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Masseter muscle reduction, also known as jaw reduction surgery or jaw shaving, is a procedure that reduces the size of the masseter muscle to achieve a slimmer, more feminine, and symmetrical face. The masseter muscle is one of the largest muscles in the face, aiding in jaw movement and chewing. While some people have naturally larger masseter muscles, others may experience overgrown masseters due to habits like gum chewing, teeth grinding, or emotional stress. This can result in a square-shaped jawline, creating a more masculine appearance. Masseter muscle reduction can be achieved through surgical procedures or non-surgical treatments such as Botox injections, with the goal of reducing the muscle size and reshaping the jawline for cosmetic and functional reasons.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Masseter muscle reduction refers to the reduction in size of the masseter muscle, which is one of the largest muscles in the face and is used for chewing and talking. |
| --- | --- |
| Causes of Enlargement | Enlargement of the masseter muscle can be caused by overuse, such as frequent gum chewing, teeth grinding, or clenching. It can also be genetic or due to emotional stress. |
| --- | --- |
| Effects of Enlargement | An enlarged masseter muscle can result in a square-shaped jaw, creating a more masculine or bottom-heavy appearance, and in some cases, jaw asymmetry. It can also cause pain and discomfort. |
| --- | --- |
| Treatment Options | Botox injections, surgery, oral appliances (splint therapy), behavior therapy, and facial massage are some of the treatment options for masseter muscle reduction. |
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| Effectiveness of Treatments | Botox injections are considered one of the most effective treatments. Surgery is also an option but may be dangerous and requires post-operative jaw exercises for full recovery. |
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| Side Effects | Serious negative side effects may occur if Botox injections are not administered correctly. |
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What You'll Learn
Botox injections
Masseter muscle reduction involves injecting botulinum toxin (Botox) into the masseter muscle to relax it and reduce its size. The masseter muscle is one of the muscles located on the side of the face and helps with chewing. When this muscle is overactive or larger than usual, it can give the face a square shape. Injecting Botox into the masseter muscle can help contour the jawline, creating a slimmer, more refined, V-shaped face.
The effects of masseter Botox are usually noticeable within one to two weeks, with the full results visible after about four weeks. The results typically last for three to six months, after which repeat treatments are necessary to maintain the desired muscle activity and facial contour. The procedure is generally considered safe, with minimal discomfort described as a quick pinch or sting at the injection site. Topical numbing cream can be used to reduce any potential pain during the procedure.
While masseter Botox is primarily sought for cosmetic reasons, it also provides medical benefits. It can help relieve symptoms associated with teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, including tension, pain, and headaches. Botox injections relax the jaw muscles, reducing involuntary clenching and associated pain.
However, it is important to note that masseter Botox is an off-label use of Botox, meaning it has not been approved by the FDA for this specific purpose. As a result, the long-term side effects of regular use are not yet fully understood. Some possible side effects include temporary bruising, swelling, or flu-like symptoms at the injection site. In rare cases, more severe side effects such as allergic reactions, muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, vision changes, or bleeding may occur.
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Non-surgical treatments
Masseter muscle reduction is a procedure that can be performed surgically or non-surgically. Non-surgical treatments typically involve the use of injectable muscle-relaxing agents, such as Botox or Dysport, directly into the masseter muscle. This procedure is relatively painless and can be performed in an office setting without any significant downtime. The injections cause local paralysis, selectively weakening and atrophying the muscle, leading to a slimmer and reshaped lower face and jaw over several weeks. However, the effects of these injections typically last between 4 to 6 months, and multiple treatments may be necessary to maintain the desired appearance.
Botox jaw reduction is particularly effective for individuals seeking a less invasive approach to reducing an overly square jawline and improving facial proportions. It is a safe procedure with minimal side effects when performed by a qualified medical professional. However, if administered incorrectly, it can lead to serious negative side effects that may take months or even years to resolve.
Conservative management of idiopathic masseter hypertrophy includes psychological counselling, the use of mouth guards, muscle relaxants, anxiolytic drugs, analgesics, physical therapy, dental restorations, and occlusal adjustments. These treatments can be effective for patients with mild hypertrophy, but there is no reliable success rate for isolated clinical therapy.
It is important to note that the success of non-surgical masseter muscle reduction may vary among individuals, and some patients may find that surgical reduction is their best option to achieve the desired results. Additionally, patients should be aware that their ethnicity plays a role in the outcome of the procedure, as different ethnic groups have different facial proportions and concepts of beauty.
