What Is The Risk of Masseter Muscle Dehiscence with Medpor Jaw Angle Implant Removals?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I want to remove Medpor jaw angle implants. I would like to know if the masseter muscle is automatically injured and disrupted ? For the aestethic aspect what is the consequence of this disruption ? Bulge around the angle ? Or is it just functional problem ? Thank you 

A: In answer to your questions about the removal of Medpor jaw angle implants:

1) There is a real risk of masseter muscle disruption with their removal due to the tissue ingrowth of the muscle. This does not mean that it always happens but it is not an insignificant risk.

2) Masseter muscle dehiscence presents an aesthetic issue (contour deformity) not a functional one. 

3) The contour deformity is a triangular soft tissue depression of various sizes based on the amount of lack of muscle coverage over the bony angle.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana