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The masseter muscle is the strongest muscle in the human body based on its weight and is essential for adequate mastication. It is located in the jaw and helps us to close and clench our teeth together with great force. An enlarged masseter muscle can lead to an overly square jaw, which some people may find undesirable. Masseter reduction is a procedure that can be done surgically or non-surgically to slim down the jawline and reduce the size of the masseter muscle. Non-surgical methods include botox injections, muscle relaxants, and physical therapy, while surgical methods involve cutting or shaving the jaw bone.
How to reduce masseter muscles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Masseter reduction is a procedure to slim down the jawline as a result of an enlarged masseter muscle. |
| Causes of enlarged masseter muscle | Excessive gum chewing, chewing hard items, teeth grinding (bruxism), stress, and exercise. |
| Surgical procedure | Jaw reduction surgery involves cutting or shaving the mandible (jaw bone) to reshape it. |
| Non-surgical procedure | Injecting muscle relaxants such as Botox or Dysport into the masseter muscle to reduce its size. |
| Results | A softening of the masseter muscle is typically noticed within one week, and a softening of the jawline at 6 weeks. |
| Number of treatments | Most patients do not need more than two treatments. |
| Pain | The procedure is relatively painless, with some patients reporting a strange pressure-like sensation. |
| Recovery time | There is no downtime for the non-surgical procedure, and patients can return to their daily activities immediately. |
| Effect duration | The effects of Botox wear off in 4-6 months, and repeat treatments may be needed every 6 months. |
| Risks and side effects | Serious negative side effects may occur if Botox is not injected correctly. Post-operative risks of surgery include swelling, nausea, vomiting, and mild bleeding. |
| Prevention and alternative treatments | Reducing gum-chewing, avoiding hard foods, and managing stress can help prevent masseter hypertrophy. Mouth guards, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and occlusal adjustments can also help manage the condition. |
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What You'll Learn
Botox injections
The masseter muscle is located in the cheek area and plays a crucial role in chewing and speaking. When this muscle becomes enlarged, it can give the face a square shape. Botox injections can be used to target and reduce the size of the masseter muscle, resulting in a softer and more contoured jawline. This treatment is often sought by individuals who feel their jawline is too wide or who desire a slimmer facial appearance.
The procedure typically takes around 20-30 minutes and involves minimal discomfort. Results may become noticeable within 1-2 weeks, with the full effects peaking at around 4-6 weeks. The effects of Botox injections usually last between 3-6 months, requiring repeat treatments to maintain the desired results. It is important to work with a qualified cosmetic surgeon or healthcare provider who is trained in masseter Botox to ensure the procedure is performed safely and effectively.
One of the most common complications following masseter Botox injections is the unintended paralysis of the Risorius muscle, which can occur if the injection is administered too medially or shallowly. This can result in unnatural or constrained facial expressions, such as a shortened, asymmetrical smile. Therefore, it is crucial to seek treatment from a qualified and experienced practitioner to minimize the risk of complications and ensure optimal results.
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Jawline slimming
Non-surgical procedures for jawline slimming involve injecting muscle relaxants like botulinum toxin (Botox) or Dysport into the masseter muscle. This treatment works by selectively weakening and reducing the size of the muscle over time. It is relatively painless, has minimal side effects, and requires zero downtime. However, the results may not be permanent, and repeat treatments may be needed every 4 to 8 weeks for the first year, followed by maintenance injections every 6 months.
Surgical jawline slimming, on the other hand, involves cutting or shaving the mandible (jaw bone) to reshape it. This procedure is more invasive and carries risks and complications such as post-operative swelling, pain, nausea, and bleeding. Patients may also need to be on complete bed rest for the first 24 hours after surgery.
Before opting for any procedure, it is essential to understand the causes of masseter muscle enlargement. Habits such as excessive gum chewing, chewing hard items, and stress-induced teeth grinding (bruxism) can contribute to enlarged masseter muscles. Addressing these underlying habits through psychological counselling, mouth guards, anxiolytic drugs, or physical therapy may be considered as part of a conservative management approach.
Additionally, some exercises can help stretch and relax the masseter muscle. For example, gently applying downward pressure with your fingers inside your mouth and then slowly tilting your head back can help stretch the muscle. Opening and closing your mouth while applying resistance with your fingers can also help.
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Avoiding certain foods
Consistency and patience are key when it comes to reducing the masseter muscles through dietary changes. The masseter muscles are one of the most-used muscles in the face and play a crucial role in chewing and biting food. As such, a diet consisting of consistently tough-to-chew foods can contribute to the growth of the masseter muscle over time.
