Why is my Mouth Drooping on One Side when I Had Botox in my Forehead?

Question

I had botox in my forehead and crows feet on 31st March - I have had the treatment 3 times before by the same practice with no side effects. Within a week of having the treatment I noticed that my eyelids have gone puffy and that the right hand side of my mouth is drooping. The drooping is particulary noticeable when I am talking or smiling and looks a little like I have had a mini stroke. I contacted the practice who advised that it should go away within 7 to 10 days. Is this normal? Thanks

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

If botox is injected or the medicine diffuses towards the inner lower cheekbone or beyond, it may relax the lower eyelid muscle and its pump action will lessen so that fluid may accumulate. The smile muscle or lip elevators, can also relax so that when one tries to smile or brush teeth, the other side may elevate normally but the side that was affected by botox will not respond giving a sroke-like appearance. This will all go away with time, but can take up to 12 weeks or more.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

This is an unusual but possible side effect of Botox product diffusing into the cheek and muscles that control smiling - it will go away after a period of 3-4 months. Be patient.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

If Botox is placed too deeply into the crow's feet, it can cause puffiness under the eyes. If Botox is placed too far down the crow's feet into the cheek, it can prevent the side of the mouth from lifting so you will have some drooping. Fortunately, these effects will wear off in a few months. Ensure you receive treatment from a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to obtain the best possible results from your Botox treatment.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

Greetings~

	I'm sorry to hear about your unfortunately Botox experience.  Without seeing you it is difficult to say with certainty but it sounds like your Botox was placed too low in the forehead and too far down on the crows feet and more in to the cheek.  The forehead usually resolves more quickly than the cheek.  If the zygomaticus muscle was effected by the injections into the crows feet it can take weeks to months to resolve...the good news is, it will resolve.  Though these things do not happen frequently, they are definitely potential risks with injection.

	Good luck~

	Dr. Grant Stevens

Peter J. Malouf, DO · Answer

The injector was too agressive on the forehead which made your brows sink and went too low on crows feet and weakened the zygomaticus muscle.

	Do better research next time

	Best.

Why is my Mouth Drooping on One Side when I Had Botox in my Forehead?

Answers (5)