Downtime
Minimal. Cover the injection marks and you're good to go. If bruising occurs, expect 3–5 days. Avoid sauna and alcohol the day of treatment only.
Effect onset
Results start showing around 2 weeks post-treatment ('Wait, does my face look different?'). Peak results at 4–6 weeks — this is when you'll catch yourself admiring your reflection the most.
Effect duration
3–6 months. First-timers typically see it wear off around 3 months, but after 3–4 sessions the muscle 'learns' to stay smaller and results can last 6+ months.
Recommended cycle
First 3 sessions every 3–4 months → then maintenance every 6 months to 1 year. The less the muscle is used, the less it bounces back each time.
Aftercare
Don't lie down for 4 hours post-treatment (prevents Botox from migrating)
No facial massage or sauna the day of (heat causes spreading)
Avoid tough, chewy foods (squid, gum) for 2 weeks (muscle stimulation reduces efficacy)
Return for a check-up 2 weeks later — touch-up available if needed
Side effects
Most common: jaw soreness and stiffness. Most concerning: an unnatural facial expression, especially an awkward smile.
Not recommended for
People whose square jaw is due to bone structure, not muscle (Botox reduces muscle, not bone)
People with significant cheek sagging (slimming the jaw can make cheeks droop further)
Pregnant or breastfeeding
People taking muscle relaxants
People with Botox allergies
Best combos
Masseter Botox + Fat-Dissolving Injection: Shrink the muscle AND melt fat for a complete V-line — your whole face looks smaller.
Masseter Botox + Chin Filler: Slim the jaw sides and project the chin for a balanced, beautiful V-line ratio.
Masseter Botox + Cheekbone Botox: Soften the entire facial contour — a sharp, angular face becomes noticeably softer.
Differences from others
Masseter Botox vs. Fat-Dissolving Injections (Contouring Shot): Botox reduces muscle bulk; fat-dissolving injections target fat. Angular jaw from muscle = Botox. Wide face from cheek fat = fat-dissolving shot. Both issues? Some people do both at the same time.
Price
₩80,000–200,000 for both sides as of 2025. Price varies by brand.
Why prices differ
Price varies significantly by brand. Korean brands (Botulax/Nabota): ₩80,000–150,000; Xeomin (German): ₩150,000–200,000; Botox (Allergan, US): ₩200,000–300,000. Korean brands are not inferior in efficacy. Note: pricing is per unit, so people with larger muscles will pay more.
Hospital selection tips
1) Get a bone vs. muscle assessment first. Clench your teeth: if something bulges out, that's muscle. If your jaw looks angular even when relaxed, that's bone. Botox won't fix bone structure — don't waste your money.
2) Ask exactly how many units you're getting. If an ad only says 'Jaw Botox for ₩50,000,' check how many units are included. Some clinics give only 25 units and then upsell more if the result is weak.
3) Make sure dosage is customized to your face shape. Over-injecting in someone with prominent cheek fat can cause sagging that makes you look older.
4) Stick to the same brand. Switching Botox brands increases the chance of developing resistance.
