Did Botox get injected into a nerve branch? (Photo)

Question

I had masseter Botox under maxillo facial surgery department 19 months ago, upon injection into my right side I had way more pain than I have experienced with Botox before , had a big lump come up bleeding then a bruise that spread, my whole right side of my face apart from the eye area lost all its muscle movement and tone it’s like I just had skin, after 8 months some muscle were starting to but 19 months on my risourious and zygomatic major v weak

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. It sounds like you've been through a lot since your Botox treatment. While it's uncommon, complications can occur with Botox injections, especially if they affect nerve branches or if the injection was administered improperly. Here are some considerations and steps you might take:

Nerve Involvement: While Botox typically acts at the neuromuscular junction to relax muscles, if injected too deeply or in the wrong location, it might affect surrounding structures, potentially leading to temporary nerve issues. The symptoms you describe, such as weakness in facial muscles, suggest that there might have been some unintended impact.

Recovery Timeline: Botox effects usually last 3-6 months, but if there was significant trauma or an unusual reaction, the recovery might take longer. Since you mention some improvement after 8 months, it indicates that nerve function might be gradually returning.

Consultation with a Specialist: It's important to follow up with a specialist, such as a neurologist or a facial plastic surgeon, who can assess the extent of nerve involvement and provide guidance on recovery and possible treatments.

Physical Therapy: Engaging in facial physical therapy might help strengthen the affected muscles and improve movement. A therapist specialized in facial rehabilitation can tailor exercises to your needs.

Further Evaluation: If you haven't already done so, consider imaging studies like an MRI to rule out any other underlying issues that might be contributing to your symptoms.

Pain Management: If you're still experiencing pain, discussing pain management strategies with your healthcare provider might also be beneficial.

It's crucial to have a thorough evaluation to understand the best course of action for your specific situation.

Did Botox get injected into a nerve branch? (Photo)

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Did Botox get injected into a nerve branch? (Photo)

Answers (1)

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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