Trouble smiling after botox and huge upper cheeks when I smile (I look like a cartoon) (Photo)

Question

the last two times (different board certified providers) botox caused me trouble smiling and huge upper cheeks when i smile . i look normal at rest. (i wanted a brow lift, but he injected 10 units on each side. I did not get this with my former provider where i used to live. Now it is the second time in a row. You can still see the injection mark in the picture. Was it too low or does it have something to do w my anatomy? I did not do fillers in my cheeks.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's difficult to tell from your photo, but it may be that you were injected to low. This will resolve in 3-4 months. In the mean time, venus legacy treatments may soften results. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Anna Avaliani, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your experience.  It seems that the dose used for you was appropriate however, the product affected the muscles of your smile, which are located  under the eye bone and at the top of the cheek bone. It may be your anatomy, or how the Botox was prepared, or how it was injected.  I'm sorry it happened but the good thing is that it is not permanent and will resolve in 3-4 months or even sooner. I suggest you see your provider again and have them evaluate your face and make a note in your file to stay slightly higher for injections next time around. Since, this is the second time it happened, which is rather unusual, I highly suggest you inform your providers as doctor's learn from patients and if you had ad adverse effect you should have a discussion with your doctor as how to prevent in in the future rather than trying a different doctor. Hope you feel better soon. Best, Dr.Avaliani

Kristin M. Baird, MD · Answer

Your Botox was placed to inferior on the crows feet and the Botox affected your cheek muscle. When this happens your cheek sags which creates a puffy look when you smile and causes your smile to be uneven. Next time tell your injector about the tendency for this to happen so the injections will be placed higher in the crows feet area. This effect should wear off over the next 2-3 months. Best wishes.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! You got so called chipmunk cheeks. This can be easily corrected with fillers or you may want to simply wait it out as the results should only last a few months. Best of luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

You got so called chipmunk cheeks. This can be easily corrected with fillers or you may want to simply wait it out as the results should only last a few months. Good luck!

Trouble smiling after botox and huge upper cheeks when I smile (I look like a cartoon) (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: You got so called chipmunk cheeks.

Answer: You got so called chipmunk cheeks.

Answer: Chipmunk cheeks

Answer: Chipmunk cheeks

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.

Trouble smiling after botox and huge upper cheeks when I smile (I look like a cartoon) (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: You got so called chipmunk cheeks.

Answer: You got so called chipmunk cheeks.

Answer: Chipmunk cheeks

Answer: Chipmunk cheeks

Browse related questions

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.