Is this indentation on my jawline loose skin or protruding masseter muscle? (Photos)

Question

I have an indentation of volume loss on only one sideh of my face on my jawline. It is an indentation and lead to a lumpier region which I'm wondering is my masseter muscle? The reason I am confused is I've not had this before, so I don't know why it would be stronger and visible over time unless it's just sagging skin around it making it obvious? I know it is hard to tell without an assessment but I was wondering if I could have some ideas? The area is not normally red like in the photos, I was just feeling and massaging the area when I took these.

Ella Fedonenko, MD · Answer

It does look like indentation created by prominent masseter muscle next to it. Botox can be injected into the muscle which will minimize the muscle buldge. As a result the indentation will be much less prominent.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for providing photos to better understand your concern. It can indeed be challenging to determine the exact cause of facial changes without an in-person assessment, but I can offer some insights that might help clarify the situation:

Volume Loss:
As we age, it's common to experience volume loss in the face, which can lead to indentations or changes in the contours of the jawline. This could be due to a reduction in fat or changes in the underlying bone structure.

Masseter Muscle Hypertrophy:
If the masseter muscle appears more prominent, it could be due to hypertrophy (enlargement), often resulting from habits like teeth grinding or clenching. This can cause one side of the jaw to appear more pronounced.

Skin Laxity:
Sagging skin can also contribute to the appearance of indentations or changes in facial contour. Over time, loss of collagen and elastin leads to decreased skin tightness, which may accentuate underlying structures like muscles.

Combination Factors:
It’s also possible that a combination of the above factors is contributing to the changes you’re observing. Skin laxity, muscle prominence, and volume loss can all interact to affect facial appearance.

Consultation:
For a precise diagnosis and treatment options, I recommend consulting with a dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon. They can provide a thorough examination and suggest appropriate treatments, which might include dermal fillers to restore volume, Botox to relax the masseter muscle, or skin tightening procedures.

Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for selecting the most effective treatment. A professional assessment will help tailor a solution that addresses your specific concerns.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An exam is needed to know for sure but based on the photo it appears to be hypertrophied masseter muscle.  Injecting Botox in this area can help slim the appearance.  The effect typically lasts three to four months.  See an expert injector near you for an evaluation.

Is this indentation on my jawline loose skin or protruding masseter muscle? (Photos)

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