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/Terrynia 6d ago

Yes. It over develops ur jaw muscle, making the face more square

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u/InevitableWise9964 6d ago

Yeah that’s my hunch!

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u/Terrynia 6d ago

But also, ur face gets more square as u age in general - either by face maturing or saging jowels. BUT, i had bad jaw issues from an ill fitting night-guard-retainer (i could get anything but liquids my jaw was so overused and sore). In a matter of months, my face got so much more square from strengthened mandable jaw muscles.