Masseter Reduction (Jaw Slimming) Dublin

Masseter reduction uses anti-wrinkle injections placed directly into the masseter — the large chewing muscle at the angle of your jaw — to gradually relax and reduce its bulk. It's used for two connected reasons: easing the muscle overactivity behind teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching, and softening a wide or square jawline into a more oval, contoured shape. Many clients come in for one reason and notice the other improve as well.

Yes — this is one of the two main reasons clients book this treatment at Amara Clinic Dublin. Relaxing the masseter reduces the force of clenching and grinding, which can ease jaw tension and clenching-related morning headaches caused by an overactive muscle. It isn't a substitute for a night guard or a dental assessment if you have significant tooth wear, but it directly addresses the muscle overactivity driving the clenching.

Yes. When an overdeveloped masseter muscle is contributing to a wider or squarer jaw, anti-wrinkle injections placed into the masseter can gradually relax and reduce its bulk, softening the jawline into a more oval, contoured shape. It's a popular non-surgical alternative to jaw-reduction surgery, but because the masseter is a much larger, stronger muscle than those treated for facial lines, it needs individual assessment and dose planning — this is reviewed at consultation at Amara Clinic Dublin, not treated as a standard add-on area.

The injections temporarily reduce the nerve signal telling the masseter to contract as forcefully. Over repeated use, the muscle — like any muscle worked less — reduces in bulk. This is why the jaw-slimming effect builds gradually rather than appearing overnight, and why the bruxism relief is often noticed sooner than the visible jawline change.

Good candidates are healthy adults with visible masseter bulk at the jaw angle, teeth grinding or jaw clenching, or both. It isn't recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for people with certain neuromuscular conditions, or under 18. Because dosing depends on how developed the muscle is, a proper assessment at consultation — not a photo or a phone call — is how we confirm suitability and plan the dose at Amara Clinic Dublin.

After an assessment of your jaw muscle and bite, a series of small injections are placed into the masseter on each side. The appointment itself typically takes 15–20 minutes — slightly longer than a standard anti-wrinkle area because more injection points are needed to cover the muscle evenly. There's no sedation and no downtime.

Most clients describe it as a series of quick pinpricks, similar to other anti-wrinkle treatments, though the jaw can feel slightly more sensitive than the forehead for some people. Discomfort is brief and manageable; ice or topical numbing can be used if you'd prefer.

Visible jawline slimming develops more slowly than line-smoothing treatments — usually over 4–6 weeks as the masseter muscle gradually reduces in bulk with regular use — rather than the 3–14 days typical for forehead or frown lines. Results generally last 4–6 months, and many clients find the slimming effect becomes more pronounced with repeat treatments as the muscle stays smaller. Progress is reviewed at follow-up as part of your treatment plan at Amara Clinic Dublin.

Often, yes. Many clients notice their clenching feels less forceful and jaw tension eases within the first couple of weeks, well before the visible jawline change — which follows the muscle's gradual reduction in bulk over 4–6 weeks. Everyone's timeline varies, and this is discussed at your consultation.

As with any anti-wrinkle injection, common effects are minor redness, swelling or tenderness at the injection sites, usually settling quickly. Because the masseter is used for chewing, some people notice mild, temporary tiredness in the jaw when eating tougher foods in the first week or two while the muscle adjusts — this is expected, not a complication, and it resolves on its own.

The same aftercare as any anti-wrinkle injection applies: avoid touching or massaging the treated area, don't lie flat for four hours, and skip strenuous exercise, saunas and alcohol for at least 24 hours. There's no need to change your diet, though very tough or chewy foods may feel more tiring on the jaw for the first week or so.

Yes — it's commonly combined with dermal filler along the jawline or chin for a more defined, contoured lower face, or with anti-wrinkle injections in the upper face (forehead, frown lines) in the same visit. Your doctor will build a plan around what you're actually trying to achieve, not push add-ons you don't need.

Because the masseter is a larger, stronger muscle than those treated for standard anti-wrinkle areas, the dose needed varies more from person to person — so unlike a first area at €400 or two areas at €500, masseter treatment is individually assessed and quoted at your consultation once your doctor has seen the muscle and discussed your goals. There's no obligation to proceed after a consultation.

Most healthy adults with visible masseter bulk, grinding or clenching are suitable candidates, assessed individually at consultation. It isn't recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with certain neuromuscular conditions, active infection at the injection site, known allergy to the treatment, or those under 18. Our doctors at Amara Clinic Dublin will confirm suitability before any treatment goes ahead.