I've had Bell's Palsy since childhood. I'm 47 now, and I had Botox injected in my forehead, the sides of my eyes, and in my chin for the dimple caused by Bell's Palsy. I also had it in the line between my cheeks and nose for the slight twitching. Two days later, my mouth drooped, and it looks like I've got Bell's Palsy again, although the plastic surgeon said it will be okay in a month. It's been two weeks now, why hasn't it gotten any better?
It may take another 6 to 10 weeks before the drooping clears. The Botox was probably injected into the muscles that lift the upper lip and the corners of the mouth. Botox causes these muscles to relax, and therefore, the mouth falls.
Another possibility is that too much Botox was used. This area is much trickier than the upper face and only 2 to 5 units are usually enough. But the good news is it will get better soon for sure.
Botox works by paralyzing the underlying muscles which results in reduction of dynamic wrinkles in the skin. This effect is beneficial in the forehead and around the eyes. However, Botox injections anywhere else can lead to the problems you describe, since Botox not only affects muscles of facial expression, but also functional muscles of the face.
You may be okay in a month, but I think it is more realistic to expect several months until the Botox has completely worn off.
Botox relaxes the muscles that it is injected into. This relaxation stops the twitching, but it also means the muscle itself is relaxed, which leads to the drooping that you experienced. It sounds like the muscle that was treated is one that elevates the mouth, so when that muscle relaxed the mouth appeared to droop.
How long it takes to regain muscle movement depends on how much Botox was injected, but I would plan on 2-3 months.
DOem physicians have bee ninjecting Botox around the mouth. Some can get excellent results to soften small lines with very low doses. However, there is a risk to develop the problem that you described. Unfortunately, it will last as long as the botox hangs around. This usually is 3-4 months not 1 month or a few weeks.
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