[The trapezoid face: transversal excess in the maxillary area]

The patient who consults for "big cheeks" usually desires correction for an excess of tissue in the masseter region. First all neoplastic pathologies recognized by their unilateral asymmetry are excluded in order to focus on bilateral phenomena. Three anatomical elements can be responsible either alone or in association for this excess: the parotid gland, the masseter muscle and the angle of the jaw. The clinical and complementary examinations leading to the etiological diagnosis are described. The treatment recommended is specific to the structure involved and is not necessarily surgical.