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Doctor assessing the masseter muscle before jaw slimming injections at DrPlus Singapore
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DrPlus Singapore · Injectables

Masseter Jaw Slimming Injections in Singapore

Doctor-administered botulinum toxin injections that relax an enlarged masseter (chewing) muscle to soften a square jawline and ease clenching — for adults whose jaw width comes from muscle rather than bone. Every plan starts with a doctor's assessment at Tanjong Pagar, East Coast or Novena. Results vary by individual.

  • Doctor-performed injections
  • Muscle relaxation, not bone change
  • Muscle, bone or fat — assessed first
Medically reviewed by Dr Kenneth Lee, Medical DirectorLast reviewed October 2026Last updated 19 October 2026MBBCh (Cardiff University), GDipFP Dermatology (NUS)

— Who this page is for

Who jaw slimming injections may suit

These injections relax the chewing muscle at the angle of the jaw. Whether they suit you — and whether the goal is realistic — is decided at a doctor-led consultation.

  • A wide or square lower face

    Your jaw looks wider than you would like because the masseter muscles are enlarged, and you want a softer lower-face shape over time.

  • Teeth grinding or clenching

    You grind or clench (bruxism), wake with jaw tension or headaches, and want to know whether relaxing the muscle could help.

  • Comparing slimming with lifting

    You have seen jaw filler, threads and HIFU and want to understand how muscle slimming differs from adding structure or lifting.

  • Want a gradual change

    You prefer a subtle change that develops over weeks rather than an immediate one, with realistic expectations set first.

— What this involves

How jaw slimming injections work

The masseter is a strong chewing muscle at the back angle of the jaw. In some people it is naturally large — through genetics, chewing habits or grinding — which widens the lower face. Small doses of botulinum toxin, a prescription medicine, are injected into the muscle to reduce how strongly it contracts. With less work to do, the muscle gradually becomes less bulky, and the jaw outline softens over several weeks.

Because the muscle contracts less forcefully, the treatment also tends to reduce the force of clenching and grinding, which is why some people notice less jaw tension or fewer tension headaches.

It is important to be clear about what this does not do. It does not change bone, and it is not a lift. If your jaw width comes from bone structure, or your concern is sagging or fat, other options are more appropriate — and your doctor will say so.

In Singapore, botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine regulated by the Health Sciences Authority and should only be given by a registered doctor after assessment. At DrPlus, the same doctor assesses your jaw and performs the treatment, at our Tanjong Pagar, East Coast or Novena clinic.

— What to expect on the day

Your jaw slimming appointment, step by step

A first visit combines the consultation and, if appropriate, the treatment. You can also take the plan away and decide later.

  1. Step 1

    Medical and dental history

    Your doctor asks about your health, medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding, any neuromuscular condition, grinding or jaw pain, and previous injections.

    Duration:
    About 10 minutes
  2. Step 2

    Jaw assessment

    You will be asked to clench so the doctor can feel the size and position of each masseter, check symmetry, and tell muscle apart from bone or fat.

    Duration:
    About 5–10 minutes
  3. Step 3

    Plan, consent and marking

    The doctor explains the approximate dose, expected timeline and risks. If you agree, the skin is cleansed and the safe injection zone on each side is marked.

  4. Step 4

    The injections

    A few small injections are placed into the thickest part of each muscle with a fine needle.

    Duration:
    Usually 5–10 minutes
    Sensation:
    Brief pinching and pressure
  5. Step 5

    Aftercare and review date

    You leave with written aftercare and a review appointment, usually around two to four weeks later, to check symmetry and how chewing feels.

— What to expect

Downtime and aftercare

There is usually no downtime — most people return to work straight away. A few precautions on the first day help the medicine stay in the muscle.

  1. Straight after

    Small bumps at injection points settle within about 30 minutes. A pinpoint bruise can occur. Do not massage or press on the jaw.

  2. First four hours

    Stay upright and avoid lying face-down or having facial treatments.

  3. First 24 hours

    Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and alcohol. Many doctors also advise avoiding chewing gum and very hard foods on the first day.

  4. Review

    Your doctor checks symmetry and chewing comfort, and records the dose so future sessions can be tailored.

