Neurectomy of the Masseteric Nerve Using an Extra-Oral Approach to Treat Masseter Hypertrophy: Case Report and Literature Review

J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2023 Dec;81(12):1476-1484. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2023.08.170. Epub 2023 Aug 25.

Abstract

Masticatory muscle hypertrophy is a benign clinical anomaly which leads to facial asymmetry or a squared face appearance. We report a case of masticatory muscle hypertrophy, particularly on the right side, that was successfully treated by neurectomy of the right masseteric nerve through an extra-oral approach. Clinical examination showed significant aesthetic improvement of the facial symmetry with complete paralysis and atrophy of the right masseter muscle. The impaired postoperative function of the frontal branch of the right facial nerve was fully restored 10 weeks postoperatively. The patient no longer experiences headaches or discomfort with eating or sleeping on her right side.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Denervation
  • Esthetics, Dental
  • Facial Nerve / surgery
  • Facial Paralysis* / etiology
  • Facial Paralysis* / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy / surgery
  • Mandibular Nerve
  • Masseter Muscle / innervation
  • Masseter Muscle / surgery
  • Nerve Transfer*

Supplementary concepts

  • Masticatory Muscles, Hypertrophy of