Why can't I open my mouth after having Botox?

I had Photofacial and Botox in the eye, forehead and brow areas. I have been doing this for years. 12 days after treatment I can't smile or open my mouth wide enough to eat. I feel like my nose has been injected with Botox and it's swollen.

I spoke to my Dr. and he said that I just have to wait it out. Ok, but why did this happen?

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7 answers to “Why can't I open my mouth after...”

A: Very unusual.

By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

If it is due to the Botox, then the Botox was either injected into the wrong muscles or diffused into unintended muscles. This can occur if the injections for crow's feet are made too deep or too medial. This leads to the muscles that help elevate your lips and move your nose. If it is due to the Botox then... more

A: You need immediate evaluation and treatment if your condition worsens

By Stephen A. Goldstein, MD - Denver Plastic Surgeon

I would recommend that you follow up with a physician who is experienced with Botox. If no improvement is seen or worsening of your condition occurs, then I would report to an emergency room for immediate evaluation and treatment. There is definitely something odd going on that does not make any sense. I... more

A: This is Strange

By Christopher L. Hess, MD - Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

Okay so I agree with the other doc that if the Botox was injected too low on the cheeks it can interfere with the Zygomatic muscle (and others)that allow you to smile. This is poor form and you shouldn't go back to that doc. However, mouth opening is done my the mandibular (lower jaw) depressors. These... more

A: Botox probably injected too low in the cheek.

By George J. Beraka, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Hi! What most likely happened is that Botox was injected near the muscles that raise the corners of your mouth (These muscles are in the cheekbone area). When these muscles relax (from Botox), it is hard to smile or raise your upper lip. It will go away but may take weeks and weeks.

A: Botox in the wrong place

By Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD - Los Angeles Oculoplastic surgeon

Dear Sommer If your doctor's treatment pattern included the lower eyelid and this was done too deeply, it is possible for the BOTOX to affect the muscles of the face that control the smile. These muscles include the zygomaticus major, minor, and the lip elevators. The swollen nose effect occurs when the... more

A: Botox and Photofacial affecting the mouth

By Daniel Reichner, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Sommers I don't think that the Botox is affecting your mouth - unless it was injected into your cheek muscles which help elevate the lips. If you had significant swelling after your photofacial treatment, this is probably why you have difficulty opening your mouth. I sometimes give a 6 day course of... more

A: Don't know this

By Scott E. Kasden, MD - Dallas Plastic Surgeon

The Botox shoud have no effect on your ability to open your mouth. Perhaps the tightness is more due to the photofacial? I think it should pass.

Comments

Kianna
1 post
15 Jul 2009

my wedding is september 26 i did the botox for the first time a month ago i can't smile in my left side im so sad and mad at rejuvena i pay alot of money and i feel so ugly i wanna now if my face will be ok by september.???????