Mouth drooping after Botox for Bell's Palsy

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? 

Sort: Date | Helpful
12 answers to “Mouth drooping after Botox for...”

A: Be cautious with prior nerve injury or asymmetry

Brent Moelleken, MD

A normal dose of Botox might cause significant problems in a patient whose nerves are weak. When injecting Botox, it is important to consider facial asymmetries; are both brows even? Is there an asymmetry in the frown mechanism that can be treated, i.e. with an injection into the DAO (depressor anguli oris)... more

A: Depends on how much Botox was injected in the muscle

Michael J. Brown, MD

The Botox injection will block the electricity of the nerve from conducting to the muscle that elevates the corner of your mouth. IF the doctor put alot directly into muscle then it may last 2-3 months. If the doctor injected near the muscle and some drifted into the area of the muscle and weakened it, it may... more

A: Botox lasts for several months

David Shafer, MD

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,... more

A: Possibly 1-3 months

D.J. Verret, MD

Greetings, It will get better but it may take some time. The general duration of seeing the effects of Botox is about 3 months. Often though, function will start coming back sooner and you can notice acitvity in 1-3 months. Hopefully you will be on the short end of the spectrum but it may take longer. 

A: It can take up to 3 months for effects of Botox to resolve

Jordana S. Gilman, MD

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... more

A: 2 to 3 months before Botox drooping clears

George J. Beraka, MD

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... more

A: In another month or two it will be better

John E. Gross, MD

Its hard to know for sure, but the injection between your cheek and nose is probably the one responsible. It is likley affecting one of the muscles responsible for lifting the mouth. Unfortunatley, there aren't any options but just waiting until it resolves.  

A: Botox

Samson Lee, MD

I'm assuming you had normal function before your injection of Botox. Any injection of Botox in the area of the mouth has the risk of causing temporary facial paralysis. Depending on the amount of Botox used you eventually will completely recover to your baseline however it is unpredictable when that would be.... more

A: The key is knowing how much Botox to put in

Philip Young, MD

Botox typically lasts anywhere from 3-6 months. Although certain high movement areas are more likely to get better faster, your current situation could last up to or longer than 3 months. The key is knowing the particular person's state. People with Bell's palsy are likely to react to Botox more than someone... more

A: Tincture of time for drooping mouth after Botox

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Time will be your friend. I would not advise that you pursue any other interventions The weakened muscles were likely more susceptible to the Botox. Unfortunately, depsite the best intentions Botox can spread up to an inch from the injection site which includes depth as well. This makes it difficult to predict... more

More answers to Mouth drooping after Botox for Bell's Palsy
New York City - Not a great idea around the mouth
Southlake - Not likely Botox
Post your question

Botox: 406 reviews

64% said it was worth it

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.