Masseter hypertrophy, also known as benign masseter enlargement, involves the chewing muscles including the masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid muscles. Its occurrence is generally linked to chewing habits and dietary patterns, such as frequently consuming hard foods, snacking, or chewing gum.Some also suggest genetic factors play a role, and clinically, familial cases of masseter hypertrophy do indeed occur.Masseter hypertrophy often accompanies mandibular angle enlargement and mandibular angle protrusion. Consequently, it is clinically termed mandibular angle hypertrophy or benign masseter hypertrophy. Simple removal of the hypertrophied masseter muscle is uncommon in clinical practice. When masseter hypertrophy is confirmed, surgery typically involves removing part of the masseter muscle concurrently with mandibular angle reduction.
Causes of masseter hypertrophy: Congenital and acquired factors. Congenital causes are genetic—a square jawline inherited from a parent. Acquired causes are often linked to habits like frequently chewing hard foods (e.g., squid strips, beef jerky) or chewing gum.
Masseter Muscle Reduction Cost: ¥3,000–5,000 per side (varies by complexity; reference price; final cost determined by hospital)
Preoperative Considerations
1. Routine preoperative tests: Complete blood count, urinalysis, chest X-ray, and electrocardiogram.
2. Avoid scheduling during menstruation.
3. Ensure thorough oral disinfection before surgery to minimize bacteria and reduce post-operative infection risk.
Post-operative Precautions
1. Patients must remain hospitalized for 3-5 days after masseter muscle reduction surgery.
2. Maintain compression bandaging with a head-face mask for 5-7 days post-surgery. Do not remove the bandage unless medically necessary. If removed, reapply immediately. Monitor for skin damage caused by pressure. If drainage strips are placed in the oral cavity, remove them 48 hours post-surgery.
3. Avoid all supplements or medications that may accelerate blood circulation, reduce clotting mechanisms, or impair wound healing, such as ginseng, aspirin, blood-activating drugs, weight-loss medications, or menstrual regulation drugs. Consult your surgeon if needed.
4. Consume only liquid foods for the first two days post-surgery. Avoid biting hard objects forcefully for one month.Rinse mouth after eating to maintain oral hygiene.
5. Avoid facial beauty massages and rubbing the surgical area for three months post-surgery.
6. Sutures are removed seven days post-surgery. After removal, gently brush teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.