TMJ Botox in NYC
We are now offering cosmetic services by a fully certified and experienced Physician Assistant. We are committed to bringing our patients the most proven injectable aesthetic treatments – neurotoxins and dermal fillers. All of our cosmetic procedures are conducted in our Midtown NYC office.
TMJ Botox in
Flatiron NYC
Do you experience chronic jaw or facial pain? Do you have difficulty chewing, speaking, or opening your mouth wide? These symptoms could be caused by temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ). Fortunately, there are treatments available, one of which is Botox injections.
TMJ disorder is an umbrella term for any dysfunction involving the joints in the temporomandibular area. Symptoms can include muscle spasms and swelling, pain in the face, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck area. Many people choose TMJ therapy and modern treatment methods to supplement lifestyle adjustments and physical therapy and reduce the ongoing discomfort associated with this condition.
One of those options is Botox injections for TMJ.
Botox is a botulinum toxin that is made from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is used in small doses to treat various medical conditions, including TMJ. Botox blocks nerve signals that cause muscle contractions, leading to muscle relaxation.
When Botox is injected into the muscles around the temporomandibular joint, it relaxes the jaw muscles, reducing the tension in the joint. This can provide relief from the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ. Botox injections can also help prevent teeth grinding, which can exacerbate TMJ symptoms.
TMJ & What Causes It
The temporomandibular joint is a hinge-like joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. It allows the jaw to move up and down, side to side, and forward and backward, enabling us to speak, chew, and yawn. When there is an issue with the joint or the muscles around it, it can lead to a temporomandibular joint disorder. This can cause significant pain and discomfort; in severe cases, it can even affect the ability to speak, chew, or open the mouth.
The exact causes of TMJ are unclear, but several factors can contribute to this condition. Some of the most common causes of TMJ include:
- A jaw injury, such as a blow to the jaw, damages the joint.
- Teeth grinding or clenching causes muscle tension and damage the joint.
- Various types of arthritis can affect the temporomandibular joint, leading to TMJ.
- Stress can cause muscle tension in the jaw, leading to TMJ.
- Some people may have a genetic predisposition to TMJ disorders.
TMJ Symptoms
The symptoms of TMJ can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms of TMJ include:
- Jaw Pain, Facial Pain, or Facial Muscle Tenderness: This is the most common symptom of TMJ, and it can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities like eating or talking. It can also lead to muscle weakness and fatigue.
- Difficulty Opening or Closing the Mouth: This can occur due to pain, stiffness, or a locked jaw.
- Clicking or Popping When Moving the Jaw: This can occur when the jaw joint is damaged or not aligned correctly.
- Chronic Migraines, Neck Pain, and Earaches: TMJ pain can radiate to the head and neck, causing chronic migraines and neck pain. TMJ pain can also radiate to the ears, causing earaches.
Benefits of Botox for TMJ Treatment
Botox has several benefits for the treatment of TMJ:
- Non-surgical: Botox injections are non-surgical, meaning they do not require incisions or anesthesia.
- Quick: Botox injections can be performed in a doctor’s office in a matter of minutes.
- Safe: Botox injections are considered safe when administered by a qualified healthcare provider.
- Effective: Botox injections can significantly relieve TMJ symptoms, including pain and stiffness, and improve your quality of life.
Botox and Filler Injection FAQs
Our resident Physician Assistant, Caitlin Sacher, PA-C explains all you need to know about Botox Injections in this video:
Is Botox safe?
Absolutely! Botox is used in 98 countries and is backed by over 16 years of research confirming its safety and effectiveness for various conditions, including TMJ pain relief.
Will TMJ Botox alter my smile?
When administered correctly by a qualified medical professional, TMJ Botox is unlikely to affect your smile. Botox for TMJ targets specific muscles responsible for jaw tension and pain, not those primarily used for smiling. However, in rare cases, mild changes in facial expression may occur if the injection affects surrounding muscles. This effect is typically minimal and temporary, resolving as the Botox gradually wears off.
Does Botox hurt?
Most patients report only a small pinch or sting with TMJ Botox treatments. We offer topical ice packs or numbing creams to apply around the jaw to maximize comfort.
How long does a Botox treatment take?
The injection process itself only takes about 10 minutes, but a complete intake and assessment, as well as a facial anatomy exam by your treatment provider, will be necessary prior to treatment. Initial patients should plan for about 30 minutes for their first appointment. Follow-up or existing patients should plan for a 15 minute appointment.
What is the downtime with Botox treatments?
There’s little to no downtime. Some patients notice mild redness or bumps right after treatment, which usually disappear within 10–15 minutes. Most people can resume their regular activities immediately.
Are Botox results instant?
For TMJ pain relief, many patients begin to feel the effects of Botox within 1–3 days after treatment. However, full relief can take up to 1-2 weeks as Botox gradually relaxes the targeted muscles. We recommend waiting two weeks to assess the complete impact on your symptoms.
How long does Botox last for TMJ pain relief?
The results of Botox injections for TMJ can last up to six months. After this time, the effects will start to wear off, and you may need to get another injection to maintain relief from your symptoms. Following up with your doctor after getting a Botox injection is vital to monitor your progress and ensure the treatment is still effective.
Who is a candidate for TMJ Botox?
Botox injectable treatments are generally considered safe for most adults with TMJ. However, it is essential to consult a qualified medical professional before getting Botox injections to make sure they are appropriate for your specific situation. People who are pregnant or nursing should not get Botox injections.
Since 2017 I’ve been a loyal and super pleased Botox client with her. She is a consummate professional and an honest broker of information. She’s there to guide you to what you need and not what benefits her practice. At 37, Botox is the cornerstone of my skin care routine. It has held off static forehead lines and smoothed wrinkles around me eyes. It’s a facelift without surgery.
I’ve been seeing her for more than 7 year. She is the only person I trust with me injectables! Each treatment begins with a throughout consultation to ensure that my results are exactly what I have in mind. Her bedside manner, attention to detail, and intricate knowledge of facial anatomy have consistently resulted in a fresh, natural-looking appearance that I am thrilled with. 10 out of 10 recommend!
NYC PAIN MANAGEMENT TEAM
Our NYC Botox team is led by Caitlin Sacher, a Board Certified Physician Assistant and advanced injector with over 7 years of experience.
Her background in Craniofacial and Plastic Surgery have lent itself to her intimate understanding of facial anatomy and harmony. Caitlin’s goal is to give you a safe, natural, and refreshed appearance.
Caitlin is a nationally certified Physician Assistant who received her B.S. in Biology and Master in Physician Assistant Studies degrees from the University of Florida. After graduating, she further pursued her passion for plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine by working in craniofacial, plastic, and reconstructive surgery. She brings with her over 6 years of operating room experience as a Plastic Surgery PA and cosmetic injector to CSC+M. Caitlin is a strong believer in maintaining a conservative approach to aesthetics and aims to refresh and revitalize one’s appearance, rather than drastically alter it. In her spare time, Caitlin enjoys CrossFit, Peloton, traveling, reading and exploring New York City.