I got Botox on my neck for my wrinkles. It affected my right lower lip and my smile is crooked. Will this go away?

Question

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you
very much for your question. From your information, it appears that the Botox
has migrated to your lips, causing drooping and an asymmetrical mouth. This is
not an uncommon side-effect of Botox injections placed in close proximity to
your mouth and depressor (lip) muscles. Luckily, all of the effects from these
Botox injections will wear off in three to four months. At that time, your
mouth will go back to normal. I recommend reaching out to your Botox provider
about your situation. He or she may have additional advice, and can make a note
of this reaction, so it will not happen again during any future Botox
injections.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

A touch-up of Botox may improve this. I recommend following up with your injector. Botox results resolve in 3-4 months. Best, Dr. Emer

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Weakening of nearby  muscles is temporary after Botox and usually by the 12th week the normal functionality of the musculature has returned. It may take less or more time in different people but I am not aware of this being a permanent situation. This can happen on the neck if the injection is too close to the nerve that allows the lower chin to lower when opening the mouth so the unaffected side still lowers looking unequal. In time this comes back to normal.You should follow up with your doctor who injected the Botox.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.

Hung William Song, MD · Answer

Hi it sounds like you depressor anguli oris muscle was inadvertently treated on one side. This should be easy to fix by treating the other side. You should have someone who is experienced in treating this muscle fix the problem.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your experience. The Botox probably diffused to one of the lip depressor muscles. While it may take 3-4 months for your smile to return to normal you could see improvement in as short as 4-6 weeks. This will resolve as the Botox wears off. No permanent damage has been done.

I got Botox on my neck for my wrinkles. It affected my right lower lip and my smile is crooked. Will this go away?

Answers (8)

Answer: Crooked smile after Botox

Answer: Crooked smile after Botox

Answer: Asymmetric smile after Botox neck treatment

Answer: Asymmetric smile after Botox neck treatment

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I got Botox on my neck for my wrinkles. It affected my right lower lip and my smile is crooked. Will this go away?

Answers (8)

Answer: Crooked smile after Botox

Answer: Crooked smile after Botox

Answer: Asymmetric smile after Botox neck treatment

Answer: Asymmetric smile after Botox neck treatment

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

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