Can cheek dermal fillers if not done correctly cause problems with masseter muscle?

Cheek dermal fillers, when not administered correctly, can potentially cause complications, although direct injury to the masseter muscle is less common. The masseter muscle is primarily located in the lower face, near the jaw, whereas cheek fillers are typically injected in the mid-face area. However, there are several ways in which improper filler injection could indirectly affect the masseter muscle or cause other complications:

1. **Incorrect Injection Technique**: If the filler is injected too deeply or in the wrong anatomical plane, it could potentially affect nearby structures. This could theoretically cause issues with the masseter muscle if the injection is placed too low or too laterally.

2. **Nerve Injury**: Incorrect placement of fillers can affect the facial nerves. If the buccal branch of the facial nerve, which runs close to the masseter muscle, is injured, it can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis, indirectly affecting the masseter.

3. **Vascular Compromise**: Incorrect injection techniques can lead to vascular complications, such as occluding a blood vessel. This can cause ischemia and tissue necrosis, which might indirectly affect muscle function if the surrounding tissue is compromised.

4. **Infection**: If the injection site becomes infected, the inflammation and swelling could spread to adjacent areas, potentially affecting the masseter muscle.

5. **Migration of Filler**: If the filler migrates from the intended site, it could potentially affect other facial structures, including muscles.

6. **Excessive Volume**: Overfilling can put pressure on adjacent structures, which might indirectly affect the masseter muscle.

While direct injury to the masseter muscle from cheek fillers is not a common complication, these indirect issues highlight the importance of having dermal fillers administered by a highly trained and experienced professional. Proper anatomical knowledge and injection technique are crucial to minimize risks and achieve desired outcomes. If you experience any unusual symptoms after a filler injection, such as pain, asymmetry, muscle weakness, or difficulty chewing, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.

Deductible fillers may rarely be associated with problems like thrombosis, necrosis, embolism, stroke, and blindness. I'm not aware of any direct effects on nerves or muscles from filler procedures. Thank you for your question. Sincerely, Dr Joseph