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Could You Please Tell Me How Long the Effects of Botox in the Jaw Muscle for TMJ Will Last?

cassie43Sep 16, 2013
Just over a couple of months ago I had my upper and lower jaw muscles injected with botox to relieve the symptoms of TMJ, however about 2 weeks after the treatment I noticed I can't smile as wide as I used to and one side of my mouth looks like it is drooping when I smile. I have had the treatment before and it was successful, but I only had botox injected in the lower jaw muscle that particular time. I am a little concerned as I don't want to look like this permanently.

Answers (4)

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Dr. Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS
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Dr. Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS
Board Certified General Surgeon
4.8 | 18 Reviews
Answered on Sep 17, 2013
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2 people found this helpful
Dr. Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS
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Dr. Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.6 | 180 Reviews
Answered on Sep 23, 2013
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Dr. Laurie Jacobson, MD
Dr. Laurie Jacobson, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Answered on Sep 21, 2013
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1 person found this helpful
Dr. Steven F. Weiner, MD
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Dr. Steven F. Weiner, MD
Board Certified Otolaryngologist
4.9 | 151 Reviews
Answered on May 21, 2014
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1 person found this helpful

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Sam Naficy, MD, FACS

From what you're describing, it sounds like you need to see your primary care physician for further assessment. The Botox treatment to your masseters doesn't cause the side effects you're describing.

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J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS

Thank you for your question about botox.  Botox is used to treat TMJ pain and migraines all the time.  I am not sure why you experienced a decrease in the opening angle of your jaw.  I would follow up with your provider and a neurologist for a full evaluation.Botox lasts 3-4 months (some pat...

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Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Only a specialized dentist is able assess the bite and understand the factors that are causing the TMJ issues.  It makes absolutely no sense to let a family practitioner, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon inject the muscles of mastication for the purpose of treating a TMJ issue.  To...

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Otto Joseph Placik, MD

I would obtain a second opinion as this is a highly specialized and off-label use of Botox. There are several muscles of mastication and they work in a highly coordinated fashion. Weakening of one set of muscles could cause and imbalance resulting in pain.

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Michael A. Persky, MD

Hi Marie, Sorry to hear about your misfortune with Botox injections to your TMJ. Unfortunately we hear about side effects from these injections all too often. Time is the best medicine for you. Your soft palate function, talking, and swallowing will get better, hopefully sooner than later. I...

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Tanveer Janjua, MD

I use it for a few of my patients who have very strong jaw muscles. It works well. However, what has really helped my patients is the injection of Kenalog (a mild steroid) directly into the jaw joint (TMJ). If you are hurting in the joint get kenalog and ask your doctor to give you a muscle...

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