Masseter Botox in London: Jaw Slimming, Teeth Grinding & Jaw Clenching
By Dr Katerina Konstantinou, Medical Director, EliteSkin · Medically reviewed 9 November 2026
Quick answer: Masseter Botox is a muscle-relaxing injection into the jaw muscle. It reduces teeth grinding and jaw clenching and gradually slims a square jaw. In London it typically costs £250–£450, takes 10–15 minutes, and lasts 4–6 months. At EliteSkin it is done by GMC-registered doctors near Marble Arch and Paddington, London W2, and costs £299.
Do you wake up with a sore jaw or headaches, or have you noticed your face looking wider and squarer at the jawline? Your masseter muscle may be the cause. It's one of the strongest muscles in the body, and when it's overworked by clenching or grinding it can grow bigger and cause pain. Masseter Botox relaxes it, which gives your jaw a rest and softens the shape of your lower face. It is one of the anti-wrinkle injection treatments we offer at EliteSkin.
What Is Masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox is an anti-wrinkle injection placed into the masseter muscle at the back of the jaw to relax it.
The masseter is the muscle you use to chew. Clenching and grinding (bruxism) make it work harder, and over time it can enlarge, much like any muscle you train. A small dose of botulinum toxin weakens the muscle's strongest contractions. You can still eat, talk and smile as normal. The forceful clenching that causes pain and tooth wear is reduced.
People usually come to us for one of two reasons:
Medical: teeth grinding, jaw clenching, jaw pain, tension headaches, or TMJ discomfort
Aesthetic: a square or wide jawline they'd like to slim into a softer, more V-shaped face
Many patients notice both benefits.
Who Is Masseter Botox Suitable For?
It suits adults who grind or clench their teeth, have jaw pain from an overactive masseter, or want a slimmer jawline without surgery.
Your doctor will check your bite, how your jaw muscles move and your skin quality before treatment. It isn't suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with certain neuromuscular conditions. We'll go through your medical history at your consultation.
How Much Does Masseter Botox Cost in London?
Masseter Botox in London usually costs £250–£450. At EliteSkin it costs £299.
This includes your doctor consultation, treatment to both sides of the jaw, and a free follow-up review to check your results. For prices for other areas, see our Botox cost London guide or our full treatment price list.
What Happens During Treatment?
Treatment takes 10–15 minutes, needs no anaesthetic, and you can go back to work straight away.
Consultation: your doctor feels the muscle while you clench, assesses your face shape and agrees a plan with you.
Injection: a few small injections go into each masseter. Most people say it feels like a quick pinch.
Aftercare: avoid lying down for 4 hours, avoid hard exercise for 24 hours, and don't massage the area.
How Long Does Masseter Botox Take to Work?
Masseter Botox usually starts relieving teeth grinding within 1–2 weeks, and jaw slimming shows over 4–8 weeks.
The muscle relaxes first, so pain and clenching ease early. The slimming is gradual because the muscle shrinks over several weeks, and most people see the full effect at around 8–12 weeks. Results last 4–6 months. With regular treatments, many patients find they need top-ups less often, as the muscle stays smaller.
Masseter Botox Side Effects: Jowls, Smile Changes & When It Goes Wrong
Side effects are usually mild and temporary when the treatment is done by an experienced doctor.
Common, short-lived effects:
Small bruises or tenderness where the needle went in
Mild headache for a day or two
Chewing fatigue with tough foods for the first few weeks
Less common effects, which mostly come from wrong placement or too high a dose:
An uneven smile: if the product spreads to the nearby smile muscle. This wears off as the product fades.
Paradoxical bulging: a small bulge when clenching if part of the muscle was missed. This is fixed with a top-up at your review.
Hollowing or sagging: usually because the dose was too high for that face.
This is why it matters who treats you. At EliteSkin, every masseter treatment is planned and injected by a GMC-registered doctor who knows the facial anatomy in detail.
Can Masseter Botox Cause Jowls?
It can in some people, which is why a doctor's assessment matters.
In people with looser skin or a lot of lower-face fullness, slimming the masseter can make existing skin laxity more noticeable along the jawline. Your doctor checks your skin quality and face shape first. If jowling is a risk, they'll adjust the dose or suggest a different approach.
Masseter Botox for Men
Men can get excellent results, but they often need a higher dose.
Men usually have stronger masseter muscles and grind or clench harder. Treatment can relieve grinding and jaw pain while keeping a strong, natural jawline. Your doctor will tailor the dose so the result still looks masculine.
Can I Get Masseter Botox on the NHS?
Masseter Botox for teeth grinding is rarely offered on the NHS, so most people in the UK have it privately.
The NHS usually recommends a dental night guard first. A night guard protects your teeth but doesn't stop the clenching itself. Many of our patients combine masseter Botox with a night guard from their dentist for the best protection.
Why Choose EliteSkin for Masseter Botox?
Doctor-led: every treatment is done by GMC-registered doctors, not beauticians
Rated 4.9★ on Google from 461 reviews
Central London: near Marble Arch and Paddington, London W2
Free review appointment to check your results and top up if needed
Find out more about our anti-wrinkle injections in London, or book a consultation on 020 3965 0299.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get masseter Botox in London?
EliteSkin offers doctor-led masseter Botox near Marble Arch and Paddington, London W2. All treatments are done by GMC-registered doctors and include a consultation and a follow-up review.
What is the best treatment for teeth grinding in London?
For most people, the best approach combines masseter Botox, which reduces the force of clenching, with a dental night guard, which protects the teeth. Masseter Botox treats the muscle causing the problem, while a guard only protects against the damage.
Is masseter Botox worth it?
For people with teeth grinding, jaw pain or a square jaw they're unhappy with, most find it worth it. It's quick, needs no downtime, relieves symptoms within 1–2 weeks and lasts 4–6 months. At EliteSkin it costs £299.
How much does masseter Botox cost in London?
Masseter Botox in London usually costs £250–£450. At EliteSkin it costs £299, including consultation and a follow-up review.
Does masseter Botox make your face slimmer?
Yes. As the masseter muscle relaxes and shrinks, the lower face looks slimmer and more V-shaped. The change develops gradually over 4–8 weeks.
Does masseter Botox hurt?
Most people feel only a quick pinch. No anaesthetic is needed and treatment takes 10–15 minutes.
How long does masseter Botox last?
Usually 4–6 months. With repeat treatments, many people find results last longer.
Will it affect my chewing or smile?
You can eat and smile normally. Tough foods may feel tiring for a few weeks. A changed smile is rare and temporary, and the risk is lowest when an experienced doctor does the injecting.
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