The treatment itself takes around 20 to 30 minutes at our Suffolk clinic, following your consultation. A small number of injections are placed into the masseter on each side, using very fine needles. You will have discussed exactly what is involved beforehand, so nothing on the day comes as a surprise.
There is very little downtime. Most people return to normal activities the same day. The area can feel slightly tender when chewing for a day or two, and occasionally there is minor redness or bruising at an injection site, but nothing that usually stops you getting on with your day.
Relief from clenching and jaw tension often comes first, within one to two weeks. The slimming effect develops more gradually as the muscle reduces in size, usually over four to six weeks. Results typically last several months. With repeated treatment the muscle tends to soften further, so many people find they need their appointments less often over time.
Rebecca will ask you to clench your jaw so she can feel the muscle and judge its size and symmetry, then treat the target points on each side. The needles are fine and most people find the treatment very manageable. The whole appointment is calm and unhurried, with time to ask questions before anything is done.
Common effects are mild and short-lived: tenderness, a little swelling or bruising, and occasionally a feeling of heaviness when chewing while the muscle adjusts. More significant effects, such as a temporary change to your smile or bite, are uncommon and are closely tied to accurate placement. This is exactly why the treatment should be carried out by an experienced medical prescriber who knows the anatomy of the jaw.
For the first 24 hours, avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol and excess heat such as saunas, and try not to rub or massage the treated area. Stay upright for the first few hours. Rebecca will talk you through your full aftercare before you leave, and arrange a review if one is needed.
