Masseter Treatment Aftercare
Educational Resource — This page provides general aftercare guidance for patients who have received masseter treatment. It does not constitute medical advice. If you have any concerns about your recovery, contact the Luxe Lips clinic directly.
Masseter treatment involves injections placed into the masseter muscles — the large muscles on each side of the jaw responsible for chewing and clenching. This treatment is sometimes discussed in relation to both facial proportions and jaw muscle activity. Reducing the activity of an enlarged masseter muscle may influence the appearance of the lower face. Some patients also seek consultation due to concerns about teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
This guide covers common questions after masseter treatment, including how long visible changes in jaw contour may take, what to eat after treatment, and considerations for patients who experience teeth grinding. The aftercare shares similarities with wrinkle treatment but includes specific considerations around jaw function and the longer timeframe over which changes in the masseter muscle may become noticeable.
Every masseter treatment at Luxe Lips is fully individualised. Your practitioner assesses your facial proportions, muscle size, functional concerns, and aesthetic goals to determine the optimal dose and injection pattern.
Before your masseter treatment appointment
AVOID BLOOD-THINNING MEDICATIONS FOR ONE WEEK
Aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and similar supplements should be stopped at least seven days before treatment to help minimise bruising at the injection sites. If you take prescribed blood thinners, consult your doctor before making any changes.
AVOID ALCOHOL FOR 48 HOURS BEFORE
Alcohol dilates blood vessels and may increase the risk of bruising. Avoid all alcohol for at least 48 hours before your masseter treatment appointment.
INFORM YOUR PRACTITIONER OF ALL MEDICATIONS
If you have active dental issues, recent jaw surgery, or other conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, discuss these with your practitioner before treatment. They may influence the approach or dosing.
What to expect immediately after treatment
Masseter treatment involves several injections into the jaw muscle on each side of the face. The injections are placed through the skin overlying the masseter. You will feel the muscle being targeted. Sensitivity varies between patients, and topical anaesthetic can be applied if preferred.
Immediately after treatment, you may notice small bumps or red dots at the injection sites. These usually settle quickly, often within 30 minutes. Mild tenderness in the jaw area is normal.
Within the first few days, you may begin to notice that your jaw feels slightly different when chewing. The muscle may begin to feel less active, and movements that previously felt strong and automatic may feel slightly softer.
It is important to understand that changes following masseter treatment can occur on different timescales. Some patients notice changes in jaw muscle activity, such as reduced clenching or grinding, within 1–2 weeks. Changes in the appearance of the jawline tend to occur more gradually and may become noticeable over 4–8 weeks or longer.
Masseter Treatment aftercare guidance
What to do and what to avoid during recovery
Remain upright (sitting or standing) for at least four hours after treatment. This is commonly recommended following injections to the jaw muscles.
Gentle, natural jaw movements after treatment are generally acceptable. Chew gently, talk normally, and allow the jaw to move naturally — avoiding excessive or forceful movements.
If jaw slimming is your goal, understand that visible results require patience. The masseter is a thick, powerful muscle, and changes in its size tend to occur gradually over several weeks.
If the jaw area feels sore or tender after treatment, paracetamol is commonly recommended for discomfort. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin for 48 hours as these can increase bruising.
Masseter treatment does not replace regular dental care. Continue wearing your night guard if you have one, and attend regular dental appointments.
Lying flat soon after treatment is generally discouraged. Remain upright for at least four hours after your treatment.
Avoid pressing, massaging, or rubbing the jaw muscles for at least 24 hours, as this may affect how the treated area settles.
Chewing gum is a form of repetitive exercise for the masseter muscles. During the first two weeks after treatment, avoid excessive gum chewing to reduce strain on the jaw muscles.
Intense physical exercise increases blood flow and blood pressure. Avoid the gym, running, and heavy lifting for at least 24 hours.
Any treatment involving manipulation of the lower face should be avoided for at least 48 hours. This includes facials, lymphatic drainage massage, and gua sha near the jawline.
Skincare and nutrition after masseter treatment
Skincare
Wash your face as normal but avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the jaw area for the first 24 hours. Pat the area dry rather than wiping.
Continue your normal SPF routine. There are no specific skincare restrictions beyond being gentle with the treatment area for the first day.
When applying skincare products, dab or pat gently over the jaw area rather than using firm, circular motions for the first 24 hours.
Food & Drink
Avoid excessively chewy foods for the first week
Foods that require heavy chewing. Steak, tough meats, crusty bread, toffee, and similar items, put significant strain on the masseter muscles. Avoiding these for the first week allows the product to take effect without the muscle being constantly activated against it.
