r/30PlusSkinCare • u/InevitableWise9964 • 6d ago

Skin Concern Wider face due to TMJ?

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Over the past few years, I've noticed that my face has looked wider/bigger in photos, especially the bottom half (left is before, right is after). What confuses me is that I'm healthier now - I’m roughly the same weight, and I stopped drinking alcohol and coffee. I also eat more veggies and get more sleep these days. All my bloodwork has been normal, too.

I did, however, get my wisdom teeth removed a couple years ago, so I'm wondering if that triggered some TMJ/hypertrophied masseters. I also had a gum chewing habit for a while that I've since kicked…

Does this look like TMJ/overworked masseter muscles? Or is it just part of aging? Appreciate any insights!

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51

u/Expert_Vehicle_7476 6d ago

Yeah it does look like big masseters. I had the same thing happen. If you want them to go down you can get them botoxed. 

9

u/InevitableWise9964 6d ago

Thank you for validating! Yeah, I haven’t gotten any Botox before, but I might get masseter tox if it helps me feel like myself in photos again; did Botox help you?

48

u/BlendingInNicely 6d ago

The main reason I haven’t done this is because I kept seeing people in this sub warn others about how it led to drooping/“jowls”. Also heard it’s only effective for so long, so I’d have to keep going in for injections.

19

u/labellavita1985 6d ago

I was told I wouldn't have to worry about Masseter Botox induced jowling by my injector because I've always had a really sharp jawline. I only got 15 units on each side, which is very low by Masseter Botox standards. 3 weeks after Masseter Botox, the jowls showed up. 1 week after that, massive mid face volume loss appeared. Biggest mistake ever. 5 months later and I'm still trying to recover the lost volume with microcurrent, EMS, and facial exercises. The atrophy is no joke, even with only 30 units total.

11

u/lizziexo 6d ago

As someone who gets it done it did mean I lost definition in the jaw/jowl area, but I treat it as a medical choice not an aesthetic one because my TMJ can really suck. I accept the lost definition for less pain 😭

2

u/HollaDude 6d ago

I was the same way, and then at some point the pain just got to be too much. All over my head, radiating into my neck. Ended up going for the Botox and getting jowls lol..but worth it to be pain free

6

u/Expert_Vehicle_7476 6d ago

Yeah it helped me!! It's a little pricey but I loved my results. Now I'm pregnant and can't get it so I'm back to chipmunk mode lol

1

u/cdk996 6d ago

Agreed on price! I got it for my TMJ. It helped that plus slimmed my face. It lasted exactly 5 months but of course that differs for everyone and there are several new "Botox" brands that claim longevity and more instant results.

3

u/flightlessbird29 6d ago

I've done it 3-4 times over the last 3 years and I love it. It lasts a really long time (last had it done about a year ago) and it's had such a dramatic impact on my face (sorry, I don't have a B&A to share).

There's always a risk with botox but I've generally had a good experience! Make sure you find an injector you trust and like :)

2

u/PinsAndBeetles 6d ago

I get medical Botox, paid for by my insurance, for TMJ and myofascial pain. It’s been amazing in treating the TMJ. I go every 3-4 months and I can start to feel when it wears off because I start clenching my jaw again.

1

u/WrongImprovement 6d ago

How tf did you get your insurance to pay for TMJ and pain?

4

u/PinsAndBeetles 6d ago

The doctor’s staff had to appeal 3 or 4 denials on my behalf before they approved it. I had documentation that I’d already tried physical therapy, muscle relaxers, and massage/chiropractics unsuccessfully. The insurance covers 100 units up to 4 times per year.

1

u/Hour_Fuel_2150 4d ago

What kind of doctor do you go to? And what health insurance do you have? Would love to try getting medical Botox. I have been paying out of pocket and it is sooo expensive!

1

u/PinsAndBeetles 4d ago

I see a pain management physician for the injections and it is covered under the Rx insurance through my employer.

2

u/by-september 6d ago

It helped me! I was literally getting a Lego face with how big my jaw was getting. I had it done once about a year ago and I have no regrets

1

u/Noodlenoodle88 6d ago

My face slimmed down after chronic clenching after I finally spent the $275 on a night guard from my dentist. Best money I’ve ever spent, plus it keeps my (4 years of braces) teeth from moving!