Flexing/contracting muscles around my nose when speaking. Can Botox help with this?

Question

Hi! I recently noticed I'm doing this - flexing/contracting muscles around my nose - when speaking (attaching the photo). I didn't realise it before I saw it on a video someone took when I was talking. Can botox help with this and what muscle needs to get injected? Thank you!

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

This is not that unusual a problem. I have been injecting Botox for cosmetic reasons since 1991 and have treated this problem numerous times during that period. It takes a droplet or two of Botox in each of the wings (alae) of the nose to suppress the troublesome flaring. As this is not usually in the purview of novice, inexperienced injectors, you would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist injector. Best of luck.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

We have had good success using Botox in some who have had twitches in the area of the bottom of the nose. Consider meeting with a reputable Botox specialist and get an opinion. When we have injected these muscles, it is performed while the patient is flexing the muscle to allow for proper placements. This may require between 10 to 20 units of Botox. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Botox can be used to soften this contraction.  However it is important to understand the risk that it could have on your upper lip and smile.  The effects of Botox treatments are seen typically within 5 days with final results seen after two weeks.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

A very small amount of Botox can definitely be used in this area, but you have to remember that there is a risk of you developing a slightly crooked smile afterwards. For those reasons it is not always worth using Botox to treat an area of the face where an individual is not too happy with their expression. I hope this helps you. Good luck from New York City Plastic Surgery.

J. Renee Booth, MD · Answer

In the area circled, there are muscles of the upper lip and cheek called the levator labii superioris muscles. They follow a vertical direction. Botulinum toxin is not usually used for these muscles because it would paralyze the upper lip which would result in a look similar to a stroke. The skin looks tight and dry in the area circled which may be contributing to the horizontal look in that area. Using a moisturizer and massage three times a day could help. If you are using an exfoliant, retinol, or something similar, it will be important to scale it back. As for botulinum toxin of the nose, it is sometimes used in the nasalis muscle which is on the sidewall of the nose to address "bunny lines".

Flexing/contracting muscles around my nose when speaking. Can Botox help with this?

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