Masseter Botox and trapezius Botox both use botulinum toxin to reduce overactivity of a muscle: masseter Botox in the masseter (chewing muscle), and trapezius Botox in the trapezius, which connects the neck and shoulders. The two use the same agent, but the injection area, goal and precautions differ, so understanding the differences before a consultation helps you plan your treatment.
Masseter Botox: reducing masseter volume to change the face line
Masseter Botox is injected into the masseter, the chewing muscle. When the masseter is well developed, the jawline looks angular and wide from the side. Botulinum toxin blocks the signal that makes the muscle contract, so the muscle volume gradually decreases. The effect begins to appear between 2 and 4 weeks after treatment and lasts in units of 3 to 6 months. Results differ with a person's muscle mass and chewing habits, so treatment often starts with a conservative dose.
If you want to treat the masseter and expression-line Botox in one visit, the dose for each area is designed separately, so the treatment plan is generally finalized after the doctor's diagnosis.
Trapezius Botox: changing the shoulder line and treatment-specific points
Trapezius Botox is injected into the upper trapezius running from the neck to the shoulder to reduce muscle volume and make the neck look relatively longer. It needs a larger dose than masseter Botox, and because the muscle is deep and spread over a wide area, the design of the injection points affects the result. In some people, arm movements such as lifting the arm may be temporarily affected, so it is important to share your occupation, exercise habits and any pain with your doctor before treatment.
Trapezius Botox tends to be reported as lasting somewhat longer than masseter Botox, but this varies with individual muscle mass and activity level. Many clinics, including Repic Clinic in Gangnam, may plan masseter and trapezius Botox together when building an integrated lifting and contouring plan, and a design that varies dose and area based on individual diagnostic data, rather than a uniform protocol, is recommended.
Standards to know when combining Botox and fillers
Botox and fillers work by different mechanisms. Botox acts on the neuromuscular junction to suppress muscle contraction, while fillers add volume by injecting substances such as hyaluronic acid. The two do not directly conflict, but applying them to the same area at the same time can affect how the filler is distributed. For this reason, it is generally known that doing Botox first and adding filler 7 to 14 days later helps predict the result. Even when both are done on the same day for scheduling reasons, the order is designed differently depending on the area.
The price varies with dose and area and is confirmed after a consultation.
Comparison by area: masseter vs. trapezius Botox
| Item | Masseter Botox | Trapezius Botox |
|---|---|---|
| Injection area | Masseter (chewing muscle) | Upper trapezius (neck to shoulder) |
| Main goal | Change in the side contour of the face | Change in the shoulder line, visual effect on the neckline |
| When the effect appears | 2 to 4 weeks after treatment | 2 to 4 weeks after treatment (varies by person) |
| Duration | About 3 to 6 months (varies by person) | About 4 to 6 months (varies by person) |
| Main precautions | Chewing habits, dose adjustment for left-right asymmetry | Temporary effect on arm movement; consider exercise and occupation |
| Price at Repic Clinic in Gangnam | Provided at consultation | Provided after consultation |
What to check before treatment
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, treatment should be postponed.
- If you have a neuromuscular disease (such as myasthenia gravis), you generally need to tell your doctor beforehand.
- If there is inflammation or a wound in the treatment area, treatment is done after it heals.
- Tell your doctor in advance about any anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs you take.
- For trapezius Botox, sharing your occupation (driving, heavy labor and so on) and how often you exercise at the consultation helps with dose design.
- Avoid lying down and massaging the treated area for 4 hours after treatment.
- Common reactions after Botox include bruising at the injection site, swelling and headache, and most improve within a few days.
Repic Clinic in Gangnam, located on the first and second basement floors at 318 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, offers diagnosis-based individual consultations on masseter Botox, trapezius Botox and combined filler treatments. The plan differs by treatment area and goal, so please confirm the specific dose and price through the official page or a direct consultation.
Official information
You can find more detail on the official site.
Repic Clinic in Gangnam (English site) →
※ This content is for general information only and does not replace a medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before any procedure. Results, downtime and side effects vary from person to person.
