Botox for Nasolabial Folds and it's Been 5 Months and I Still Can't Smile?

This area would be treated well with fillers, another injectable treatment. Fillers add volume to smooth away creases around the mouth. Botox is not ideal for this area.

15 units appears to be quite high for the location near the nose as the desire, in this off-label use of Botox or Dysport, is to only partially relax the levator muscles of the upper lip and corner of the lip so that the fold flattens. However, if the dose is high for your facial anatomy, the effect may be too strong and last longer. Sometimes Botox's effect is seen to last close to 6 months, such as in the neck bands, and for hyperhidrosis (sweating) so give it more time, even up to two months as it is expected  to see improvement. Do do anything surgical now.

 

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. If you are experiencing a medical emergency proceed to your nearest emergency room.

The effects of Botox can last up to 6 months, so your muscle movement should return in the next 4 weeks.


Additionally, in echoing some of the other posts here, Botox is not the proper treatment for nasolabial folds. Botox is excellent for crow’s feet and lines in the forehead, but for smile lines, injectable fillers like Juvederm or Restylane are the way to go.

Botox is not my treatment of choice for deep nasolabial folds because it can affect your smile.  I prefer to use fillers in areas around the naslolabial folds to improve their appearance.  As opposed to most injectors, I rarely place filler products directly in the naslolabial folds.  I place filler in specific fat pockets of the face around the nasolabial folds to give a natural look.  It can between 3-6 months for the full effect of Botox to wear off. For now, I would recommend speaking with your physician regarding his/her recommendations.

Greetings~

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate Botox experience.  I most certainly agree with the other responders in that Botox is not a great option for treatment of the nasolabial folds. (Especially in such a high dose) Fillers in this area are much more effective with much lower risks and often(in the case of hyaluronic acid fillers) reversible.  Though it has been 6 months it may still take some time for the Botox to wear off completely so don't consider any surgical options or interventions.  Botox is temporary...surgery is not. Hang in there.  It will resolve.

Good luck~

Dr. Grant Stevens