spend some time recovering, which can last about one month. Although this procedure can give you dramatic results, there are other options. If cost, recovery time, or the invasive nature of the procedure is a concern to you, there is good news: Botox and Dysport are minimally invasive treatments that can trim the contours of your face. 

How do Botox and Dysport work?

Both Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxin A) are muscle-paralyzing agents formulated from the microbe that causes botulism. The pathogen is weakened and the toxin reformulated to paralyze a controlled area in the muscle. This stops the muscles from moving and prevents new or deepening wrinkles. 

The paralyzing quality of Botox makes it an excellent treatment for a number of non-aesthetic medical considerations, including:

• Hyperhidrosis of palms and underarms
• Hyperhidrosis of feet
• TMJ disorders
• Chronic migraines

Dysport can be used to treat severe limb spasticity, a common after-effect of strokes. Dysport can also be used to treat cervical dystonia, which causes involuntary movements of the head and neck. 

Can Botox and Dysport shape my face? 

The paralyzing agents in both formulas stop the masseter muscle from contracting, keeping the muscle relaxed. At Pure Touch Skin Center, your provider first applies a topical anesthetic. Once the anesthetic takes effect, your provider gently injects the amount of your Botox or Dysport that you need to relax your masseter muscle.

The amount of either formulation you may need will depend on what your provider determines will be safe and effective for you. Your results will be more prominent cheekbones, a more defined chin, and a sleeker look overall.

I’m ready to trim my cheeks.

We’re ready to connect you to the services that will give you a look that boosts your confidence and gets you excited to look in the mirror. Botox and Dysport are both safe for most people, but it’s important to go over your entire medical history, including any allergies, with your provider. If you want a streamlined, youthful face, come in today, call us at 818-275-2771, or book an appointment with us online.