Avoid chewing gum
Gum chewing is essentially a workout for the masseter. Avoid it for at least two weeks, and ideally reduce your gum-chewing habit long-term if jaw slimming is your goal.
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
Alcohol thins the blood and can worsen any bruising at the injection sites. It can also exacerbate jaw tension through dehydration. Avoid it for at least 24 hours.
Why slimming takes time
Patients seeking jaw slimming are sometimes surprised that the result is not visible within the first week or two. Unlike anti-wrinkle treatments, where the effect is a change in muscle movement (visible within days), masseter slimming relies on a change in muscle size – and that takes considerably longer.
This gradual progression is expected. Muscles do not change size immediately — reductions in muscle bulk occur progressively over time as patterns of muscle activity change.
Patients who undergo repeated treatment sessions may notice that changes in the masseter muscle become more noticeable or sustained over time, depending on individual muscle activity and treatment planning.
Dietary adjustment period
You may find that:
- Very chewy foods (steak, crusty bread, beef jerky) require slightly more effort or feel different to chew
- Your jaw fatigues slightly faster during prolonged eating
- Chewing feels softer or less powerful than usual
These sensations can occur as the activity of the masseter muscle changes following treatment. Your jaw is not weak; the muscle is simply functioning differently during this adjustment period.
The adjustment period typically lasts 2–4 weeks, after which most patients adapt. Your diet is not meaningfully restricted, and you can eat normally throughout your recovery. The guidance to avoid very chewy foods in the first week is about comfort, not safety.
If you experience significant difficulty chewing, or if food or liquid falls from the corners of your mouth, contact the clinic. Your medical professional can assess the treated area and advise if further review is required.
Your treatment plan
At Luxe Lips Cosmetic Clinic Melbourne, the consultation is the most important part of the entire journey. Your practitioner listens first, conducts a full facial assessment — evaluating proportions, muscle size, skin quality, and structural balance — before designing a staged, multi-session plan tailored to you. There is no standardised package thinking; every plan is built around your individual anatomy and goals.
Masseter treatment sits at the intersection of Structure and Refinement within our treatment philosophy, which follows the sequence: Skin Quality → Structure → Refinement. By reducing the bulk of the masseter muscle, the treatment refines the lower face contour — but it also has a structural impact on how the jawline and lower third of the face are perceived.
Jaw slimming is often part of a broader lower-face treatment plan. It may be combined with chin or jawline dermal filler for structural definition, creating a balanced, harmonious lower third. The combination of masseter treatment and carefully planned filler placement is one approach sometimes discussed when addressing lower-face proportions without surgery.
Treatments to other facial muscles — such as the forehead, frown, or crow’s feet areas — may sometimes be performed in the same appointment, depending on the treatment plan.
Within the broader 12-month skin investment plan, masseter treatment may form part of ongoing treatment planning for patients concerned about jaw muscle activity or lower-face contour. With repeated treatments, some patients notice gradual changes in the masseter muscle over time, and many patients find they can extend the interval between sessions over time.
Energy-based devices and bioremodelling are used alongside to maintain skin quality across the face.
The HARMONY Study (Weinkle et al., 2018) demonstrated that comprehensive treatment plans addressing the face as an integrated whole produced significantly higher patient satisfaction. Hoffman and Fabi (2022) further showed that multimodal aesthetic treatment plans improved both appearance satisfaction and psychosocial well-being — supporting the approach of treating the face holistically rather than focusing on individual features in isolation.
Your practitioner will explain how masseter treatment fits within your broader plan, including any complementary lower-face treatments that may complement the overall treatment plan.
Every recommendation is based on your individual assessment, facial proportions, and goals. Your next steps will be reviewed during your follow-up appointment at our Moonee Ponds, Camberwell, or Brighton cosmetic clinic.
Healing timeline
Day 1 (Day of Treatment)
Small bumps at injection points usually settle within 30 minutes. Mild tenderness in the jaw. Red dots at injection sites may be visible for a few hours. No change in jaw function yet.
Weeks 1–2
Changes in jaw muscle activity may begin during this period. Some patients notice differences in jaw clenching, grinding, or general jaw tension during this period.The jaw may feel slightly different when chewing. No visible slimming yet — the muscle is typically still the same size at this stage.
Weeks 2–4
The activity of the masseter muscles may be reduced during this period. Some patients notice continued changes in jaw tension or clenching patterns. Over time, muscles that are used less forcefully may gradually reduce in size. Some patients start to notice the earliest hints of jawline narrowing toward the end of this period.
