How can I fix Botox injections in the masseter muscle that have gone wrong? (Photo)

Question

5 days ago I got injections in the masseter muscle to slim down the face, and it kicked in today and it looks bad already, I can't smile, laugh, because my upper lip is paralaized and its dropped, and I have unwanted wrinkles, I know Botox won't wear out but how Cani fix this problem, I called my original doctor and he said to wait 2 weeks n il go and see him but I just want as much information as possible. Is this normal? when will my smile start to look normal again?

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

When performed properly, Botox for masseter reduction will not have any effect on your smile or speech.  Follow up closely with your surgeon to ensure the best results.  Botox is not reversible, but it is temporary and will wear off in 2-4 months.

Ava T. Shamban, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, this is a not-so-uncommon side effect of Botox injections
in the masseter when it is not placed in the correct anatomical
location or the proper dosage is not used. Be sure to follow up with you
injector in two weeks for assessment and to discuss your options. You may
either wait 2-3 months for the Botox to wear off, or you may discuss with your
injector about adding a few more units of Botox to balance out the issue if it
is worse on one side.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Stef. Sorry to hear about your Botox experience. This is either due to poor placement, or migration of the Botox. Unfortunately, the best thing to do is to just wait it out until the Botox wears off. This can take 2-3 months. Make sure you follow up with your injector.

Brian Arslanian, MD · Answer

Hi thereSo sorry to hear about your problems, unfortunately Botox does have side effects, and this sounds like it could be one.  Its hard to say based on these two photos, but its entirely possible that you are experiencing a side effect.  If the Botox migrates, or is not placed properly the first time, it can cause weakness of the muscles that help with smiling and raising the upper lip.  If this is the case, unfortunately the only solution is to wait it out until the Botox wears off.  Within a couple months it should be wearing off.  Good Luck

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

This is not an uncommon problem when the injection method used is the classical method developed in Korea. There is a different method leaving out the injection areas closest to the mouth and that allows you to be able to smile while still getting the tapering effect. As for now, give it some time and do return to your doctor in 2 weeks to see what he says.  There should be some improvement in this by then

How can I fix Botox injections in the masseter muscle that have gone wrong? (Photo)

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How can I fix Botox injections in the masseter muscle that have gone wrong? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Botox for masseter reduction

Answer: Botox for masseter reduction

Answer: Botox

Answer: Botox

Answer: Botox To Masseter Gone Wrong

Answer: Botox To Masseter Gone Wrong

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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Answer: Botox fo masseter hypertrophy

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.