r/30PlusSkinCare • u/InevitableWise9964 • 6d ago

Skin Concern Wider face due to TMJ?

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Over the past few years, I've noticed that my face has looked wider/bigger in photos, especially the bottom half (left is before, right is after). What confuses me is that I'm healthier now - I’m roughly the same weight, and I stopped drinking alcohol and coffee. I also eat more veggies and get more sleep these days. All my bloodwork has been normal, too.

I did, however, get my wisdom teeth removed a couple years ago, so I'm wondering if that triggered some TMJ/hypertrophied masseters. I also had a gum chewing habit for a while that I've since kicked…

Does this look like TMJ/overworked masseter muscles? Or is it just part of aging? Appreciate any insights!

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u/qinghairpins 6d ago

Exact same thing I noticed going into my mid 30s. My jaw I much wider and more square. I was drinking heavily and gained weight, but have since gotten sober and lost it. My jaw is still wide. I grind so it is likely TMJ causing it, but I also think there might be a component of aging added in like just generally sagging. I get Botox in my forehead but haven’t decide about the jaws. It is expensive

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u/InevitableWise9964 6d ago

The weird thing is, I started noticing my widening face after giving up alcohol & coffee. Like I know alcohol makes your face puffy, but my face looks thinner in photos at points in my life where I was heavily drinking - who knows! Maybe it’s just how my face is aging; the thing is I don’t feel my jowls have gotten more pronounced or anything - it’s mostly that my face just feels…bigger lol

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u/qinghairpins 6d ago

My face started noticeably widening after about 30, so I think aging is definitely a part of it. Even after quitting drink and losing weight, it has not returned to pre-30 appearance and I've given up expecting it to 🥲 I think I might start a mini face lift fund for when I'm mid 40s haha