Please help. Permanent masseter muscle reduction? Is there a surgery to cut the muscle?

Question

I've been doing botox for my masseters for about 5 months now and it's definitely shrinking my jaw line. I will wait longer to see maximum results, but I'm pretty certain I want this forever. I know jaw shaving is a big thing (especially in Asian countries), but shaving the bone is pretty terrifying/dangerous/risky. I was wondering if there's a masseter cutting surgery alternative.

Tam Nguyen, MD · Answer

Hello, 
Yes there is masseter reduction surgery which is a little easier than bone shaving.  However, the procedure is still pretty intensive procedure.  This is also done in many Asian countries especially in Korea.  I would just continue getting the botulinum injections.  Like with the other injections for wrinkles, it gets better with subsequent injections. In addition to the Botox, there are other benefits with Dysport and Xeomin such a wider spread.

Satyen Undavia, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I understand why you would want a more permanent option but the a masseter  muscle has several important nerves around it that control facial function which could be injured if the muscle was removed. Damaging the muscle may also effect your jaw function in a negative way. For now I would say Botox is a safer option. Good luck!

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi veralina48,
I have extensive experience with Botox for masseter muscle reduction and I can say with true conviction that I don't recommend cutting the masseter muscle.
Two things - continued use of Botox does shrink the masseters and weakens them over time. You would be needing less and the visits will be further apart. Another thing to bear in mind is that the face changes so you would want something that is not like a "permanent sentence". Cutting any muscle for that matter has inherent complications and it might be too drastic at this point.
Best regards, 
Justin Harper, M.D.

Please help. Permanent masseter muscle reduction? Is there a surgery to cut the muscle?

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Please help. Permanent masseter muscle reduction? Is there a surgery to cut the muscle?

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