Facial Muscle Firming Treatment - Intermaxillary Region

Orbicularis Oris Facial Muscle

Although sometimes described as a sphincter muscle; it is not.

It consists of numerous layers of muscle fibers oriented in different directions which surround the opening of the mouth.

These fibers are partially derived from other facial muscles which are inserted into the lips and partially from fibers constituting the lips themselves.

The origin and insertion of the Orbicularis oris is extremely complex and will not be herein described.

The actions of the Orbicularis oris include closing the mouth, rounding and protrusion of the lips.

Buccinator Facial Muscles

The Buccinators are broad, thin, quadrilateral muscles which are located in the space between the jaws at the side of the face.

They originate from the outer alveolar processes of the jaws corresponding to the three molars and behind from the anterior border of the pterygo-maxillary ligament.

The fibres converge toward the angle of the mouth where they are inserted into the orbicularis oris.

The action of the Buccinators is to compress the cheeks and retract the angles of mouth.

Risorius Facial Muscles

The Risorius muscles consist of narrow bundles of fibres which originate in the fascia over the Masseters and pass horizontally forward to be inserted in the skin of the corners of the mouth.

These muscles vary considerably in size and shape.

The action of the Risorius muscles is to retract the angle of the mouth.