Botox affecting upper lip movement?

Can Botox for crows feet and frown lines affect your upper lip? I can't move my right upper lip and I look deformed when I smile.

Editor's note

You may also be interested in reading Can Botox on crows feet cause muscle paralysis in other areas of my face?

4 answers to “Botox affecting upper lip movement?”

A: Do not panic; it will go away

Ronald Shelton, MD

If this is from the Botox inection don’t panic. It will go away, but in can take a few months. If the Crows feet are injected at the bottom and your muscle which allows you to smile is a strong muscle and is prominent near the lower Crows feet than it may have been temporarily affected.

A: Yes, if it migrates

Mary Lupo, MD

Some less experienced injectors, when attempting to improve lower crow's feet, accidentally hit the zygomatic major muscle. This would result in an inability to smile on that side. It is, unfortunately, going to last at least one month, but will go away completely by 4 months. good luck.

A: Possible but not likely

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Generally, when Botox is injected for treatment of the crow's feet, it is placed superficially into the orbicularis oculi muscle. Very deep to these alon the cheek bone are the zygomatic muscles which move the upper lip. Botox usually remains very localized and it is unlikely that it would... more

A: Shouldn't, but maybe?

Scott E. Kasden, MD

I assume that the crows feet and frown lines were around your eyes.  I am hard pressed to understand how the Botox could affect your smile/lip function.  However, you are experiencing some loss of function.  I would run this by your doctor.  The good news is that it will only be... more

Post your question

Botox before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.