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Jawline slimming
There are both surgical and non-surgical treatments available for jawline slimming. The traditional surgical method involves making incisions inside the mouth to access the masseter muscle and jawbone. The surgeon then shapes and reduces the bone and muscle to achieve a smoother and more streamlined jawline contour. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires post-operative jaw exercises to restore full function and range of motion to the jaw.
Non-surgical treatments include the use of injectable muscle relaxants such as Botox, Xeomin, or Dysport. These injections are administered directly into the masseter muscle in small doses over several sessions to reduce muscle contractions and decrease habitual jaw clenching or teeth grinding. While this treatment does not require general anesthesia, it should be performed by a qualified medical professional to avoid serious negative side effects.
Other non-invasive methods to slim the jawline include oral appliances or splint therapy, behaviour therapy, and facial massages. Oral appliances and splints help decrease biting forces from clenching and grinding, while behaviour therapy addresses habits that may be contributing to overworking the masseter muscles. Facial massages can also help with water retention and make the face appear slimmer.
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Teeth grinding
The masseter muscle is one of the largest muscles in the face, with two masseters located on each side. These muscles aid in jaw movement and chewing, allowing for the elevation and forward movement of the lower jaw. Over time, teeth grinding can overwork the masseter muscles, leading to pain and hypertrophy (enlargement).
To address teeth grinding and its impact on the masseter muscle, several treatment options are available:
- Splint therapy: Using an oral appliance, such as a night guard, to reduce the force of clenching and grinding during sleep.
- Behaviour therapy: Addressing underlying habits and learning relaxation techniques, stress management, and improving sleep hygiene.
- Botox injections: Involves injecting botulinum toxin into the muscle to reduce contractions and weaken it.
- Surgical procedures: Traditional treatments include partial removal of the masseter muscle and jawbone or liposuction of nearby fat.
- Facial massage: Massage techniques can help release tension in the masseter muscle and improve water retention, making the face appear slimmer.
- Habit reduction: Reducing habits that contribute to teeth grinding, such as gum chewing, can help prevent further enlargement of the masseter muscle.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment approach for teeth grinding and masseter muscle reduction.
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Surgical procedures
Masseter muscle reduction surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure. The masseter muscle is located on each side of the face, running down the cheekbone to the lower jaw. An enlarged masseter muscle can create an overly square jaw, altering facial lines and causing discomfort. This can be treated surgically or non-surgically.
The surgical procedure involves making incisions on the inside of the mouth, between the gum and cheek, leaving no visible scarring. The surgeon then shapes and reduces the jawbone and masseter muscle to achieve a rounder, smoother, and more slender contour. Once the desired amount of bone and muscle has been removed, the incision is closed with self-dissolving sutures.
During the initial consultation, patients will discuss their goals and desired results with the plastic surgeon. The surgeon will then work with the patient to agree on expectations and long-term benefits. It is important to note that every surgical procedure has its complications and risks. However, with proper preoperative assessment and adequate postoperative care, these risks can be eliminated or reduced.
Postoperative care for masseter muscle reduction surgery may include:
- Draining tubes to remove excess blood, typically removed on the second day after surgery
- Oral antibiotics and analgesics to reduce the risk of infection and manage pain
- Head elevation, especially when sleeping for 3-4 weeks
- Keeping the surgical wound clean and applying antibiotic ointment
- Removal of sutures on post-operative days 5-10
An alternative to surgery is the injection of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) into the masseter muscle. This procedure is relatively painless, with no downtime, and can be performed in an office setting. However, the effects of Botox are not permanent, and re-treatment may be required within 4-6 months.
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Frequently asked questions
Masseter muscle reduction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves reducing the size of the masseter muscle in the jaw to achieve a narrower, more feminine facial profile.
Patients who are unhappy with an overly square jawline or are experiencing discomfort due to an enlarged masseter muscle may be suitable candidates for masseter muscle reduction. Individuals of Asian ethnicity, particularly from countries like Korea, Japan, and China, often seek this procedure as they tend to have larger masseter muscles.
Masseter muscle reduction can be achieved through surgical and non-surgical methods. Surgical reduction involves making small incisions inside the mouth, between the gum and cheek, to reduce and reshape the muscle and jaw bone. Non-surgical reduction uses small doses of botulinum toxin (Botox) injected into the muscle to weaken and shrink it over several sessions.
As with any surgical procedure, masseter muscle reduction surgery carries risks such as pain, numbness, bruising, and swelling. There may also be post-operative nausea and vomiting due to general anaesthesia. For non-surgical Botox injections, there is a risk of serious negative side effects if the procedure is performed by an unqualified practitioner. These side effects may take months or even years to resolve.
