Botox On Cupid's Bow Area?

Question

I had botox (2008 ) in the cupid's bow area this caused ballooning either side of the upper lip to nose area. It is so weird and look like a freak. From that date I have had to have fillers to pump out the tow side so it kind of looks normal. The person said this was due to an overdose of botox or bad batch of botox.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

If botox caused a temporary muscular imbalance of the perioral area, it should resolve as the Botox wears off and thereafter as the relaxed muscle awakens and becomes stronger. If concurrent treatment with fillers was rendered, then possibly a long lasting filler was used that caused the effect described. See a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

	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.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

It is very difficult to answer your question without seeing your pictures-you should consider posting images showing that area. Botox placed in the upper lip would relax the muscle around your mouth and/or lips, and wear off in 3-4 months.

Steven Swengel, MD · Answer

First of all, Botox is rarely put into cupids bow, but when botox is used in the upper lip, it is often installed in low doses across the upper lip, outside the philtral ridge area to minimize the appearance of fine lines above the upper lip that often come with age. 

	If the botox was injected over 6 months ago, it is no longer actively affecting the movement of any muscle no matter where it was injected or the quantity. What you are experiencing at this point in your life is loss of philtral ridge volume, (the 2 cute little vertical lines between the base of your nose and the upper lip) which is normal with the aging face, and the solution is to use hyaluronic acids (Juvederm or Restylane) to volumize the philtral ridges.

	Consult a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon if you are unhappy with the appearance of your lips.

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

The effect of Botox is not long lasting; averaging about 3 - 4 months for a patient, and sometimes up to 6 months. After the Botox has worn off those muscles will go back to their normal state regardless of how long someone has been having Botox injected. The reason those muscles will not have permanent atrophy is because like any other muscle, it will build up once it is being used in the same fashion it was before.That being said, Botox from 2008 would not affect you now. It may be that you had a different chemical/filler injected? I would speak with a board certified plastic surgeon about what would have caused this and what can be done to treat it.

	"Dr.D"

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

I'm not quite clear why you would have Botox injected into your cupid's bow. That said, the Botox will last 3-6 months, so there should be no permanent effect that you're describing. Make sure to have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon review your case for the best possible treatment.

Botox On Cupid's Bow Area?

Answers (5)