One side of my face is puffier than the other side of my face, closer down to the jaw area. (Photos)

Question

I was wondering what this could be? It is noticeably different in pictures, doesn’t appear very noticeable in the mirrior. I would like to see if I could get this figured out I haven’t seen anything really like it, could it be an enlarged massester muscle, but rarely do you see it just on one side. Any helpful info would be great, and tips too. It hasn’t been like this my whole life and I’d like to see if I could fix it! Please help.

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the detailed question and corresponding photos. It is possible for one side of your masseter to be larger if you chew more food on that side than the other. I recommend seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon or expert injector in-person so that they can examine your facial muscles in movement and at rest and determine what exactly is causing the asymmetry. For more information please visit our webpage.

Vito C. Quatela, MD · Answer

I recommend you have a formal consultation with a facial plastic surgeon for an evaluation and facial analysis.  There can be a variety of causes for perceived asymmetry of the jaw including angle the photo was taken, asymmetric masseter muscles, or enlargement of the parotid gland.  It is important to have a physical evaluation to rule out a medical condition before considering a cosmetic treatment.  After proper evaluation and possible radiographic study, it is possible you may have normal asymmetry.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to give you advice without examining you in person. However, if this related to an enlarged masseter muscle then Botox or Dysport can be used to paralyze the muscle. This will eventually cause atrophy and slim the jawline. It can take up to 25 units per side and can be adjusted if one side is stronger than the other and the results lasts about 3-6 months. I recommend having a consultation with an expert injector to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

The best thing to do is schedule a formal in person consultation with an experienced aesthetic physician. This may represent asymmetric masseter enlargement but a physical exam would be needed to make sure this is in in fact due to an enlarged masseter.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and the photos and we always recommend that you have a consultation with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who can do a formal physical examination and determine whether this is a masseter enlargement on that side or something else that needs to be addressed. Have the consultation and see what is going on.

One side of my face is puffier than the other side of my face, closer down to the jaw area. (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Botox treatment of the masseters

Answer: Botox treatment of the masseters

Answer: One side of my face is puffier than the other side of my face, closer down to the jaw area.

Answer: One side of my face is puffier than the other side of my face, closer down to the jaw area.

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One side of my face is puffier than the other side of my face, closer down to the jaw area. (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Botox treatment of the masseters

Answer: Botox treatment of the masseters

Answer: One side of my face is puffier than the other side of my face, closer down to the jaw area.

Answer: One side of my face is puffier than the other side of my face, closer down to the jaw area.

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Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.