Dysport affected my smile and made me look older. Is it permanent? (Photo)

Question

I got 20 units of Dysport injections into each masseter muscle 2 weeks ago for a jaw reduction. It has affected my smile. I don't show as much gum when I smile and I feel like it isn't as wide. The main problem is that the nasolabial fold on my right side seems much deeper. I have aged 10 years. Also, I have lost the apples of my cheeks. In the pictures, you can see that the folds continue straight down the corner of my lip. When will this problem go away, will this deep fold become permanent?

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that your masseter injection has affected your smile. This will eventually wear off. Chances are some of the Dysport did not go into the masseter but also affected the smile muscles that pulls the corner of your lip outwards.

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

Injection of neuromodulators such as Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin into the masseter muscle for jaw reduction is an advanced technique that requires detailed knowledge of facial anatomy in order to minimize risks and complications.  One of the major risks is affecting muscles other than the masseter due to incorrect placement of injection.  There is no way to reverse this effect, but the neuromodulator will wear off in time.  In fact, 20 units of Dysport is not a large amount in that location so you may note improvement even in 2-3 months. After the effects of the Dysport have worn off, it is worthwhile to see a Board Certified Dermatologist with specialty training and knowledge in advanced cosmetic techniques in order to see if you require more masseter treatment or perhaps fillers to address your cheeks and nasolabial folds.  Very sorry to hear of your experience, but at least it’s temporary.  Good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry you were unhappy with your Dysport treatment.  The effects of Dysport will gradually decrease over the next 3-4 months.  You can expect that your look will return to your "pretreatment" appearance.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

The effect from Dysport will normally last about 3-6 months.  After it wears off, your facial expressions should return to normal, so I do not believe you will have any permanent change in your smile from the treatment to your masseter muscles.  It is also possible that you will still have some effect to your masseter muscles while the change to your smile may go back to normal sooner.

Ronald Friedman, MD · Answer

The bad news: you are unhappy with your Dysport results.The good news: all effects of Dysport, good and bad, are temporary.I agree that some of the Dysport inadvertantly affected muscles surrounding the masseter.  Your smile should be back to normal within the next few months.

Dysport affected my smile and made me look older. Is it permanent? (Photo)

Answers (5)