Facial Slimming and Teeth Grinding (bruxism) Treatment
Masseter Treatment – Derme Aesthetic Clinic
A wider or square-looking lower face can sometimes be related to overactivity or enlargement of the masseter muscles, which are the main chewing muscles along the jawline. These muscles may become more prominent due to clenching, grinding, chewing habits, genetics or jaw muscle tension.
At Derme Aesthetic Clinic in Camberwell, we offer personalised consultations for facial slimming, masseter muscle concerns and teeth grinding-related jaw tension. Where clinically appropriate, this treatment may involve a prescribed in-clinic medicine administered using small injections after consultation. Treatment is carefully assessed and planned according to your facial structure, symptoms, muscle strength and individual goals.
Facial slimming and masseter treatment is an injection-based, non-surgical option designed to soften overactive masseter muscle activity over time. This may help reduce the appearance of a bulky lower face where appropriate, while also supporting relief from jaw tension associated with clenching or grinding in suitable patients. Results vary, and treatment suitability is assessed during consultation.
Facial Slimming and Masseter Treatment at Dermé Aesthetic Clinic
If you are searching for facial slimming treatment, masseter treatment, masseter muscle reduction, teeth grinding treatment, bruxism treatment, or jaw clenching treatment near Camberwell, Melbourne, Dermé Aesthetic Clinic provides personalised consultations for patients with cosmetic and functional concerns related to enlarged or overactive masseter muscles.
Our clinic welcomes patients from Camberwell, Hawthorn, Kew, Balwyn, Canterbury, Surrey Hills, Glen Iris, Ashburton, Burwood, Box Hill, Blackburn, Malvern, Toorak, Richmond, South Yarra and surrounding Melbourne suburbs seeking assessment for concerns such as a square or broad lower face, visible masseter muscle prominence, jaw clenching, teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw muscle tension and facial discomfort associated with muscle overactivity.
Following a comprehensive consultation and clinical assessment, treatment with a prescribed medicine administered by injection may be recommended where clinically appropriate. Suitability depends on the cause of the concern, facial anatomy, muscle activity, medical history and individual clinical assessment. Not all patients with a broad or square jawline are suitable for this treatment, as lower-face shape may also be influenced by bone structure, facial fat distribution, skin laxity or other factors.
During your consultation, your practitioner will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your symptoms and treatment goals, explain the potential benefits, limitations, expected treatment course, possible risks and alternative management options, and determine whether masseter treatment or another treatment approach may be appropriate for your individual circumstances. Where dental, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or other medical concerns are suspected, referral to your general practitioner, dentist or another healthcare professional may be recommended.
Treatment recommendations are individualised, and patients are provided with information to support informed decision-making before any treatment is undertaken.
What are the masseter muscles?
The masseter muscles are strong muscles located on each side of the lower face. They help with chewing, biting and jaw movement. In some people, these muscles become enlarged or overactive, which can create a wider or heavier-looking jawline.
Masseter enlargement may be more noticeable when clenching the teeth. It can occur gradually over time and may be associated with teeth grinding, jaw clenching, stress, chewing habits or natural facial anatomy.
Some people seek treatment for cosmetic facial slimming, while others seek help because they experience jaw tension, clenching discomfort, morning jaw tightness or grinding-related symptoms.
What is facial slimming treatment?
Facial slimming treatment at Derme focuses on reducing the activity of overactive masseter muscles in suitable patients. The treatment may involve small, carefully placed injections into selected masseter muscle areas after assessment. When the masseter muscles gradually relax and reduce in bulk, the lower face may appear softer and more balanced over time.
This is not a surgical jaw reduction procedure and it does not change the bone structure of the face. The treatment is designed to target muscle-related fullness in the lower face.
It may be suitable for clients who have a square or heavy-looking lower face caused by masseter muscle bulk, rather than bone structure or skin laxity.
What is teeth grinding or bruxism?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, involves grinding, clenching or gnashing the teeth. It can occur during the day or while sleeping. Some people are not aware they grind their teeth until they notice symptoms or their dentist identifies signs of wear.
Common signs associated with grinding or clenching may include jaw tightness, jaw fatigue, facial muscle tension, tooth wear, morning jaw discomfort, headaches related to clenching, or tenderness around the jaw muscles.
Facial slimming and masseter treatment may help reduce jaw muscle overactivity in suitable patients. However, it does not replace dental assessment, mouthguards, jaw joint management or medical care where these are required.
What causes enlarged masseter muscles?
