Unlocking the Secrets of Jaw Slimming: Masseter Treatment Explained

The masseter muscle is the largest muscle of the jaw and one of the strongest muscles in the body. It is located in the cheek area and is responsible for closing the mouth during chewing and biting. The muscle is divided into two parts: the superficial and deep masseter muscles.

The superficial masseter muscle originates from the zygomatic arch and inserts into the angle and ramus of the mandible. It is responsible for elevating the mandible and closing the jaw during chewing. The deep masseter muscle is located beneath the superficial masseter muscle and originates from the lower border of the zygomatic arch and inserts into the coronoid process of the mandible. It is responsible for protracting the mandible.

The masseter muscle is innervated by the mandibular nerve, which is a branch of the trigeminal nerve. It receives its blood supply from the masseteric artery, which is a branch of the maxillary artery.

The masseter muscle is a powerful muscle that plays an important role in chewing, swallowing, and speech. It is also important for maintaining proper facial structure and aesthetics. Dysfunction of the masseter muscle can lead to a variety of problems, including jaw pain, headaches, teeth grinding/clenching, muscle enlargement, widening of the lower face and hypertrophy.

Fortunately, the masseter muscle can be treated with common anti wrinkle injections, to relieve symptoms associated with masseter dysfunction. Anti wrinkle injections work to temporarily paralyse the muscles in the treated area, which prevents them from contracting. In turn, causing a reduction of jaw pain, headaches, teeth grinding/clenching, it also helps to slim the lower face as a result of the masseter muscle decreasing in size.

The procedure is carried out in clinic by a Doctor or Registered Nurse. Typically, a small amount of medication is injected into the masseter muscle on each side of the face. Minimal downtime, results can be seen from 2 weeks post treatments and can last for several months before another treatment is needed.