Does Widely Opening My Mouth Approximate The Effects of Temporal Reduction Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I attached 3 pictures, the cropped one being with my jaw open and the right sided temporalis muscle being significantly smaller. Would this be a possible outcome of the surgery? I’m even open to burring of the lateral aspects of my forehead to help reduce width, if at all possible in my case? 

A:You have correctly surmised that the temporal muscle thinning with the jaw wide open is a very good preoperative test of whether temporal reduction would be an effective surgery.

The only comment you made which gives some pasue to this answer is…  I’m even open to burring of the lateral aspects of my forehead to help reduce width….as temporal reduction surgery does not affect the bony side of the forehead.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon