Does The Thickness Of The Masseter Muscle Affect The Look of Male Jawline Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, regarding jaw implants is it not true that the large masseter muscle goes a very long way to creating the characteristic model look that patients are seeking? If bony anatomy is not the only factor does this not mean that a patient will fail to achieve an authentic looking result, seeing as the implant augments bony anatomy.

A: The concept of the male model look as it relates to the jawline is a variable one that does not have a specific look per se. While it is about a strong and well defined jawline, the front to back angulation of its inferior border and the height and flare of the jaw angles can be quite variable. I have been provided many desired male model jawline pictures from young men which have many variations.

While an exact male model jawline escapes an exact anatomic description, what is not unclear is that it is created by the bony shape of the mandible. While the masseter muscle can be very thick, it is rounded and lacks any defined or sharp edges. It creates bulk and not definition. It is only relevant in how thick it is as well as the thickness of the overlying subcutaneous fat. These tissue thicknesses can obscure any well defined bony shape or implant augmentative effect of the jawline.