Does Botox effect vary in different areas? Can botox wear off faster from around the lips than forehead?

Question

I had one unit of botox last week under my lip and my upper and lower lips are numb now. I hardly can talk and I can not smile at all. The Doctor says RF and heat helps.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

There is a great deal of variability and when we want Botox to wear off more quickly it still seems to take 12 to 16 weeks. I'm not sure that heat and RF makes Botox not last as long. Usually we have to sit back and wait it out.The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.

Muhammad Mirza, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry you are experiencing unpleasant side effects. The response can vary from area to area, but it is hard to predict how quickly the Botox will wear off in one area compared to the other.

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Botox effects on various muscles can be variable in the same treatment. This is because each muscle has an effective dose which can be variable between patients. Botox should not produce numbness of the lips. I would visit your injector and be evaluated. Remember to make sure you have your injections performed by a qualified and experienced injector.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox can wear off in more expressive areas faster than others. Typically, Botox results resolve in 3-4 months. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, the effects of Botox tend to wear off differently depending on the amount of movement in an area. Therefore, it tends off sooner in the lips due to the amount of movement. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you and to address any concerns you may have. Best of Luck!

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

Yes botox will typically wear off sooner around the lips.  This is a very dynamic area so you tend to metabolize the botox quicker.  Also, a very low dose of botox is used around the lips and tends to wear off sooner than the 3-4 months that botox is expected to last.

Melanie L. Petro, MD · Answer

botox can wear off quicker around the mouth as the muscles are typically used more than others- however- not being able to move your mouth at all isn't the goal of course- botox utilized in small amounts can make lines less deep- but movement should remain.  You likely are either extremely sensitive to Botox- which is a good thing in other places- or had too much,

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

the effects of Botox will wear off differently depending on the amount of movement so the area around the lips will wear off faster than the forehead

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Nancy7251, 
Thanks for your interesting observation. 
I have found Botox and Dysport return of function consistently different in various facial muscle groups. I have divided these muscle groups into:
Muscles of expression, and Muscles of protection. The muscles of expression include the 3 glabella muscles: corregator supercillii, procerus and depressor supercillii and platysma bands. These injectable muscle relaxants last longest in these muscles as I believe there is less central stimulus to generate axonal budding and therefore longer return-of-function and more muscle atrophy. 
Muscles of protection such as the orbicularis oculi and oris ring muscles close the eyes and mouth, have much more activity and must recruit other muscles to protect these organs rather than generate expression. The return-of-function is much quicker and muscle hypertrophy or thickening of the muscle group can continue. I observe there is faster return-of-function when massage, exercise and TENS stimulation is used. 
Your finding, I believe is to be expected. Botox tends to act 5-7 days following injection with a peak at 10-14 days. In the case of the ring muscle around the mouth, I suspect you will find that the 2nd and 3rd layer of muscle will recruit and you will have the desired weakness along the lip vermillion with a out-pouting of the lip white roll but complete closure and function of your mouth and lips. 
Always consult with a skilled and talented, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Botox injection is a advanced technique to achieve rebalance of the facial muscles. I wish you the best.

Emerge Medical and Well Spa · Answer

Botox results can vary between clients. If you notice that your lips are not functioning like before, then the Botox is working. It can take up to two weeks before you are able to speak like before. You just need to learn how to speak without the movement of your orbicularis ori.

Does Botox effect vary in different areas? Can botox wear off faster from around the lips than forehead?

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