Facial asymmetry and paralysis after Botox

Is it normal for one side of my face to be larger or fatter than the other after Botox and with smile paralysis four months after the injections? That side feels very heavy when I smile as well. How long can the smile paralysis last? Will my face ever be symmetrical again?

Read my review "One Side of My Face is Larger Than the Other After Botox Induced Smile Paralysis"

November 2008
June 2009
April 2009 - No lipstick because I didn't wan to draw attention to my mouth.
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9 answers to “Facial asymmetry and paralysis after...”

A: Botox doesn't change the size of your face

Parham Ganchi, MD

Botox can change the way your muscles movebut  it shouldn't make one side of your face "larger or fatter" than the other. Perhaps your Botox hasn't worn off completely and you are feeling some residual effects. This should resolve soon.

A: You Weren't Symmetrical To Begin With

Christopher L. Hess, MD

Symmetry does not exist in nature.  Sorry, it just doesn't.  Everyone's face is asymmetrical.  You have a pretty smile and frankly I don't see any asymmetry with the smile.  Next, why would you have your perioral or mouth region Botox-ed?  Clearly you don't have the wrinkles around... more

A: Botox and facial asymmetry

Steven Wallach, MD

First, everyone has facial asymmetry. Botox will not cause one side of the face to be larger then the other unless you have had chronic paralysis over a 1-2 year period from repeated regular injections( like a patient who had a stroke when the muscle is not stimulated).  On the other hand, injections... more

A: Recover from unwanted BOTOX facial paralysis is very emotionally disturbing.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

 Dear ABCox BOTOX is best from the eyes up.  It can be used in the lower face but only with the utmost care.  It is all too easy to get unwanted facial muscle paralysis.   The face is one of the most important organs for emotional perception.  There is evidence that the motor tone of... more

A: The effect of BOTOX will completely dissipate in around 4 months after injection.

Eric M. Joseph, MD

I read your question, and review. I'm sorry you had dissatisfaction with your last BOTOX treatment. Frankly, I do not see any significant "paralysis" or assymetry after your treatment. There may be less show of your upper gums when you smile, but your smile is not crooked or unattractive. If you post... more

A: Smile paralysis after botox

Tanveer Janjua, MD

In your photographs it does not appear that you have smile paralysis. One side of the face can be fatter than the other because two sides are not identical. Botox should be on its way out. If you are able to move all your lip muscles, can speak, chew and swallow then you do not have to worry. If you feel your... more

A: I can't see what you see!

Manish H. Shah, MD

I understand that your smile is important to your career so take what I say with a grain of salt.  Botox typically lasts only 3-4 months on initial injection. If Botox caused what you call "smile paralysis" then it should be gone by now. The pictures you submitted are all at an angle,... more

A: It should only take four months months to resolve

William Coleman III, MD

If the paralysis is due to Botox, it normally wears off in four months or so, just like the benefits of Botox do. It is highly unusual for this to happen after Botox. I would see an ENT doctor to be sure you do not have Bell's plasy.

A: If due to Botox, it may take 5 months to resolve

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

If the weakness is due to the Botox injection, it may take 5 months to completely resolve. There are other potential reasons for your weakness such as Bell's palsy which may need to be evaluated but that would be relatively unlikely. As always discuss this with your surgeon or injecting physician so that they... more

Comments

dianne
152 posts
18 Jun 2009

Hi ABCox,

You may also be interested in reading a related question, How long Before asymmetry from Botox gets corrected?

Regards

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