Masseter Reduction (Jawline Slimming)

The masseter muscle runs through the rear part of the cheek, from the cheekbone down to the lower jaw on each side of the face. The muscle connects the mandible (lower jawbone) to the cheekbone and is known as one of the “muscles of mastication” because it works to raise and close the jaw while chewing.

The masseter can sometimes become enlarged in people who have a tendency to clench or grind their teeth (bruxism), or who chew gum excessively. This may result in asymmetry of the face due to unequal enlargement and increased bulk of the muscle, potentially creating an overly-square jawline. Typically women, or those seeking facial feminization, prefer a softer, smoother appearance to the jawline, and therefore seek to reduce the size of the masseter.