How can Botox cause chipmunk cheeks? How long will it take to go away?

Thank you for your question.  I'm sorry you have such a poor eexperience with Botox.   Without knowing the injection pattern it is difficult to tell you what is going on.   Sounds like what possibly happened is that the Botox given for crows feet has been injected too low.   I'd follow up with your injector.   Be sure you are seeing an experienced injector.   Botox only lasts 3-4 months, so good news is, it's temporary.   Best of luck!

Botox should not cause swelling (and is rarely injected to the cheeks).   I suggest you see an expert for an evaluation to determine what is occurring.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Your crows feet injection is drifting into your midface and causing a problem.  Stop getting this service and find yourself a new injector.  

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry that your Botox results have not been what you anticipated.  Unfortunately without a series of photographs it is difficult to offer definite advice and I would discuss your results with your injector, or seek a second opinion as to the cause of your chipmunk cheeks.

Thank you for your question. I am sorry this has happened to you. This is the result of in proper injection around the crow’s feet area. If Botox is not injected close to the orbital rim or spreads beyond this area, then other muscles besides the orbicularis oculi will be affected. What is making your chipmunk cheeks is that the zygomaticus muscles (help lift the cheeks) have been affected. This can easily be avoided with proper technique. I recommend finding a new injector.

Thank you for your question. I am sorry this has happened to you. This is the result of in proper injection around the crow’s feet area. If Botox is not injected close to the orbital rim or spreads beyond this area, then other muscles besides the orbicularis oculi will be affected. What is making your chipmunk cheeks is that the zygomaticus muscles (help lift the cheeks) have been affected. This can easily be avoided with proper technique. I recommend finding a new injector.

This is a very uncommon side effect related to Botox injection.

  Typically the effects of injection wear off within six months.

Suggest that no further treatment until the Botox wears off.

It sounds like the Botox placement around the crows-feet was most likely placed incorrectly. Thereby, affecting the muscles that affect movement of your cheeks and smile instead of the muscles that cause you to squint. Unfortunately, injecting Botox in the unintended region can have negative effects of facial expression. Consider, discussing this with your injector, or find someone else to do your Botox.

The effects of Botox are never Permanent. So, the problem should dissipate over time.  

Thank you for
your question Beebee88. I am sorry to hear about your situation. Botox is
a purified protein used to address wrinkles associated with facial expression. It is difficult to know the cause of the condition without before and after photographs. I had a patient once who had Botox in her crows feet. After the treatment, although the crows feet were improved, there was a significant hollowing under the eyes and increased volume in the upper outer cheeks. This occurred because the fat pad in the tear trough was being held up in place by the muscle around the eye. When Botox is applied the muscle relaxes and is unable to hold up the fat pad. Therefore the fat pad descends from the tear trough to the upper cheek, which may give an appearance of a chipmunk. Botox may also spread to nearby muscles leading to a temporary asymmetric smile. Please follow up with
your doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

If Botox is injected along the upper cheek it can affect the muscles for your smile. Best to show photos of before and after.