Weeks 4–8
Changes in the appearance of the jawline may become noticeable. The lower face may appear narrower or more tapered for some patients. Changes in muscle bulk may occur over time as patterns of muscle activity change.This is often the period when patients first notice visible contour changes.
Weeks 8–12
Changes in jaw contour may continue to develop during this period. The masseter muscle may appear smaller compared with its baseline size. Some patients report continued changes in jaw clenching or tension patterns.
Months 4–6
The muscle may gradually regain its previous size if further treatment is not performed. Some patients choose to return around the 4–5 month mark depending on their treatment plan. With repeated treatments, some patients notice longer periods between sessions.
What is normal vs what warrants a call
Normal
- ✓Mild tenderness or ache in the jaw area for 1–2 days
- ✓Small bumps or red dots at injection sites (usually settle within hours)
- ✓The jaw feeling slightly different or softer when chewing
- ✓Mild fatigue in the jaw during prolonged eating in the first few weeks
- ✓Reduced ability to clench the jaw with full force
- ✓Mild bruising at the injection sites
- Recovery following masseter treatment is typically mild. Most patients are able to resume normal activities shortly after treatment and notice subtle changes in jaw function during the early adjustment period.
Contact the clinic promptly if you experience
- !Significant difficulty chewing or an inability to chew normally
- !Food or liquid falling from the corners of the mouth
- !Noticeable asymmetry in the jawline that persists beyond 4 weeks
- !Significant pain in the jaw joint that worsens rather than improves
- !A lump or hardness at the injection site that does not resolve
Seek Urgent Care If You Experience
- ⚠Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- ⚠Severe allergic reaction: widespread hives, facial swelling beyond the jaw area, throat tightness
- ⚠Spreading muscle weakness affecting areas beyond the jaw
- ⚠Sudden, intense jaw pain with inability to open or close the mouth
These urgent symptoms are extremely rare. Contact the Luxe Lips clinic immediately or present to your nearest emergency department. For life-threatening emergencies, call 000.
Your follow-up appointment
A review is typically recommended 4–6 weeks after masseter treatment. This timing allows early changes in jaw muscle activity and facial contour to be assessed.
At the review, your practitioner will assess jaw muscle activity, check for symmetry, discuss any changes in jaw contour, and review your satisfaction with the treatment. If asymmetry is noted, your practitioner may discuss whether additional treatment is appropriate.
For patients primarily seeking jaw slimming, a second appointment at the 8–12 week mark may be suggested to review the full development of any changes and plan future maintenance treatments if appropriate.
Photographs may be compared at each appointment to track changes over time — alterations in jaw contour can develop gradually and may be easier to appreciate with side-by-side comparisons.
If you are ready to discuss your treatment plan, book your consultation now.
Common questions about masseter treatment aftercare
How long does it take to see jaw slimming after masseter treatment?
Changes in jaw contour may begin to become noticeable around 4–8 weeks, with further development over the following weeks. Some patients also notice differences in jaw muscle activity earlier, often within 1–2 weeks.
How long does masseter treatment last?
Effects typically last around 4–6 months, although duration varies between individuals. With repeated treatments, some patients report longer intervals between treatments depending on muscle activity and treatment planning.. Some patients eventually need only one to two treatments per year.
Will masseter treatment affect my ability to eat?
In most cases, patients are still able to eat normally after treatment. Some patients notice that very chewy foods feel slightly different in the first few weeks, and jaw fatigue during prolonged eating may occur temporarily. These are minor adjustments, not functional limitations.
Can masseter treatment help with teeth grinding?
Some patients seek consultation about masseter treatment due to concerns about teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Your practitioner can discuss whether treatment to the masseter muscle may be appropriate as part of a broader management approach. Dental care and night guards remain important for managing bruxism.
Is masseter treatment the same as anti-wrinkle treatment?
Both treatments involve injections placed into specific facial muscles, but the treatment areas, dosing approach, and goals are different. However, the injection sites, doses, and goals are different. Wrinkle treatment targets small facial muscles to smooth expression lines, while masseter treatment targets the large jaw muscle to reduce its bulk and activity. The amount of product used for the masseter muscle is generally greater due to the size of the muscle.
Can I chew gum after masseter treatment?
Avoid gum chewing for at least two weeks. Chewing gum is essentially resistance exercise for the masseter muscle. Reducing frequent gum chewing may help reduce strain on the jaw muscles over time.If jaw slimming is your goal, reducing gum-chewing long-term will help maintain your results.
Will my face look too thin after masseter treatment?
Your practitioner will assess your facial proportions during the consultation and use a dose appropriate for your goals and anatomy. The slimming effect tends to develop gradually and proportionally. Dramatic changes in facial contour are uncommon after a single session. If you are concerned about excessive slimming, communicate this during your consultation so the approach can be tailored conservatively.
