Management of Short Face Syndrome with Masseter Muscle Hypertrophy: A Surgery-First Approach

Short face syndrome (SFS) is a condition with a clinical impression of deficient lower anterior facial height, which is an esthetic disharmony based on vertical facial proportions rather than absolute dimensions. Masseter hypertrophy is one of the etiologic factors in which there is an enlargement of unilateral or bilateral masseter muscles. Clinically, it presents as a quadrangular face characterized by bulging of the mandibular angle giving a muscular appearance. Despite the muscular origin, surgery should be aimed toward bony reduction (osteoplasty) followed by supplemented myotomy. This case report addresses one such case of SFS treated with surgery-first approach and supplemented myotomy with a 1-year follow-up. The esthetic facial profile, pleasant smile and overall good treatment outcome remained stable 1 year after orthognathic surgery and orthodontic treatment.