When treatment may be suitable
A markedly prominent masseter contributing significantly to facial width
What else matters
- A wish for a subtle change in contour
- Willingness to have both the effect and chewing function monitored
Face · Chewing muscle and jaw contour
Masseter treatment in Berlin Understanding when facial slimming is appropriate
Prominent chewing muscles can make the lower face appear wider. In suitable cases of masseter hypertrophy, botulinum toxin can temporarily reduce the muscle's activity. I first assess whether the muscle is actually shaping the contour and whether there is also grinding, clenching or jaw discomfort.
Muscle assessmentA prerequisite for facial slimmingGradual changeThe contour develops over weeksTemporary effectThe effect is monitored
Costsfrom €350per treatment, depending on its extentCosts in detailPersonal consultationYour assessment findings and the extent of treatment determine your individual treatment journey.
Treatment at a glance
The treatment
at a glance
Key information about masseter treatment. We will clarify what applies to you based on your assessment findings.
- Procedure
- Botulinum toxin in the masseter
Details
The preparation reduces the activity of the treated chewing muscle.
- Aim
- Addressing width caused by muscle
Details
Bone width is not reduced, and fatty tissue and excess skin are not removed.
- Treatment
- Outpatient injection
Details
The duration depends on the examination and the extent of your individual treatment.
- Anaesthesia
- Local anaesthesia if needed
Details
Brief pain at the injection site and tenderness are possible.
- Onset of effect
- Muscle effect after a few days
Details
A visible change in muscle volume usually takes several weeks.
- Duration of effect
- Several months
Details
The timing of repeat treatment depends on function and progress.
- Treatment status
- Usually off-label use
Details
Aesthetic facial slimming is not a universally licensed standard indication.
- Costs
- Based on individual planning
Details
Based on the findings on both sides and the amount of active ingredient required
Timings are a guide. A personal examination will clarify what applies to you.
Understanding what changes
Facial width
has more than one cause
The masseter is an important chewing muscle at the side of the lower jaw. Botulinum toxin reduces the transmission of signals to the muscle. In suitable cases, this reduced activity can also decrease its volume over time. It does not make a broad jawbone narrower.
How the treatment works
- Assessment
Assess the muscle's contribution
Distinguish between bone, fat, skin and muscle.
- Effect
Temporarily reduce activity
Take the necessary chewing function and both sides of the face into account.
- Progress
Assess contour and function
Evaluate the result only after allowing enough time for it to develop.
How I plan the treatment
I examine the chewing muscles by touch, both at rest and when contracted, and look at both sides of the face. Frequent clenching, grinding and chewing on one side may be relevant; however, an asymmetrical contour does not automatically have a muscular cause.
Facial slimming has an aesthetic aim. Bruxism is a functional issue with potential consequences for the teeth and jaw. If there is pain, clicking or dental damage, a dental or functional assessment is needed. A narrower contour does not show that the causes of grinding have been resolved.
A softer contour when the findings are suitable The muscle can change over a period of weeks. Immediate facial slimming on the day of treatment should not be expected. Excessive volume loss can alter contours unfavourably or make existing skin laxity more noticeable, so I take a conservative approach to planning.
01 / A closer lookChewing muscles serve a purpose
Chewing may temporarily feel weaker. Discomfort when chewing, a change in the movement of your smile or new asymmetries must be discussed at your follow-up.
02 / A closer lookExplaining off-label use clearly
Use outside the medicine's specific licence requires an individual medical assessment and explicit discussion as part of informed consent. This includes the limited applicability of studies, alternatives and personal risks.
Is this right for me?
Who the treatment
may be suitable for
Your assessment findings, your health and your desired outcome need to be compatible.
What needs to be clarified first
Width mainly due to bone structure, fatty tissue or excess skin
What else matters
- Unexplained jaw discomfort or noticeable swelling on one side
- Existing muscle weakness, neuromuscular conditions or other personal contraindications
Different causes call for different solutions. Sometimes choosing not to have a procedure is the right decision.
Compare alternativesBruxism
Understanding grinding, clenching and jaw discomfort.
Find out moreChin correction
Another factor shaping the contour of the lower face.
Find out moreGuide to the face
Considering volume, skin and proportions together.
Find out moreYour treatment journey
Treatment and aftercare
with personal support
01PreparationAssessing the muscle and your symptoms
Together, we distinguish your aesthetic concern from any possible functional problems.
- Discuss grinding, dental splints and dental treatment
- Record previous treatments and medication
02TreatmentWeighing up treatment
If there is a suitable indication, the approach, off-label status and costs are discussed before an injection.
- Take chewing function into account
- Plan for each side individually
03AftercareReviewing progress
The effect on the muscle becomes apparent before any possible change in contour.
