“One Side of My Face is Larger Than the Other After Botox Induced Smile Paralysis”

I had Botox injected around my eyes, forehead and mouth 3 or 4 times and was very, very happy; however, four months ago I had it done again and experienced smile paralysis. My doctor never told me that was a possibility. I trusted him as I knew him on a business level and not just a patient.

I am in pharmaceutical sales and my smile has always been my signature. Needless to say, I was devastated. And to make matters worse, my doctor acted like I was crazy when I went back to him for support and something to make it go away and he wouldn't believe me until he finally took before and after pictures and then said that I "just lost that big cheesy smile." He was not empathetic at all and that just made me feel even worse. After 20 minutes or so he finally said "sorry." He told me that it is because the corners of my mouth won't pull up but my bottom lip is so tight across my top teeth. My bottom teeth don't show at all. Instead of lifting the fat up on my face, it seems like it just shoves it to the sides and makes my face look fatter than what it is.

I love the camera and I have only had a few pics taken of me since and will not let anyone see them. I guess when I look in the mirror I am somewhat used to it but when I see a picture, I see how bad it still is. My concern at this point is something I discovered today. The side that the Botox is lingering more in is larger and looks fatter than the other side. I have never heard of this before and am afraid that it may be permanent. This is something I just noticed today and my most recent picture was taken a few weeks ago so it doesn't really show up too well but you can see the obvious change in my smile.