For how long has Masseter Botox ruined my smile? 4 weeks, 4 months or forever? What went wrong? (Photos)

Question

I saw a Dr for grinding & clenching my teeth causing jaw pain.He injected dysport equivalent of 30 units Botox/side (small circle in centre of masseter).2 weeks later my smile is awful & embarrassing! I went back & he said there was no way the dysport had spread, it wasn't his fault & it should be fine in 1-4 weeks.I think he is wrong.With a straight face I also see sagging in the centre of my face.He said the masseter effect will last a year- will this freaky smile & volume loss last that long?

Soheila Rostami, MD, FAAO, FAACS · Answer

the effect of the neurotoxin can last up to 6 months for few individuals. but as far as majority of patients, this could be more three to four months period. Be patient and even after few weeks, since the masseter is a strong muscle, you may start have your normal smile back.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Changes in the smile can occur as a result of injecting the masseter muscles. If you feel the benefits are not there to out-weight the risks of the injection then you should find an alternative tretment for your grinding and avoid neuromodulators in the future. Best wishes always, Dr. ALDO :)

Landon Pryor, MD, FACS · Answer

This area of injection can look and work fantastically.  Don't get discouraged.  Please reconsider doing this when your smile is back to normal - should last on average 3-4  months.  Be sure to find an injector who has experience with this area of injection.  It may be beneficial to start with smaller amounts of product and add additional until desired result is achieved.  As we know with neurotoxin, you can always add more, just can't take it away.  Good luck!

Robert Heck, MD, FACS · Answer

Luckily Botox or Dysport only lasts about 3-4 months so your smile should return to normal. The product simply doesn't last that long. In my opinion the botox got in to the muscles of facial expression instead of the masseter muscle. I have done hundreds of injections in this area and none have lasted up to a year. I hope that gives you some comfort. Best of Luck!

Scott Ellis, MBBS · Answer

Hi mrc3121!
Sorry to hear that your treatment had an unwanted effect on your smile. As with all muscle relaxant treatments, a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and ability to assess each person's individual anatomy is crucial to accurate treatment. It seems likely here that one of the muscles that contributes to your smile (the risorius) has been affected by treatment on both sides of your face. This occurs if injections are placed too far forward (toward your chin).
Unfortunately there is no way to reverse the effect of muscle relaxant, but this will wear off in time. 
All the best,
Dr Scott.

For how long has Masseter Botox ruined my smile? 4 weeks, 4 months or forever? What went wrong? (Photos)

Answers (5)