What Can Be Done About Nasolabial Folds After Botox?

asked 3 years ago by realselfbtx in Torrance, CA
Latest answer by Ronald Shelton, MD
Question viewed 1,443 times
Tags: crows feet, nasolabial folds

I have heard of droopy eyelids and other Botox issues. My problem is different. I received Botox for crows feet and my cheeks have dropped down, causing pronounced nasolabial folds. I have read here that the effects will eventually wear off. Is there anything that can be done by the physician or myself (e.g., massage the area) or do I just have to wait? Can crows feet be treated on someone with high cheek bones and not cause this problem (i.e., must I just avoid Botox)?

Read my review "Botox Caused Pronounced Labial Folds"

6 answers to What Can Be Done About Nasolabial Folds After Botox?

Botox will diminish over 4-5 months

You can still have Botox; but, not all of the Crow’s feet lines can be treated necessarily, without causing the drooping of the smile crease. Sometimes, treating a second line of Botox without going lower on the cheekbone can help. I am not aware of anything that you can do to quicken to return to normal.

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Botox; Accentuated Nasolabial Folds Following Injection of Crow's Feet

Hi RSBtx, It sounds like your injector got too much Botox in the wrong place. You can certainly have Botox treatments in the future, but choose your injector most carefully. If you send an email photo, I could better advise you about what you could do at the present time to possibly help with your nasolabial folds. In some patients, the injection of filler in the midface area can lift the fold and mask the effects that your are suffering from. Good luck and be well. Dr. P...

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

The effect of Botox will completely dissipate in 4 mos.

I'm sorry you had this problem. I find two interesting facts about your case: 1) You describe it occurred to BOTH sides, and 2) This occurred with only $300 of product (a relatively small amount). Are you able to raise your upper lips when you smile? Feel free to post / email me your pictures (upclose frontal smiling, and in repose). I think that symmetrical weakness of both smile muscles (Zygomaticus muscles) resulting in more pronounced nasolabial folds, caused by a crow's feet... more

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

I am afraid you just have to wait for the Botox to wear off.

Hi! In NYC, I have seen this 2 or 3 times. It is caused by injecting Botox too low (too near your cheekbones). It would be a mistake to treat the nasolabial folds now. Just be patient, and the Botox will wear off. The good news is that you can have Botox in the future. Better technique wil prevent this problem.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Botox will wear off in 3-5 months.

This is not a commonly reported problem nor should it be expected on repeated injection. I have a hard time explaining your findings. Either you are exceptionally perceptive about subtle facial changes or the Botox may have spread to the deeper muscles of the face commonly termed the zygomatic muscles. In the former situation, if you are constantly squinting this may artificially lift the cheek fat. When the Botox is injected and the muscles relax, the fat may return to its normal level... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Yes you can get treatment without risking this complication.

Dear Realselfbtx You got an over zealous BOTOX treatment. Too much BOTOX was placed too deep in the cheek permitting drift of the agent into the muscles that support the smile. This effect while temporary can be very dysphoric. The face is the organ where we experience emotion. Essentially this facial weakness will be like walking around with a perpetual frown until it wears off. It will wear off. However, don't be surprised if you are chronically in a bad mood until this happens.... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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