What is Botulinum Toxin Treatment?
Botulinum toxin is a purified protein that temporarily relaxes targeted muscles. Also known as masseter botox or bruxism botox, this treatment is commonly used to manage jaw clenching, grinding (bruxism), and myogenic pain, as well as improve associated symptoms such as tension headaches, by reducing muscle overactivity.
Am I a Suitable Candidate?
You may be suitable for treatment if:
- You experience jaw clenching, grinding, or muscle‑related jaw pain
- Symptoms have not responded fully to conservative measures (e.g. splints, modified diet, relaxation)
- You understand that the treatment may require repetition; results may last longer with regular treatment,
- You are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have no neuromuscular conditions (e.g. myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, motor neurone disease)
- You are not taking aminoglycoside antibiotics or other drugs that may interact with botulinum toxin
- You have not had botulinum toxin treatment in the same area within the past 3 months
The Procedure
Treatment takes approximately 15 minutes. Using a very fine needle, small amounts of botulinum toxin are injected into specific muscles. Most patients find the injections mildly uncomfortable — comparable to a small pinprick. There is no significant downtime.
What to Expect After Treatment
- Onset of Effect – Results are not immediate. The effect begins to develop over 3–7 days, with full onset at 2 weeks.
- Pain and Injection Site Effects – Mild discomfort at the injection sites is common. Small areas of redness or swelling may occur and typically settle within a few hours. Minor bruising may occasionally develop.
- Muscle Effects – The treated muscles will gradually feel less tense. You may notice:
- Reduced jaw clenching or grinding
- Less muscle fatigue or tightness
- Improvement in pain symptoms over time
- A feeling of reduced strength when clenching is expected.
- Chewing Function – You may notice mild fatigue when chewing tougher foods. This is usually temporary and improves within 1–2 weeks.
Risks and Complications
Common (expected and temporary):
- Mild swelling, redness, or bruising at injection sites — usually resolves within 24–48 hours
- Mild headache in the first 24 hours
- Temporary tenderness at injection sites
- With repeated treatments – change in facial contour (jawline slimming)
Uncommon:
- More noticeable chewing fatigue
- Uneven or asymmetric result
- Incomplete relaxation requiring a top-up dose
Rare:
- Ptosis (drooping eyelid) — caused by migration of toxin to the eyelid-lifting muscle. Temporary; resolves as effect wears off.
- Diplopia (double vision) — very rare; caused by spread to eye muscles
- Excessive weakness of treated muscles
- Flu-like symptoms or generalised weakness — very rare
- Allergic reaction to the product
The effects of botulinum toxin are temporary and wear off naturally. There is no treatment to accelerate reversal.
How to reduce bruising after Botox
Prior to treatment, some patients choose to avoid medications or supplements that can increase bruising, such as:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Fish oils
- Vitamin E
- Ginkgo biloba
- Garlic supplements.
Prescribed medications should never be stopped without advice from the prescribing clinician.
How long does Botox take to work?
The table below shows a typical post-treatment timeline:
| Immediately afterwards | Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas. |
| First 4 hours | Remain upright. Avoid bending forward or lying down. |
| First 24 hours | Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and alcohol, facials, head massage, or pressure to the face |
| After 1=3 days | Minimal change |
| After 3-7 days | Gradual effect onset |
| After 10-14 days | Full effect established |
| After 3-6 months | Effect gradually wears off |