The size and strength of the masseter muscles can vary from person to person. They may become more prominent due to several factors, including:
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Frequent chewing or strong bite force
- Stress-related jaw tension
- Temporomandibular joint or jaw movement concerns
- Genetic facial structure
- Natural muscle development over time
- Habitual jaw tightening during concentration or sleep
A proper assessment is important because a wide lower face may be caused by muscle, bone structure, fat distribution, skin laxity or a combination of factors. Treatment planning depends on the underlying cause.
Who may be suitable for this treatment?
You may be suitable for facial slimming or masseter treatment if you have one or more of the following concerns:
- A square or wider-looking lower face related to masseter muscle bulk
- Visible masseter muscle prominence when clenching
- Jaw clenching or grinding habits
- Jaw tension or fatigue related to muscle overactivity
- Headaches or facial tightness associated with clenching
- Desire for a softer, more balanced lower-face appearance
This treatment may not be suitable if your jawline shape is mainly due to bone structure, significant skin laxity, dental issues, jaw joint disorders, certain medical conditions, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if there are other safety concerns identified during consultation.
Benefits of facial slimming and masseter treatment
In suitable patients, treatment may assist with:
- Softening a square or bulky lower-face appearance caused by masseter muscle enlargement
- Creating a more balanced lower facial contour
- Reducing jaw muscle overactivity
- Supporting relief from jaw tension associated with clenching
- Reducing symptoms related to teeth grinding in selected cases
- Improving facial comfort where muscle tension is a contributing factor
Results vary between individuals and depend on muscle size, muscle strength, grinding habits, facial anatomy and ongoing triggers such as stress or clenching.
Facial slimming versus jawline structure
Facial slimming treatment is most suitable when lower-face width is mainly caused by masseter muscle bulk. It does not reduce jaw bone size, remove fat, tighten loose skin or replace surgical options.
If your concern is related to bone structure, skin laxity, lower-face volume loss or dental alignment, another treatment or referral pathway may be more appropriate.
Teeth grinding and dental care
If you grind your teeth, it is important to consider dental assessment as well. Bruxism can contribute to tooth wear, cracked teeth, gum issues, jaw joint symptoms and headaches.
Masseter treatment may help reduce muscle overactivity in suitable patients, but it does not replace dental management. A dentist may recommend a night guard, dental review, bite assessment or other treatment depending on your symptoms.
At Derme, we may recommend that you see your dentist, GP or another health professional if your symptoms suggest dental, jaw joint or medical concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Will it change my face shape?
If your lower-face width is related to masseter muscle bulk, treatment may gradually soften the jawline and create a more balanced lower-face appearance. It does not change the jaw bone or replace surgery.
How long does it take to see facial slimming?
Visible facial slimming usually develops gradually over several weeks because the masseter muscle takes time to reduce in bulk. Some functional improvement in jaw tension may be noticed earlier.
How long do results last?
Results are temporary and vary from person to person. Maintenance treatment may be recommended depending on your response and usually performed every 4-6 months.
Is there downtime after treatment?
Downtime is usually minimal. You may have mild redness, tenderness, swelling or bruising at the injection points. Your practitioner will provide aftercare instructions.
Can I chew normally after treatment?
Most patients continue to chew normally. Some may notice temporary jaw fatigue or reduced chewing strength, especially with firm foods. This should be discussed with your practitioner before treatment.
Who is not suitable for this treatment?
This treatment may not be suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for certain medical conditions, neuromuscular disorders, allergies, active infection, significant jaw joint concerns or if your lower-face shape is mainly due to bone structure rather than muscle bulk.
Do I still need to see a dentist for teeth grinding?
Yes, you may still need dental assessment, especially if you have tooth wear, cracked teeth, jaw joint pain, headaches or long-term grinding. Treatment at Derme may support muscle-related symptoms in suitable patients, but it is not a replacement for dental care.
Possible side effects and risks?
All cosmetic procedures, including injection-based treatments, carry risks. Possible side effects may include temporary tenderness, redness, swelling, bruising, headache, mild jaw fatigue or temporary changes in chewing strength.
Less common risks may include asymmetry, smile changes, uneven response, over-softening of the jawline, difficulty chewing firm foods, or an unsatisfactory cosmetic result. Rare but serious complications can occur with any treatment involving regulated medicines.
A careful consultation, appropriate practitioner training and conservative treatment planning help reduce risk. You should tell your practitioner about any medical conditions, medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding, dental concerns or previous reactions before treatment.