How many units will I need?

The masseter is a large muscle. Most patients require 20 to 30 units per side for significant slimming, though TMJ relief can sometimes be achieved with less.

Will it make my jowls look worse?

This is a common concern in 2026. For patients with significant skin laxity, shrinking the muscle can sometimes lead to slightly more visible skin sagging. During your consultation, Yelena Terushkin, PA-C will evaluate your skin elasticity and may suggest a combination treatment with PDO Threads or Ultherapy to keep the skin tight while the jaw slims.

How long does it last?

For TMJ pain, relief often lasts 3–4 months. For facial slimming, the results can last 6 months or longer, as the muscle takes time to "re-bulk" after the Botox wears off.

Where is the clinic located?

We are conveniently located in Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill, serving patients from Park Slope, Boerum Hill, and Downtown Brooklyn

Botox for Jawline Slimming & TMJ Relief in Brooklyn: Reshaping Your Profile

01/09/2026

Your Jawline Looks Square? It Might Not Be Fat — It’s Muscle.

What if your “wide face” isn’t weight gain at all—but overworked jaw muscles from stress and teeth grinding?

In NYC, jaw clenching and bruxism are more common than people think. The result: a bulky masseter muscle that changes your face shape and causes daily discomfort.

Masseter Botox is one of the few treatments that does both—slims your face AND relieves pain, without surgery or downtime.

Author: Yelena Terushkin, PA-C

✅ Key Takeaways

The Multi-Tasker: Masseter Botox is a rare “medical-aesthetic hybrid” that slims the face while treating chronic pain.
V-Shape Transformation: By relaxing the masseter muscle, the lower face takes on a more tapered, youthful “V-shape”.
TMJ & Bruxism Relief: Effectively stops teeth grinding (bruxism) and alleviates TMJ-related headaches.
No Downtime: A “lunchtime” procedure with results that emerge over 2–6 weeks.
Precision Matters: Expert placement is vital to ensure your smile remains natural while the jawline slims.

📞 Call Now: 718 814-8680 Or Visit our Contact Page
📍 Location: Skin Glow Dermatology – 480 Court St, Suite # 103 Brooklyn

Table of Contents show

Why Is My Jawline So Square? Understanding the Masseter

In the high-stress environment of New York City, many residents unknowingly carry tension in their jaws. Over time, constant clenching or nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism) leads to Masseter Hypertrophy—the overdevelopment of the chewing muscles.

When the masseter muscles are overworked, they grow in size, much like a bicep at the gym. This results in a widened lower face, a square jawline, and often, significant physical pain. At Skin Glow Dermatology, we use neuromodulators like Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin to “de-bulk” these muscles safely and non-surgically.

Skin Glow Dermatology - Book Your Consultation Online NYC

The Science of Slimming: How Botox Reshapes the Face

Unlike dermal fillers that add volume to create a jawline, Botox for the masseters works through therapeutic atrophy. By temporarily reducing the signal that tells the muscle to contract, the muscle begins to relax and soften.

1. The Aesthetic Benefit: Facial Contouring

As the masseter muscle shrinks, the width of the lower face is reduced. This creates a more delicate, feminine, or refined appearance. It is especially effective for those who feel their face looks “bottom-heavy” or overly masculine due to jaw width.

2. The Functional Benefit: Pain Management

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorders can cause debilitating earaches, neck pain, and “lockjaw.” By relaxing the primary muscle responsible for this tension, Botox provides relief that night guards often cannot match.

Botox injection into the jawline masseter muscle shown with anatomical overlay

What to Expect During Your Treatment at Skin Glow Dermatology

Led by Yelena Terushkin, PA-C, our Brooklyn clinic follows a strict clinical protocol to ensure safety and symmetry.

The Procedure Steps

Muscle Palpation: We ask you to “bite down” so we can feel the exact boundaries and strength of your masseter muscles.
Custom Mapping: Every face is asymmetrical. We map out precise injection points to ensure your results look balanced.
The Injection: Using an ultra-fine needle, a specific number of units (typically 15–30 per side) are administered.
Recovery: You can return to work in Downtown Brooklyn immediately. We simply ask that you avoid rubbing the area or intense exercise for 24 hours.

Comparison: Botox vs. Jawline Fillers

Feature	Masseter Botox	Jawline Filler (e.g., Radiesse)
Primary Goal	Slimming & Softening.	Adding Definition & Projection.
Ideal For	Square, bulky jawlines; TMJ pain.	Receding chins; weak jaw angles.
Mechanism	Muscle relaxation (shrinkage).	Volumizing with HA or CaHA.
Result Timeline	2–6 weeks for peak slimming.	Immediate results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will masseter Botox affect my ability to chew?

No. You have several other muscles responsible for chewing (like the temporalis). While you might feel a slight “tiredness” when eating very chewy foods (like steak) in the first week, your normal function remains intact.

How many units will I need?

The masseter is a large muscle. Most patients require 20 to 30 units per side for significant slimming, though TMJ relief can sometimes be achieved with less.

Will it make my jowls look worse?

This is a common concern in 2026. For patients with significant skin laxity, shrinking the muscle can sometimes lead to slightly more visible skin sagging. During your consultation, Yelena Terushkin, PA-C will evaluate your skin elasticity and may suggest a combination treatment with PDO Threads or Ultherapy to keep the skin tight while the jaw slims.

How long does it last?

For TMJ pain, relief often lasts 3–4 months. For facial slimming, the results can last 6 months or longer, as the muscle takes time to “re-bulk” after the Botox wears off.

Can I get this done if I have dental implants?

Yes. Botox does not interfere with dental work, implants, or veneers. In fact, many dentists recommend it to prevent patients from breaking their dental work through grinding.

Where is the clinic located?

We are conveniently located in Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill, serving patients from Park Slope, Boerum Hill, and Downtown Brooklyn

Book Your Jawline Transformation in Brooklyn

Ready to say goodbye to jaw pain and hello to a slimmer profile? Trust your face to the experts who understand the delicate balance of medical and cosmetic dermatology.

Contact Skin Glow Dermatology: Phone: (718) 814-8606 Address: 480 Court St, Suite #103, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition or before starting any new treatment.