What should I do if my masseter muscle is too large?

Sep 04, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have recently felt that my masseter muscles are a bit enlarged, making my face look wider and giving the appearance of being overweight overall. I would like to slim my face; what should I do?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Han Xuefeng

Masseter muscle hypertrophy is usually caused by overdevelopment of the masticatory muscles, which may be related to frequent chewing of hard foods, bruxism (teeth grinding), or habitual clenching of the teeth. The following methods can be used to improve the condition:

1. Change lifestyle habits: Reduce the frequency of chewing hard foods and avoid continuous clenching or grinding of teeth. This can be assisted by wearing dental appliances or occlusal splints to help relieve symptoms.

2. Muscle relaxation exercises: Facial massage and muscle relaxation exercises can help alleviate tension in the masseter muscles, assisting them to gradually return to a normal size.

3. Jawbone reduction surgery: Enlarged masseter muscles often affect facial aesthetics. Bone-reduction surgery at a reputable hospital can help improve this condition. Incisions are typically made on both sides of the mouth, and the protruding bone tissue is removed. Sutures with extended lines are then used to close the incisions, achieving the desired improvement in masseter size.

4. Osteoplasty (bone contouring surgery): If masseter hypertrophy is caused by a widened mandibular angle, osteoplasty can be performed to improve the condition. This procedure involves making incisions inside the mouth, followed by the use of specialized instruments to reshape or grind down the excess bone tissue. Precise suturing is then performed to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.

It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo procedures under the guidance of a qualified physician.