This document is for existing patients of The Glow Co. Aesthetics. It has been prepared by Registered Nurse Lisa to support your recovery following treatment received at our clinic. It is not intended for general publication and does not constitute advertising or promotion of any prescription medicine. All prescription medicines are prescribed by our clinic's medical practitioner following individual clinical assessment.
Your Treatment
Today you received an injection of botulinum toxin into the masseter muscles. The masseter is the large muscle on either side of the jaw responsible for chewing and clenching. Botulinum toxin is a Schedule 4 prescription medicine that works by temporarily reducing nerve signals to the treated muscle, which reduces involuntary clenching and grinding activity over the weeks following your appointment.
The masseter is a large muscle and requires more time to respond than smaller facial muscles. You will not see or feel the full effect immediately. Onset typically begins within 1 to 2 weeks, with the full therapeutic effect established at 4 to 6 weeks.
What to Expect
- Small raised bumps at injection points, settling within 20 to 30 minutes
- Mild tenderness in the jaw area for 24 to 48 hours following treatment
- Bruising at injection sites, possible in some patients, resolving within 7 to 14 days
- Temporary mild difficulty chewing firm foods in the first few days as the muscle begins to respond. This is normal and resolves as your jaw adapts
Aftercare Instructions
For the First 4 Hours
- Remain upright. Do not lie down or bend forward
- Do not touch, rub, or apply pressure to the treated area
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, or anything generating significant heat
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medications including ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen unless medically necessary. Paracetamol is fine
For the First 24 Hours
- Eat soft foods only. Avoid hard, chewy, or tough foods such as steak, crusty bread, nuts, and chewing gum
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Continue to avoid anti-inflammatory medications and alcohol
For the First 3 Days
- Continue to favour softer foods where possible
- Avoid chewing gum
- Avoid face-down massage
- Avoid high-intensity exercise or anything generating excessive heat
- After 3 days the botulinum toxin will have settled into the muscle and will not migrate
For the First 7 Days
- Avoid invasive treatments to the jaw area
- Avoid dental procedures where possible during this period. If dental work is essential, inform your dentist you have recently had an injection into the masseter
For the First 14 Days
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF daily
- Avoid cosmetic treatments to the treated area
When You Will See Results
- Weeks 1 to 2: Onset of reduced muscle activity. Grinding and clenching begins to reduce
- Weeks 4 to 6: Full therapeutic effect established. Jaw muscle bulk reduction, where relevant, becomes more noticeable over this period
- Duration: 12 to 16 weeks on average, varying by individual muscle activity and metabolism
Possible Complications
- Asymmetry: If after 4 to 6 weeks you notice uneven muscle response between sides, contact the clinic. Some asymmetry resolves as both sides settle. Where clinically appropriate, a refinement can be provided
- Swelling: If swelling occurs at an injection site, an oral antihistamine is appropriate. Please also contact the clinic
- Infection: Rare. Signs include increasing redness, swelling, and heat appearing 5 to 7 days post-treatment. Contact the clinic immediately if you notice these
Contact the Clinic Immediately If You Experience
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Significant difficulty opening or closing your mouth beyond mild initial stiffness
- Visual disturbances
- Difficulty breathing
- Any symptom that concerns you
For urgent concerns, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
For non-urgent concerns, contact Nurse Lisa on 0405 130 108.
For further information, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has published a patient resource: Supporting a safe choice about cosmetic injectables.
Your Review Appointment
Your review is scheduled at approximately 4 to 6 weeks post-treatment once the full effect is established. Nurse Lisa will assess your response and discuss whether any refinement is clinically appropriate.
Contact the clinic or call 0405 130 108 with any questions.