Is the surgical reduction of masseter muscle a safe procedure?

The surgical approach to this is done through the mouth with a combination of excision and cautery (heat) in order to shrink the muscle.  Often times the jaw at the side is large as well and can reduce that at the same time.Depending upon your age, the health of your skin, and the extent of reduction we can predict how much loosening of the skin will occur.  Often it's zero.Watch our videos to learn more.

The treatment for masseter muscle reduction is usually two-fold. An intraoral incision is made and the lower portion of the muscle is detached and cauterized. In most cases, the bony angle of the mandible is shaved as well. The combination of the two procedures will provide the most profound effect. There are limits to how much the masseter can be safely reduced. 

Patients with enlarged masseter muscles may benefit temporarily from botox into the masseter muscle.  Masseter botox helps soften the muscle and shapes the face.  Additionally, masseter botox helps with TMJ discomfort and teeth grinding.  This is an option to consider prior to or instead of surgical reduction of the masseter muscle

Historically surgical masseter muscle reduction was done by an intraoral excision technique which risked bleeding and contour irregularities. Today the masseter muscle is reduced by using electrocautery (heat) on the inside of the muscle from an intraoral approach. This eliminates the risk of bleeding and eternal contour issues. Patients will have some limited mouth opening for a short time just like any other surgery which lifts the underside of the muscle off of the bone.