Distorted, swollen upper cheeks when smiling after Botox for crows feet.

Question

my face is distorted when i smile, my upper cheeks huge and they dont even swell up symmetrically when i smile. I had 12 units in total (6 x eye) . is huge cheeks when smiling a knoen side effect of botox? my smile is also not as broad. how did that happen?

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question. I’m sorry to
hear that you did not receive good results from your recent Botox procedure.
From your description, it sounds like your Botox injections may been
incorrectly placed, affecting the zygomatic muscle, which draws the mouth up to
a smile. This could affect the  shapes of
your smile, and the movement of your lips or lower cheeks. Unfortunately, there
is no way to undo these side-effects. However, the results from Botox are
temporary and will wear off slowly. In about three to four months, these side-effects
should resolve completely. If you have any further concerns, I suggest speaking
with your Botox provider for further advice.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is tough to answer without pictures. This may be due to where the Botox was placed. It will dissolve in 3-4 months. In the mean time, Venus Legacy treatments can help soften. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I am sorry that you are having this problem. I have been using Botox for aesthetic purposes since 1991. In my experience, what you are describing may occur when Botox (or the other muscle relaxers, Dysport and Xeomin) are injected too low onto the cheek or if some should diffuse down onto the cheek and affect the muscles of facial expression responsible for smiling and the distortion you are experiencing. While, unfortunately, there no injection to reverse the effects of Botox, the results are happily temporary and last only until the Botox is metabolized away--usually somewhere between three and seven months, given individual variations. In many people, the undesirable effects often improve significantly even after only two months or so. Going forward, you would do well to seek consultation and treatment by a board certified aesthetic physician with expertise in the use of Botox.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I am sorry this has happened to you. This is due to your Botox being placed too low below the crow’s feet and paralyzing your zygomaticus muscles (smile muscles). Unfortunately, Botox takes 3-4 months to wear off. I recommend you seek out a new injector.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I am sorry this has happened to you. This is due to your Botox being placed too low below the crow’s feet and paralyzing your zygomaticus muscles (smile muscles). Unfortunately, Botox takes 3-4 months to wear off. I recommend you seek out a new injector.

Distorted, swollen upper cheeks when smiling after Botox for crows feet.

Answers (10)

Answer: I am sorry this has happened to you.

Answer: I am sorry this has happened to you.

Answer: Botox Affected my Cheeks and Smile

Answer: Botox Affected my Cheeks and Smile

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Distorted, swollen upper cheeks when smiling after Botox for crows feet.

Answers (10)

Answer: I am sorry this has happened to you.

Answer: I am sorry this has happened to you.

Answer: Botox Affected my Cheeks and Smile

Answer: Botox Affected my Cheeks and Smile

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

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