How the result develops

Weeks 1–2

Chewing may feel less forceful, especially with tough foods. Clenching often eases.

Weeks 4–8

The muscle reduces in bulk and the jaw outline begins to look softer.

Months 4–6

The muscle gradually regains strength. Treatment is repeated to maintain the effect; some people can space sessions further apart over time.

Timelines vary with muscle size, dose and individual response. Contact the clinic if chewing becomes difficult or your smile looks uneven.

— Muscle, bone or fat?

What is making your lower face look wide?

A wide or heavy lower face has several possible causes, and jaw slimming injections only treat one of them. This is why the assessment matters more than the treatment.

Causes of a wide lower face and whether jaw slimming injections help
CauseHow it showsDo jaw slimming injections help?
Enlarged masseter muscleA firm bulge at the jaw angle that hardens when you clenchYes — this is what the treatment is designed for
Bone structureA wide, angular jaw with little muscle bulkNo — filler for balance, or a surgical opinion, may be discussed
Fat under the chin or along the jawSoft fullness that does not change when you clenchNo — fat reduction treatments are more appropriate
Sagging and jowlsLoose skin and tissue along the jawlineNo — lifting treatments are more appropriate
Swollen salivary glandsFullness in front of the ear, sometimes tenderNo — needs medical review first

— Risks & side effects

Risks and side effects

Jaw slimming injections are generally well tolerated when a trained doctor doses them carefully. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, and your doctor explains the risks before you decide.

  • Common and short-lived: tenderness, small bruises at injection points, or a mild headache.
  • Less common: chewing fatigue with tough foods, an uneven smile if the medicine spreads to nearby smile muscles, or a temporary bulge when clenching. These usually settle as the effect wears off.
  • With repeated treatment in a slim face, the cheeks can look slightly hollow above the jaw; dosing is adjusted to avoid this.
  • Rare: allergic reaction or noticeable difficulty chewing.
  • Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with certain neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis, with infection at the injection site, or with a known allergy to the product. Some antibiotics and other medicines need to be reviewed first.

— Choosing a doctor

How to choose a doctor for jaw slimming in Singapore

These questions are reasonable to ask at any clinic, including ours.

  • Is a registered doctor assessing you and injecting? Any doctor can be looked up on the Singapore Medical Council's online register.
  • Did the doctor feel the muscle while you clenched, and explain whether your width is muscle, bone or fat?
  • Is the product registered with the Health Sciences Authority, and will the doctor tell you which product and roughly what dose is planned?
  • Does the doctor explain how they avoid affecting your smile?
  • Is there a review appointment, and a clear plan if you have a side effect?
  • Do you receive a written plan after assessment, with time to decide and no pressure to treat on the day?

— Compared with alternatives

Jaw slimming injections compared with other options

Lower-face concerns often need a different tool, or a combination. The table shows what each option is designed for.

How jaw slimming injections compare with jawline and chin filler, fat reduction, lifting and surgery
OptionDesigned forPoints to know
Jaw slimming injectionsAn enlarged masseter muscle; clenchingGradual change over weeks; repeated to maintain
Jawline fillerSharper jaw definition and structureAdds structure rather than reducing width
Chin fillerChin projection and profile balanceCan make the lower face look narrower by changing proportions
Fat freezingFat under the chin or along the jawGradual change over weeks to months
HIFU and thread liftsMild sagging and jowlsDevelops over months; maintenance varies
Jaw surgeryWide jaw caused by bone structurePerformed by a surgeon; longer recovery; referral if appropriate

— Why DrPlus

How DrPlus approaches jaw slimming

Assessment-led jaw treatment that is honest about what muscle relaxation can and cannot achieve.

Doctor-assessed and doctor-injected

The doctor who assesses your jaw places the injections and reviews the result.

Clear about slimming versus lifting

We explain plainly how muscle slimming differs from adding structure or lifting, so expectations match what the treatment does.

Measured dosing, then review

Doses are matched to your muscle size and adjusted over time, rather than over-treating in a single visit.

Three Singapore clinics

Tanjong Pagar, East Coast and Novena, with the same doctor-led standard at each.

Ready to discuss your skin?

Book a doctor-led assessment tailored to your concerns.