- Avoid rushing into further treatment
- Check chewing, smiling and symmetry
Before you leave, we will agree on a direct way to contact me for aftercare. General enquiries: team@dottore.caletti.de.
Your return to everyday life
Recovery and aftercare
with personal support
First few daysMonitor reactions
Minor bruising, a feeling of pressure and a temporary change when chewing are possible.
Following weeksAllow time for the contour to develop
The visible effect develops gradually. An early assessment after just a few days cannot give the full picture.
After several monthsMake a fresh decision
Whether repeat treatment is worthwhile depends on muscle activity, contour, symptoms and any side effects experienced so far.
These timeframes are a guide, not a firm promise. Your individual progress may differ.
Speaking openly about risks
Risks and limitations
considered together
Both the potential benefits and risks should inform your decision. The following points supplement our personal discussion as part of informed consent.
Typical effects and reactions
- Pain at the injection site, bruising, tenderness and a temporarily weaker feeling when chewing
Possible complications
- Temporary weakness of neighbouring muscles and an uneven result
- Rare allergic reactions; spread of the effect can cause difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing
- An altered smile, unwanted volume loss and more noticeable skin laxity
These warning signs need immediate attention
If you have difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, or marked muscle weakness, you need immediate medical help; call 112 for severe acute symptoms. Have any new visual disturbances, persistent symptoms or noticeable asymmetries assessed promptly.
Understand the costs and decide in your own time
Treatment costs
your individual plan
Muscle strength, differences between the two sides and the extent of treatment determine the cost plan. Purely aesthetic treatment is usually self-funded.
Masseter treatmentDiscuss costs in person
Starting price
from €350
per treatment, depending on its extent
The agreed scope of services is recorded in your personal cost plan.
The price reflects your treatment plan
What influences the cost
Muscle assessment
Strength and distribution on both sides.
Aim
Plan separately for aesthetic contour and functional symptoms.
Reviews
Clearly distinguish follow-up reviews from any repeat treatments.
Services covered by your cost planWe clarify these points in advance
- Consultation, examination and the agreed extent of treatment
- Materials, anaesthesia where applicable and care appropriate to the procedure
- Planned reviews and personal aftercare guidance
Your individual quotation will specify which services are included in the total amount.
Additional costs & possible reimbursementConsider follow-up appointments too
Your personal quotation sets out which services are included and which are charged separately. Further sessions, additional procedures or later corrections are not automatically included. Please clarify any possible reimbursement with your insurer before treatment begins.
An examination and shared planning give you clarity on costs. You will receive your personal cost plan before deciding whether to proceed with treatment.
The specialist personally responsible for your care
Dottore Andrea Caletti
Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
Get to know meGood to know
Frequently asked questions:
Masseter treatment
A website can offer guidance. We will discuss your personal situation during your medical consultation.
Ask your question01When does facial slimming become visible?
Muscle activity may begin to decrease after just a few days. Visible narrowing due to a change in muscle volume takes longer, often several weeks.
02Does masseter Botox help with teeth grinding?
It can reduce the strength of the treated muscle, but does not automatically address the causes of bruxism. Dental health, a dental splint, stress factors and other measures need to be assessed separately.
03Will I be able to chew normally afterwards?
The treatment is intended to preserve adequate chewing function. Even so, chewing may temporarily feel weaker or unfamiliar. Any persistent limitations should be reviewed by a doctor.
04Can every broad face be made narrower?
No. If the width is due to bone structure, fatty tissue or excess skin, muscle treatment is often not the right approach.
05Can the treatment make jowls more noticeable?
If muscle volume decreases and the skin does not adapt accordingly, existing laxity can become more noticeable. This is why I consider skin quality when deciding whether treatment is suitable.
06How much does masseter treatment cost?
Muscle strength, differences between the two sides and the extent of treatment determine the cost plan. Purely aesthetic treatment is usually self-funded. Costs are based on the findings on both sides and the amount of active ingredient required. You will receive a clear cost plan before making your decision.
Sources & clinical background
Further clinical information on the procedures described, their limitations and risks.
- Aesthetic Surgery Journal: Botulinum toxin for prominent masseter muscles (2025, English)
A placebo-controlled, manufacturer-funded study of contour changes over six months. It examines muscle prominence, not a cure for bruxism.
- AWMF / DGZMK: S3 guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of bruxism (2026)
Causes, dental treatment and complementary procedures. Botulinum toxin is considered a possible off-label option, with low-quality evidence.
Contact & Directions
Any questions
before your visit?
My team will be happy to help with questions about your appointment and how to get here.
Let's begin with a conversation
Personal consultation
about your wishes
Tell me what matters to you.
I will take time for your questions.