Muscle still not working 6 months on (Photo)

Question

I had Dysport injected into my masseter muscles 6 months ago to help eliminate clenching/grinding of teeth. It went wrong and was injected in wrong spot on one side of my face, resulting in a crooked smile and my cheek muscle (the apple of my cheek) not activating. Now 6 months on, it has worn off only slightly, still looks crooked and that muscle (the apple of my cheek) still does not work when I smile or look plump. Do I need to re-stimulate this muscle somehow or just keep waiting?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear you've had issues with your Dysport treatment.  Unfortunately there is no reversal agent for it.   It will continue to wear off gradually.  You should note improvement in the coming weeks if your treatment was six months ago.

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Good Afternoon! If it's been 6 months, you would expect to have near total resolution at this point. But, it could still need time. There are devices which can help to stimulate the muscle. As well, you can perform exercises yourself at home to see if the strength returns. If it continues to be a problem, I would follow-up with your injector to see if something like Physical Therapy or a Neurology consult could be worthwhile. Best of luck!

Derakhsh Fozouni, MD · Answer

Hello!
I am sorry you had this side effect after your treatment. Stimulating the weaker muscle that was treated with botox will certainly help to regain your normal movement. You can try exercising the side of your smile that is still weak by doing exaggerated contractions only on that side a couple of times a day. Do at least 30-60 repeated one side smiles on the affected area. Once you notice your smile going back to normal you can stop doing these exercises.You can also massage the affected area gently morning and night for around 3 minutes. 
Good luck!

Muscle still not working 6 months on (Photo)

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Muscle still not working 6 months on (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dysport

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