To reduce the size of the masseter muscles, opt for softer foods or cut them into smaller pieces to minimize muscle engagement during meals. Avoid tough meats, chewy candies, and other hard and chewy foods that require excessive chewing. These foods can contribute to jaw muscle overuse and hypertrophy. Instead, choose softer food alternatives or cook meats to a more tender texture to minimize strain on the masseter muscles.
In addition to avoiding hard and chewy foods, it is also important to reduce your sodium intake. High-sodium diets can lead to water retention, which can affect muscle size and cause facial bloating. Reduce sodium intake by limiting processed foods and excess salt. Instead, opt for fresh, whole foods.
While protein is essential for muscle growth, excessive consumption can lead to overall muscle hypertrophy, including the masseter muscles. Therefore, it is important to maintain a balanced protein intake.
Finally, it is worth noting that certain habits such as gum chewing, teeth grinding, and clenching the jaw can also contribute to the overdevelopment of the masseter muscles. Reducing these activities can help decrease the size of the masseter muscles over time.
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Bruxism treatment
Bruxism, or the habit of teeth grinding and jaw clenching, can lead to an enlarged masseter muscle. This can alter the shape of the lower face, creating a square jawline. Apart from the aesthetic concerns, it can also cause pain and discomfort.
Treatment Options:
Non-Surgical Procedures:
- Botox Injections: Also known as botulinum toxin injections, these are extremely effective in relaxing the masseter muscles, leading to a reduction in their size. The injections are administered directly into the masseter muscle in small doses over several sessions until the desired appearance is achieved. The procedure is relatively painless and has minimal downtime, making it a popular choice. However, it is important to seek qualified medical professionals for this treatment to avoid potential side effects.
- Wrinkle Relaxers: These are similar to Botox injections and are injected into the masseters on each side of the face to produce jaw reduction results. The amount used varies, but generally, larger amounts are needed compared to wrinkle treatments. A repeat treatment is often required 4-8 weeks later, with follow-ups every 6 months.
- Muscle Relaxants: These can be prescribed by a doctor to help reduce muscle tension and prevent teeth grinding.
- Anxiolytics and Analgesics: Medications that reduce anxiety and pain can help manage bruxism, especially if it is stress-induced.
- Physical Therapy: This can include exercises to stretch and relax the masseter muscle, such as jaw exercises and stretches.
- Mouth Guards: Wearing a mouth guard at night can prevent teeth grinding and protect your teeth from the negative effects of bruxism.
Surgical Procedures:
Masseter Reduction Surgery: This is an invasive procedure that involves cutting or shaving the mandible (jaw bone) to reshape it. It is a more permanent solution but comes with risks and complications such as post-operative swelling, nausea, and bleeding. Patients may also require complete bed rest for the first 24 hours after surgery.
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Surgical reduction
The surgery is performed on the inside of the mouth, between the gum and cheek, through small incisions that do not leave visible scars. The jawbone and masseter muscle are then surgically reduced and reshaped to achieve a rounder, smoother, and more slender jaw contour. The number of sessions required depends on the individual's reaction to the treatment, with some people needing as few as 1-2 sessions, and others requiring up to 3-4 sessions to achieve the desired results.
One surgical approach to masseter muscle reduction is electrocautery, which involves cauterizing the inside of the muscle where it attaches to the bone. This causes a natural shrinking of the muscle due to fibre injury, resulting in a reduction of muscle width by up to 25-33%. However, it can take months to see the final outcome as the muscle gradually shrinks during the healing process.
It is important to note that subtotal excision of the masseter muscle is generally not recommended due to the risk of intraoperative bleeding and postoperative facial irregularities. As such, most masseter muscle reductions are typically performed using Botox injections, which are considered a safer alternative, although they may not provide permanent results in all cases.
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Frequently asked questions
The masseter muscle is the strongest muscle in the body based on its weight. It is a bulky muscle located laterally to the mandibular ramus and is essential for adequate mastication.
Enlargement of the masseter muscle can be caused by excessive gum chewing, chewing hard items, teeth grinding, or clenching. Stress can also lead to bruxism, or teeth grinding, which can contribute to masseter enlargement.
There are both surgical and non-surgical options for masseter reduction. Non-surgical procedures involve injecting muscle relaxants like Botox or Dysport directly into the masseter muscle, causing it to weaken and atrophy over time. Surgical procedures involve cutting or shaving the mandible to reshape it.
As with any surgical procedure, masseter reduction surgery carries risks such as post-operative swelling, pain, nausea, and bleeding. For non-surgical procedures, incorrect injection of Botox or Dysport can lead to serious negative side effects. However, when performed by a qualified medical provider, these procedures are generally considered safe and effective.
