Thank you for trusting The Grove Dental with your care. This page is for patients who have received a prescribed treatment to the facial or jaw muscles, whether to help manage jaw symptoms or for cosmetic reasons.

Most people return to their usual routine straight away. Following the instructions below can help minimise bruising, swelling and unwanted effects while your treatment settles.

1. Stay upright and avoid lying flat unless your treating clinician has advised otherwise.
2. Do not rub, massage or apply firm pressure to the treated areas.
3. If you apply makeup, do so gently without pressing or rubbing the injection sites.
4. You may eat, drink and move your jaw normally unless you were given different instructions.

To help the treated areas settle:

• Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and activities that significantly raise your heart rate.
• Avoid facial massage, facial treatments, chemical peels or anything that places firm pressure on the treated areas.
• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, very hot showers and other extremes of heat.
• Avoid alcohol, as it can increase the likelihood of bruising.
• Avoid blood thinning medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin, as these can increase the likelihood of bruising at the injection sites.
• Keep the treated areas clean and avoid repeatedly touching them.

Small red marks, mild tenderness, swelling or bruising can occur around the injection sites. A mild headache is also possible. These effects are usually temporary.

If needed, you can apply a cool compress very gently without pressing or massaging the area. If you are considering pain relief, follow the label and check with your treating clinician, doctor or pharmacist if you have a medical condition, take other medicines, are pregnant or are unsure what is suitable for you.

The response develops gradually rather than immediately. You may begin to notice a change over the first several days, with the result continuing to settle or have maximal effect after approximately two to four weeks. Please wait until your scheduled review before assessing the final result or arranging any further treatment.

Your review appointment is critical for us to ensure the appropriate titration and dosage for your particular circumstances. In some cases where the jaw muscles and grinding/clenching actions are particularly strong or tight, additional dosages are required after the initial dose in order to achieve the optimal outcome from the treatment. Once we have titrated an optimal dose for you, we will use this as a guide for future top-ups.

On average, relaxant for TMJ lasts about 3 to 4 months. However, there are a few key factors that can influence how long the relief lasts:

• Severity of your TMJ symptoms. Patients with more intense clenching may experience a slightly shorter duration before symptoms return.
• Muscle strength and activity. If your jaw muscles are very strong or frequently active, the toxin may wear off sooner.
• Dosage and injection technique. Getting the right dose in the right locations is critical. That is why working with a skilled provider like those at The Grove Dental makes a big difference.
• Your metabolism. Everyone processes toxins at their own pace, and some people’s bodies may naturally break it down faster.

Your jaw may feel different as the treated muscles begin to relax. Some people notice temporary chewing fatigue or a change in bite strength. Choose softer foods if your jaw feels tired and contact us if this is significant, worsening or interfering with eating.

Continue using your prescribed splint, exercises or other jaw-care plan unless your treating clinician has told you otherwise. This treatment is usually one part of managing jaw symptoms and does not replace your other recommended care.

Please contact The Grove Dental promptly if you develop:

• Marked or worsening facial asymmetry, eyelid or eyebrow drooping.
• Significant difficulty chewing or an unexpected change in your bite.
• Severe or increasing pain, redness, warmth, swelling or discharge at an injection site.
• Blurred or double vision.
• Any other symptom that concerns you.

Serious reactions are rare, but they require urgent attention. Call Triple Zero (000) or go to the nearest emergency department if you develop:

• Difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking.
• Generalised or unusual muscle weakness.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
• Hives or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

If you have any questions following your treatment, please contact The Grove Dental on (02) 8817 2879. Our team is here to help.