Masseters

WHAT IS THE MASSETER MUSCLE?

The masseter muscle stretches through the back part of the cheek, from the cheekbone down to the lower jaw on both sides of the face. The muscle connects the mandible (lower jawbone) to the cheekbone and is known as one of the “muscles of mastication” because it works to raise and close the jaw while chewing.

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Masseter muscle hypertrophy is enlargement of the masseter muscle, and can contribute to a harsh, square look at the angle of the jaw. The masseter muscle is one of the muscles activated during chewing. It’s located at the “angle of the mandible”, or “angle of the jaw”.

Anti-wrinkle injections can be used to relax this muscle, and to soften the look of the lower face. By treating and relaxing the facial muscles that cause fine line, the maximum effect is seen in 7-10 days. When anti-wrinkle product is used to reduce masseter muscle hypertrophy, the maximum effect is not seen for 3 months. Results can last up to 6 months.

We recommend follow-up injections every 6 months if you would like to maintain your results.

Side Effects to Treating Masseter Muscle Hypertrophy with Anti-wrinkle injections?

Because the anti-wrinkle treatment reduces the size of your Masseter muscle, it also reduces and softens the jawline, creating a more dramatic angle from your cheek and jaw. This gives the appearance of cheekbones looking “chiselled”.

The use of anti-wrinkle injections to reduce the jawline is fast becoming a popular procedure as it is minimally invasive.

Why does the Masseter muscle need to be reduced?

The masseter can in a few people become enlarged. Typical these people will have a tendency to clench or grind their teeth (bruxism), or who chew gum excessively. This may result in an asymmetry of the face due to unequal enlargement and increased bulk of the muscle, potentially creating an overly-square jawline. Typically women prefer a softer, defined appearance to the jawline, and therefore seek to reduce the size of the masseter.

Here is a website link to an article on the benefits of Masseter treatments using Anti-Wrinkle Injections:
Glamour Magazine Article on Masseters Treatment

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