Do I still need to wear my night guard after masseter treatment?
Discuss this with your dentist, but in many cases continuing to wear a night guard is recommended initially. Masseter treatment may influence jaw muscle activity, but it does not necessarily eliminate jaw movement during sleep. Your dentist and practitioner can advise on whether and when night-guard use may be adjusted.
How many sessions do I need for jaw slimming?
Some patients notice changes after the first session. However, 2–3 sessions spaced around 4–6 months apart are sometimes recommended when addressing masseter muscle bulk. Over time, some patients observe gradual changes in jaw contour with repeated treatment cycles. After that, maintenance treatments may be discussed depending on your treatment plan.
Can I have masseter treatment and anti-wrinkle treatment at the same appointment?
Yes, these treatments are sometimes performed in the same appointment depending on the treatment plan. Your practitioner will assess each area individually and determine the appropriate approach. Aftercare guidance will be provided for the treated areas.
Do I need anything else besides masseter treatment?
Masseter treatment focuses on the jaw muscles, but overall facial balance may also involve other considerations. Depending on your goals, practitioners sometimes discuss complementary treatments such as jawline filler, wrinkle treatments in other areas, or energy-based devices and bioremodelling approaches that address different aspects of skin and facial structure. Your practitioner will recommend options based on your individual assessment.
Can masseter treatment change my smile?
In rare cases, adjacent muscles may be temporarily affected, which can cause a subtle change in smile dynamics. If you notice any change in your smile, contact the clinic for assessment. These changes usually resolve as the effects of treatment gradually wear off. Your practitioner uses careful injection placement to minimise this risk.
How does masseter treatment fit into a facial balancing plan?
Changes in the masseter muscle can influence the appearance of the lower face and are sometimes discussed as part of a broader lower-face treatment plan. Depending on individual goals, practitioners may discuss complementary treatments such as chin or jawline filler when considering overall facial proportions. At Luxe Lips, your practitioner assesses the entire face rather than focusing on one area in isolation, following a Skin Quality → Structure → Refinement approach. Treatments to other facial muscles may also be performed in the same session depending on the treatment plan.
Do masseter injections help with teeth grinding?
Some patients seek consultation about masseter treatment due to concerns about teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Your practitioner can discuss whether treatment to the jaw muscles may be appropriate as part of a broader management approach. Dental care and night guards remain important components of managing bruxism.
Your Next Step
If you have questions about your recovery, would like to discuss your aftercare, or are ready to book a follow-up appointment, the Luxe Lips clinical team is here to support you with clarity and care.
Masseter Treatment aftercare support at Luxe Lips
Post-treatment support is part of the service at Luxe Lips. A 24/7 medical professional is available to answer queries after your appointment. If you have a concern about your healing, regardless of the time, call the clinic and press 1 to alert the team to a medical concern relating to your procedure.
If something concerns you before your follow-up, do not wait. Contact the clinic directly. For appointments, consultations, or general enquiries, visit luxelips.com.au or call the clinic during business hours.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended as general guidance for patients who have received masseter treatment at Luxe Lips. It does not constitute medical advice. Every individual is different, and recovery experiences vary. If you are concerned about any aspect of your recovery, contact the Luxe Lips clinic directly rather than relying solely on this page. For urgent medical concerns unrelated to the procedure, contact your GP or call 000. Individual results may vary. No guarantee of specific outcomes is expressed or implied.
References
- Ahn KY, Kim ST. “The change of maximum bite force after botulinum toxin type A injection for treating masseteric hypertrophy.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2007;120(6):1662-1666.
- Shome D, Vadera S, Male SR, Kapoor R. “Botulinum toxin A for masseter hypertrophy treatment: a systemic review.” Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2019;39(Suppl 1):S56-S65.
- Fedorowicz Z, van Zuuren EJ, Schoones J. “Botulinum toxin for masseter hypertrophy.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013.
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). “Botulinum toxin regulation in Australia.” Australian Government Department of Health.
- Carruthers J et al. (2016). Consensus recommendations for combined aesthetic interventions in the face. Dermatologic Surgery, 42(5), 586-597.
- Weinkle SH et al. (2018). Impact of comprehensive, minimally invasive, multimodal aesthetic treatment on satisfaction with facial appearance: The HARMONY Study. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 38(5), 540-556.
- Hoffman L, Fabi S. (2022). Look better, feel better, live better? The impact of minimally invasive aesthetic procedures on satisfaction with appearance and psychosocial wellbeing. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 15(5), 47-58.
