If you’ve noticed a wider, more square-shaped jawline or you grind your teeth at night, you’re not alone. These concerns affect thousands of Australians, and many don’t realise there’s a simple, non-surgical solution available right here in Melbourne.
Masseter treatment has become one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures at Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic, and for good reason. It addresses two distinct concerns with a single treatment: jawline slimming for aesthetic purposes and relief from teeth grinding (TMJ dysfunction). Whether you’re looking to soften your facial profile or finally get relief from jaw pain and dental damage, understanding how masseter treatment works can help you decide if it’s right for you.
What Are Masseter Muscles and Why Do They Matter?
The masseter muscles are one of the main chewing muscles in your face, located on each side of your jaw. You can feel them bulge when you clench your teeth. They’re essential for everyday functions like eating, chewing gum, and clenching your jaw.
However, when these muscles become overactive or enlarged, they can create two main issues. Firstly, they can make your lower face appear wider and more square-shaped, drawing attention away from your cheekbones and creating a less defined jawline. Secondly, overactive masseters are often responsible for teeth grinding (bruxism), which leads to jaw pain, headaches, and even dental damage over time.
At Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic, we’ve been helping Melbourne patients address these concerns since 1999, using proven muscle relaxant techniques that are both safe and effective.
How Masseter Treatment Works
Masseter treatment uses targeted muscle relaxant injections to gradually reduce the size and activity of the masseter muscles. The process is straightforward and takes less than 30 minutes at any of our four Melbourne clinic locations.
During the procedure, our AHPRA-registered clinicians inject small amounts of muscle relaxant directly into the masseter muscles. These injections work by temporarily relaxing the muscle, which reduces its size over time and prevents the repetitive clenching or grinding motion that causes both aesthetic concerns and TMJ symptoms.
Unlike surgical jaw reduction, this is a non-invasive procedure with no downtime. You can return to your normal activities immediately after your appointment. The treatment doesn’t change your ability to chew or speak, it simply reduces unnecessary muscle overactivity.
The Dual Benefits: Jawline Slimming and TMJ Relief
Jawline Slimming
For those seeking aesthetic improvements, masseter treatment offers a gentle way to slim and contour the lower face. As the muscle gradually reduces in size, the jawline becomes less prominent and the face takes on a more oval or heart-shaped appearance. This subtle shift draws attention upward to the cheekbones and eyes, creating better facial balance.
The result is a softer, more refined facial contour without surgery, scarring, or extended recovery time. Many of our Melbourne patients appreciate that the changes develop gradually, looking natural rather than sudden or obvious.
TMJ Relief and Teeth Grinding Management
If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or you know you grind your teeth at night, masseter treatment can provide significant relief. By relaxing the overactive masseter muscle, the treatment reduces the force of clenching and grinding. This protects your teeth from further damage and eases the tension that causes jaw pain and headaches.
Many patients report sleeping better and waking up without the jaw soreness they’d become accustomed to. The treatment can be a game-changer for those who’ve tried night guards or other interventions without success.
What to Expect: The Treatment Process
Your journey with masseter treatment begins with a complimentary consultation at one of our Melbourne clinics. During this appointment, your clinician will assess your masseter muscles, discuss your concerns (whether aesthetic, functional, or both), and create a personalised treatment plan.
Before any treatment, your clinician will carefully palpate your masseter muscles to identify areas of enlargement and determine the optimal injection sites. They’ll mark out your face to ensure precise placement of the muscle relaxants.
The actual injection process is quick and relatively comfortable. Most patients describe the sensation as a small pinprick. Fine needles are used, and advanced techniques ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. A local anaesthetic may be used to numb the area if needed.
Immediately after your treatment, you can go about your day. However, you should avoid rubbing the treated area or undertaking strenuous exercise for at least four hours to prevent the muscle relaxant from migrating to surrounding muscles.
Results and Timeline
One of the most common questions we receive at our Melbourne clinics is “when will I see results?” The answer is that masseter treatment produces gradual, natural-looking changes.
You won’t see immediate results, and that’s actually a good thing. The changes develop slowly over several weeks, allowing the muscle to gradually reduce in size. Most patients begin noticing changes within 2-4 weeks, with the full effect visible around 6-8 weeks after treatment.
For TMJ relief, you may notice reduced teeth grinding and jaw pain within the first few weeks as the muscle relaxes. Headaches and jaw tension often improve sooner than the visible aesthetic changes.
The results typically last 3-4 months. As with allanti-wrinkle injections, the effects are temporary, as the body naturally metabolises the muscle relaxant over time. Regular maintenance treatments help extend the results, and many patients find that with consistent treatment, the effects last progressively longer as the muscle becomes retrained to remain more relaxed.
Possible Side Effects and Aftercare
Masseter treatment is considered very safe when performed by qualified, experienced clinicians. At Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic, all treatments are performed by AHPRA-registered clinicians under medical supervision, ensuring the highest standards of safety and care.
As with any injectable treatment, some mild side effects are possible. These may include tenderness, redness, bruising, or swelling at the injection sites. Bruising can take up to 10 days to clear, though makeup can be used as a temporary measure. Most other side effects settle within two days.
More serious side effects are rare but can occur if the muscle relaxant migrates to surrounding areas. In this instance, chewing ability could be temporarily affected. This is why it’s crucial to avoid rubbing the treated area and strenuous exercise for at least four hours after your appointment.
We always schedule a review appointment several weeks after your initial treatment to assess your results and provide a top-up if needed. This ensures you achieve the optimal outcome tailored to your individual anatomy and goals.
Is Masseter Treatment Right for You?
You might be a good candidate for masseter treatment if you:
Have a wide, square-shaped jawline that you’d like to slim
Grind your teeth at night or clench your jaw during the day
Experience TMJ pain, jaw soreness, or tension headaches
Want a non-surgical solution with minimal downtime
Have realistic expectations about gradual, natural-looking results
During your complimentary consultation, our clinicians will assess your suitability and discuss whether masseter treatment is the best option for your concerns. What to expect at your first appointment can help you prepare for this consultation.
Why Choose Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic for Masseter Treatment
Since 1999, Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic has been providing Melbourne patients with trustedcosmetic injectable treatments that enhance natural beauty while prioritising safety and patient care.
We understand that every face is unique, which is why we personalise every treatment to your individual anatomy, concerns, and goals. Our AHPRA-registered clinicians have extensive experience with masseter treatment and take the time to ensure you’re comfortable and informed throughout your journey.
With four convenientclinic locations across Melbourne (Collins St CBD, Hawthorn, Mount Waverley, and Viewbank), accessing expert care has never been easier. We also offer complimentary consultations, so there’s no financial commitment required to explore whether this treatment is right for you.
Take the First Step
If you’re curious about how masseter treatment could help you achieve a slimmer jawline or find relief from teeth grinding and jaw pain, we’re here to help. Book your complimentary consultation at any of our Melbourne clinics to discuss your concerns with an experienced clinician.
During your consultation, we’ll assess your masseter muscles, answer all your questions, and create a personalised treatment plan. There’s no pressure, just expert guidance to help you make an informed decision about your care.
Book your consultation today and discover why thousands of Melbourne patients trust Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic for their masseter treatment needs.
