Can't smile after Botox in my TMJ for pain. Are there any temporary solutions? (Photo)

Question

He hit my smile muscles by mistake and now my smile covers my top teeth. I can barely lift my cheeks. Is there any temporary solutions for this for the next few months? Maybe fillers or something?

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear about your experience. Typically, when Botox is used to treat TMJ it should not affect your smile. Hopefully this will begin to wear off in the next two weeks. However, this is not permanent and will go away when the Botox wears of in 3-4 months. I recommend discussing your concerns with your injector. Best of Luck!

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear about your experience. Typically, when Botox is used to treat TMJ it should not affect your smile. Hopefully this will begin to wear off in the next two weeks. However, this is not permanent and will go away when the Botox wears of in 3-4 months. I recommend discussing your concerns with your injector. Best of Luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear about your experience. Typically, when Botox is used to treat TMJ it should not affect your smile. Hopefully this will begin to wear off in the next two weeks. However, this is not permanent and will go away when the Botox wears of in 3-4 months. I recommend discussing your concerns with your injector. Best of Luck!

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your
question Hanneng. I am sorry to hear about your situation. Botox is a
purified protein used to address wrinkles associated with facial expression. In the lower face Botox can be placed in the masseter muscle to address TMJ or to contour the face. With any Botox treatment there is a risk for spread of the Botox, which affects nearby muscles. In this case the nearby muscles elevate the corners of the mouth when one smiles. Most people enjoy the results of their Botox treatment for 3-4 months. At that point most effects return to baseline. Please consult
with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

There is no temporary cure for this problem unfortunately. It is related to the Botox affecting the zygomaticus and risorius muscle. The injections were too high or too anterior. This should go away within about 3 months. I have been doing this injection since 1994 and it should be done by an experience Botox injector.

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

It is not a matter of hitting the smile muscles but some doctors inject too medially although that is what is taught. there is nothing to do but wait; however, next time be sure to tell your  doctor and there is another technique that can be used to treat TMJ that will not cause this

Kristin J. Tarbet, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your current situation.  I would recommend following up with your injector for a recheck.

Can't smile after Botox in my TMJ for pain. Are there any temporary solutions? (Photo)

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More Botox for TMJ Questions

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Answers (7)

More Botox for TMJ Questions

How well does Botox For TMJ work? (photos)

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Are botox injections to masseter muscles (to ease TMJ pain) covered by medical insurance?

Who should I go to for Botox TMJ? (photos)

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