Facelift and masseter muscle?

Thank you for your question.Muscle reduction is not a common proedure in North America.  That being said, it is a more common procedure in some parts of Asia (masseter, calf, etc.)In Canada, we prefer to use Botox - it is safe and efficient and reversible.  I inject 20-30 units per side.Hope this helps!

Best regards,Dr. Marc DuPere, Toronto Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

While it is technically possible to reduce the masseter muscles surgically, it is a rare and potentially dangerous procedure. I’d recommend trying Botox to reduce the masseters before undergoing surgery for them. Botox is not an instant or permanent fix, but it is very safe and can be highly effective in the right candidate. It works by paralyzing the muscles, which causes atrophy and reduces the size of the muscles. Many patients are very happy with the results of Botox for slimming the jawline. I hope this helps.

Thank you for your question.  Yes, the massester muscle, which lies on each side of the jaw bone can be prominent and add some width to the face.  This can be cosmetically displeasing for some.  I do not advocate reduction of the masseter muscle surgically.  However, a neuromodulator injection such as Botox or Dysport is an excellent way to reduce the size of these muscles.  Be sure to consult with a board certified facial plastic or general plastic surgeon, who specializes in facial rejuvenation procedures.  I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

No, it is not possible. But botox can be used to decrease the thickness of the muscle and improve the shape of  the face.

I personally have never surgically reduced the bulk of a masseter muscle at any time. Botox has been used successfully. There is some question about TM joint issues that could emerge with long-term use of Botox in the masseter muscle.

Yes, the masseter muscle can be reduced surgically.  Most of the articles I've seen about it are from Korea.  It can be a rather bloody operation and a simpler way to achieve the same result is injecting Botox into the muscle which will help it atrophy.  There is minimal downside to this except it is temporary.  See a board certified plastic surgeon to see what would be best for you.

The great majority of surgeons asked to reduce masseteric hypertrophy will recommend Botox. This is for two reasons.First, it can potentially be a nonsurgical, relatively risk-free solution to your problem. The downside is to need for repeat treatments.Second, surgical masseteric reduction is very uncommonly performed. Not only are very few surgeons trained and comfortable in doing this, but carries risks with it such as damage to some of the nerves which control the mouth. If you ever were to consider this, you would need to do extensive research and find a surgeon with great experience in this procedure and managing its risks.However, I would first trial Botox as this might be a very simple and safe answer for you.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

As an experienced facial plastic surgeon and a rejuvenation specialist, I would say that a surgical reduction of the masseter is not my preferred method.  Rather, the most efficient way to reduce the masseter muscle is with botulinum toxin-A (btx-A), which comes as Xeomin, Dysport or Botox.  This can be done in the office without much downside.

I agree with Dr. Darrow.Reducing the bulk of your master is rather bloody and does increase the time of swelling and the morbidity of a face lift.Botox to the master works great and is a lot easier, less risky, and has less bruising and swelling.  Approximately 25 units per side.

Although treatment of  masseteric hypertrophy with botox requires periodic retreatment it is very effective. I have personally used it  in patients following face lift as well as patients simply unhappy with their facial shape.   I would not recommend surgical reduction of the masseter muscle.