— Our Singapore clinics

Three Singapore clinics, one doctor-led standard

Consultations and treatments are available at all three clinics — choose whichever is more convenient: the Tanjong Pagar CBD, Katong on the East Coast, or the Novena medical district.

Reception desk and branded logo wall at SBF Center, Tanjong Pagar — Dr Plus Aesthetics Clinic Singapore

Tanjong Pagar / CBD

SBF Center

Dr Plus Aesthetics Clinic Singapore (Tanjong Pagar)

160 Robinson Road #03-10
Singapore 068914

About a three-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT (East–West Line); the building has a carpark.

Clinic entrance at The Flow Mall, East Coast — Dr Plus Aesthetics Clinic Singapore

East Coast / Katong

The Flow Mall

Dr Plus Aesthetics Clinic (East Coast)

66 East Coast Road #03-05
Singapore 428778

A short walk from Marine Parade MRT (Thomson–East Coast Line); The Flow Mall has a carpark.

Reception desk and branded logo wall at Novena Medical Centre, Novena — Dr Plus Aesthetics Clinic Singapore

Novena

Novena Medical Centre

Dr Plus Aesthetics Clinic (Novena)

10 Sinaran Drive #10-30
Singapore 307506

A short sheltered walk from Novena MRT (North–South Line); Novena Medical Centre has a carpark.

— FAQ

Common questions

The change is gradual because the muscle reduces in bulk over time. Many people notice softening from around four to eight weeks, with the fuller effect over two to three months. Results vary by individual.

The muscle gradually regains strength over roughly four to six months, so treatment is commonly repeated at around that interval to maintain the effect. Some people find they can space sessions further apart over time, but this varies.

Relaxing the masseter often reduces the force of clenching and grinding, which is why some people notice less jaw tension or fewer tension headaches. Whether it is appropriate for your case is assessed by your doctor, who may also suggest a dental review.

Most people adapt well. Some notice chewing fatigue with tough foods in the first few weeks, which usually settles. Dosing is matched to your muscle so normal eating stays comfortable.

The dose depends on the size and strength of each muscle, and it is often different on each side. Doses are measured in units, but units are not interchangeable between botulinum toxin products, so comparing numbers between clinics can mislead. Your doctor explains the planned dose after assessing your jaw.

Jaw slimming does not cause sagging in most people. In a slim or older face, repeated treatment can make the area above the jaw look slightly hollow, which is why your doctor assesses skin and volume first and adjusts the dose.

Most people describe brief pinching. The injections take a few minutes, and most people return to work straight away. Mild tenderness or a small bruise can occur.

They do opposite things. Jaw slimming injections reduce width by relaxing an enlarged muscle; jawline filler adds structure for sharper definition. Some plans combine them, and a consultation is the reliable way to know which suits your goal.

We see patients at SBF Center, 160 Robinson Road #03-10, in the Tanjong Pagar CBD (call +65 8851 9547), The Flow Mall, 66 East Coast Road #03-05, in Katong on the East Coast (call +65 8857 4917), and Novena Medical Centre, 10 Sinaran Drive #10-30, in Novena (call +65 8851 9505). All three clinics offer the same doctor-led consultations, so you can choose whichever location is more convenient.

SBF Center on Robinson Road is about a three-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT (East–West Line) in the CBD, The Flow Mall on East Coast Road in Katong is a short walk from Marine Parade MRT on the Thomson–East Coast Line, and Novena Medical Centre on Sinaran Drive is a short sheltered walk from Novena MRT on the North–South Line. If you drive, all three buildings have carparks, with further public parking nearby.

— Request a Consultation

Book a jaw slimming assessment

Have your jaw assessed by a doctor at Tanjong Pagar, East Coast or Novena, with an honest view on whether muscle slimming, structure or a combination suits you — no obligation to proceed.

  • Doctor-led assessment and recommendations
  • Singapore clinics at Tanjong Pagar, East Coast and Novena
  • Reviewed personally — not auto-routed
  • Reply via WhatsApp, typically within one business day
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Medical disclaimer

Information on this page is for general education only and does not replace a consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Suitability, downtime, risks, and results vary by individual. Please consult your doctor before deciding on any treatment. Read the full medical disclosure.