Botox in Lips Causing Weak Upper Lip

Usually Botox is used in very small amounts to relax the muscles contributing to a pursed or smoker's wrinkled mouth. Very small amounts should be used and we know that patients often say they have difficulty using a straw after being treated but that improves fairly quickly. Please be sure that you are going to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon that is well trained in using botox and is usually it properly. You may actually need a filler such as juvederm or restylane to fill the lip... more

Hi Nene, Sorry to hear that you are having problems after your Botox. It seems that we are hearing about more and more complications from injections than ever before as more non-cosmetically trained "injectors" are treating patients. Botox and other fillers are medical procedures that should be performed by well trained and experienced physicians, not by attendees at the weekend "How to Incorporate Cosmetic Surgery into Your Practice 2008" Meetings. Unfortunately, it... more

Botox can be used more aggressively in areas where you do not need the muscles to function at all and hence create no wrinkles, This is true of the glebellar frown lines. Unless you need to frown and scowl at people, you don't need ANY muscle function there. The problem in the lip is that SOME function is vital so Botox has to be very conservative so as to not block all function. I wonder if your injection was done by a doctor or by someone else who should have known this? Your lip will... more

Botox causing weakness in upper lips can last 3-5 months. Generally this will be on the shorter end but the duration depends on many factors including age of the patient with it lasting less time in older individuals.

Hi. 1) If Botox is injected in the lip with excellent technique and in tiny amounts (3 units), it does not cause weakness. So, next time try another plastic surgeon. In New York City, we have never seen this. It is very rare. 2) I am afraid the weakness could last 3 months, but probably less. Unfortunately, ther is nothing to do but wait.

i am not aware that there is anything you can do except be patient. you should realize that what looks very abnormal to you, is probably quite subtle. i suspect unlike what what of the other drs wrote, that it will take more than 2 wks to start to wear off - on the other hand, it will not last more than a few months, if it is the worst case scenario. good luck david berman md plastic surgeon northern VA