Ultrasound Masseter Treatments

Ultrasound Masseter Treatments Melbourne

Ultrasound technology is used to assist with precise placement of masseter muscle relaxation treatments, supporting treatment accuracy.

Masseter muscle relaxation treatments can be used for cosmetic purposes and may also assist in managing discomfort associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

If you experience teeth grinding or frequent headaches related to jaw muscle activity, this treatment may be considered as part of your management plan.

As each person’s masseter muscles vary in size, shape, and position, Dr Jaclyn Wong uses ultrasound guidance to assist with precise placement of the treatment based on individual anatomy.

Using Ultrasound to Guide Masseter Muscle Relaxation Treatments

Traditionally, masseter muscle relaxation treatments are performed without imaging guidance, with practitioners relying on their anatomical knowledge and clinical experience to determine injection sites.

However, if injections are not placed accurately within the muscle, there is a possibility of affecting surrounding structures or not achieving the intended outcome.

To assist with treatment planning, Dr Jaclyn Wong uses a handheld ultrasound device to scan the masseter muscles prior to treatment. This allows visualisation of the muscle structure, its boundaries, and its relationship to nearby anatomical features.

Using this information, Dr Wong can develop an individualised treatment plan tailored to each patient’s anatomy.

Ultrasound can also be used to monitor treatment progress by measuring masseter muscle thickness over time, providing an objective assessment of treatment effects.

Using Ultrasound During Injection Placement

Ultrasound is not only used for planning prior to treatment. During the injection, Dr Wong continues to use ultrasound to monitor the masseter muscle in real time. This allows visualisation of the needle position and depth within the muscle throughout the procedure.

Real-time ultrasound guidance assists in placing the injection in the intended area of the muscle while avoiding surrounding structures.

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Why Accurate Injection Placement Is Important

The masseter muscle plays an essential role in biting, chewing, and speaking. Accurate placement of injections is important to help minimise the risk of functional or cosmetic concerns.

Potential issues that can occur if injections are not placed appropriately include:

Asymmetrical Smiles: If nearby muscles are affected, it may lead to an uneven smile or altered facial expressions, such as one side appearing shorter than the other.
Xerostomia (Dry Mouth): If the injection impacts the parotid gland, it may reduce salivary flow, resulting in dry mouth.
Paradoxical Masseteric Bulging (PMB): If the muscle relaxant is not evenly distributed within the masseter muscle, some sections may remain active and become overactive, leading to visible bulging. This can sometimes occur during a treatment course and may be addressed with additional doses to relax the remaining active areas.

A thorough assessment and precise technique are essential to minimise these risks.

Potential Issues with Incorrect Injection Placement

If masseter injections are not placed accurately, certain complications may occur, such as:

Smile Asymmetry: Changes in smile symmetry can last for three weeks or longer.
Xerostomia (Dry Mouth): Reduced salivary flow may occur if nearby structures are affected.

These effects generally resolve over time as the treatment wears off, and there are limited options to reverse them immediately.

Using ultrasound guidance during masseter muscle relaxation treatments can assist in reducing the risk of such complications. Visualising the needle position within the muscle allows for more precise placement, supporting accurate targeting and avoiding surrounding structures.

Ultrasound Masseter Treatments in Melbourne

If you are considering masseter muscle relaxation treatments for cosmetic concerns, to assist with jaw discomfort, or to help manage dental-related issues such as teeth grinding, contact Dr Jaclyn Wong’s team to arrange a consultation. Dr Wong uses ultrasound guidance for masseter treatments to support accurate injection placement tailored to each patient’s anatomy.

Hawthorn