What is the time needed for the Botox to wear off from the lower face? Can massaging and chewing gum wear off the effect faster?

Question

I had Botox done to my lower face resulting in asymmetrical smile, My Dr suggested to inject the DAO at the opposite side to reduce the asymmetry, but I didn't agree because of the funny feeling on the side that I cannot move

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Chewing gum can potential he increase the activity of the jaw muscles that are not affected after Botox injections. This may give the appearance that your Botox has worn off quicker. However the muscles that are affecting your smile may not have much activity, and hence chewing gum may not help strengthen your remaining muscles.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Botox takes a few months to calmn down, and 3-4 months to be gone completely.  Please see an expert for treatment.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Mark Lupin, MD · Answer

If there is asymmetry of the smile after Botox of the DAO area (the DAO is the muscle that pulls down the corner of the mouth), it is likely that the Botox was not injected in the correct area and could have either not properly treated each DAO muscle equally, or more disturbingly, Botox may have inadvertently treated the wrong muscle called the DLI (a muscle that normally pulls down the lower lip).  If this is the case, when you smile, the incorrectly treated side might feel and look odd with a crooked smile;  the lower lip would be higher on that side.   It is important to follow up with the treating physician.  Botox will tend to wear off within 2-3 months around the mouth.  But it is important to be assessed to see exactly what the concern is and to properly advise and possibly treat.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Botox will last between 4-6 months in the face. There is no way to hasten its degradation. Sorry. Just remember this is temporary.  Good luck.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear diebes2000:Botox is an injectible muscle relaxer. It has an average duration of 3 months but tends to last shorter in muscles of "protection" such as the orbicularis muscle around the eyes and last longer on muscles of "expression" such as the scowl muscles of the glabella. It also last longer with nerve injury or illnesses such as myasthenia gravis or multiple sclerosis. In my experience, when Botox or Dysport migrates onto an unwanted muscle, visualization, TENS stimulation and active trial activity of the paralyzed muscle with stabilization of its opposite muscle or surrounding muscle exercises hastens return of function. Massage, I find is not helpful. So, yes, chewing gum may help along with the above activities.Return to your injector or consult with a Board Certified well  versed Plastic Surgeon, ENT Facial Surgeon who may help you through this.I hope this was helpful! All the best!

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

two things here--first is that if the smile is uneven you should consider the injection into the DAO to even it up. Secondly, the effect will last anywhere from 3-7 months and chewing gum etc will have no effect on the duration

Alix J. Charles, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Botox injections to the DAO muscle should have an effect that lasts 3-4 months on average. Massage and gum chewing will not have any effect on the duration of activity.

What is the time needed for the Botox to wear off from the lower face? Can massaging and chewing gum wear off the effect faster?

Answers (7)

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