Understanding the Aesthetic and Emotional Impact of Masseter Muscle Prominence

BACKGROUNDMasseter muscle prominence (MMP) refers to the visually apparent enlargement of the masseter muscles. This square or trapezoidal lower facial shape can be perceived as aesthetically unappealing. Consequentially, individuals may experience negative emotional and social impacts. Limited research exists characterizing the burden of MMP by severity.

AIMSTo evaluate the burden of MMP through a cross-sectional survey among aesthetically inclined adults.

METHODSRecent recipients of minimally invasive facial or neck aesthetic treatments were invited to complete an online survey assessing appearance-related impacts, satisfaction, and emotional perceptions of MMP. Responses were stratified by self-assessed MMP severity. Descriptive statistics, overall group effects, and pairwise odds ratios (ORs) were computed.

RESULTSA total of 110 participants (95% female; 89% White) completed the survey, with 29% reporting not at all/mildly visible masseter muscles (group A), 31% reporting moderately visible masseter muscles (group B), and 40% reporting visible/very visible masseter muscles (group C). Compared with group A, group C had significantly higher odds of reporting appearance-related impacts of MMP: lateral jaw protrusion, square or wide lower face (ORs = 37.8, 4.4, and 3.1, respectively; all p < 0.05), and emotional impacts of MMP: feeling less attractive and bothered by their lower facial appearance (ORs = 4.2 and 3.4, respectively; all p < 0.05). Trends toward dissatisfaction with the lower face and sadness were also observed.

CONCLUSIONSGreater MMP severity was associated with appearance-related and emotional burden. These real-world survey findings can increase awareness of MMP burden from the patient perspective and support shared decision-making between patients and aesthetic providers when discussing treatments.

Abstract from Crossref