Most people need 40–60 units of Botox for the masseter — about 20–30 units per side. The masseter, the thick muscle at the corner of your jaw, is one of the strongest muscles in your body, and it's the target whether you're getting Botox for TMJ jaw pain or for cosmetic jaw slimming. Because it's so large and powerful, it needs more product than the small muscles treated with Botox in El Paso for the upper face. Here's the typical dosing, how often you'll need it, and what it costs.
The short answer: 40–60 units total
- Per side: about 20–30 units into each masseter
- Total: roughly 40–60 units for both sides
- For TMJ: sometimes a few additional units in the temporalis (temple) muscle if it's feeding your headaches
For comparison, the entire forehead is usually treated with about 20 units — so a masseter treatment uses two to three times as much, simply because the muscle is so much bigger and stronger.
How often do you need masseter Botox?
Every 3–4 months at first. That's how long the muscle-relaxing effect lasts, so most patients come in three or four times in the first year. After several rounds the masseter shrinks and gets weaker, and many patients find they can stretch treatments to 5–6 months — often on fewer units than they started with. The visible jaw slimming tends to outlast the relaxing effect, because a muscle that has shrunk doesn't bulk back up the moment the Botox wears off.
Units by treatment, at a glance
| Treatment | Units per side | Total units | Cost at Solas ($10/unit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masseter — jaw slimming | 20–30 | 40–60 | $400–$600 |
| Masseter — TMJ / clenching relief | 20–30 | 40–60 | $400–$600 |
| TMJ with temple headaches (adds temporalis) | 20–30 + 5–10 | 50–80 | $500–$800 |
| Maintenance after several rounds | 15–25 | 30–50 | $300–$500 |
| Forehead, for comparison | — | about 20 | about $200 |
Ranges are typical starting points. Celeste confirms your exact dose at your consultation, before any injections.
What changes your dose
- Muscle size and strength. Heavy grinders and clenchers often build up a very strong masseter that needs more units; a smaller muscle needs fewer.
- Your goal. Relief from clenching may need a slightly different dose than maximal jaw slimming.
- Treatment history. A masseter that's been relaxed over several rounds gradually shrinks, so later sessions often need fewer units.
At Solas, Celeste assesses your jaw by having you bite down so she can feel the muscle, then maps your dose to your anatomy — so you only pay for what you actually need.
What it costs: Botox at Solas is $10 per unit at 20+ units, so a 40–60 unit masseter or TMJ treatment runs about $400–$600. Your exact dose and price are confirmed before any injections — no surprises.
How soon you'll notice it
You'll feel reduced clenching strength within about 1–2 weeks. If you're after jaw slimming, that develops more gradually as the muscle relaxes and reduces in size — usually visible over 6–8 weeks. Results last about 3–4 months.
Get Your Masseter Dose
Mapped in El Paso
Book a consultation with Celeste Cisneros, FNP-BC at Solas Health & Wellness.
6633 N Mesa St, Suite 508 · El Paso, TX 79912 · (915) 266-3174
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