Masseter Muscle Reduction

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in getting the masseter muscle reduction and the upper trapezius muscle reduction and I am looking for a more permanent solution.  Here are a few of my questions…

– What to expect on results
– Recovery Time
– Healing and when can I leave to go back home to NJ
– Vitamins and meds to take to help with swelling and healing

Please also see my attached photos of a view of my side, front, and back and let me know if you need any more information from me…thank you.

A: Thank you for sending your facial pictures. In answer to your questions:

1) Surgical masseter muscle reduction is done through an intraoral approach by muscle release and electrocautery reduction. After surgery it would take a full three months to see how much muscle has been reduced. The trapezius muscle is done through an incision at the back of the occipital hairline. From this location a wedge of trapezium muscle is removed to reduce the raised contour of the line from the neck out to the shoulders.

2) Recovery time is based on swelling and level of discomfort. There is really no postoperative restrictions. The swelling of the jaw angles would be more noticeable than the trapezius and would take about 10 days before returning to its preoperative size and months before the final result is seen.

3) You could go home in 1 to 2 days after surgery, whenever you feel like traveling.

4) Vitamins are not helpful for the swelling. I will give you steroids during surgery as well as  Medrol Dospak after surgery.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana