Botox lip flip and upper lip weakness - Causes?

Question

I have gotten lip flip a few times over an 18 month period. I have never had any problems with weakness in my upper lip until the most recent time. I can’t hold liquid in my mouth such as using mouthwash or spit properly. Drinking can be slightly awkward. Question is: is this cumulative, will this always be experienced if I get lip flip from here on out or is it due to poor technique, etc from the injector?

Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery - Alpharetta · Answer

Hi there! Thank you for your question. I myself have experienced this, and what I can tell you, from personal experience both as an injector and as a patient, is that it happens sometimes, and sometimes it does not...even when you inject the same amount, in the same places. 
While it can feel strange, some patients like this feeling because it reassures them that the Botox is working, while when they don't feel it, they assume nothing is happening. I don't necessarily think that this is the case. 
Your best bet is to insure that your injector does the same amount and in the same pattern each time, so that you can replicate your results and experience as much as possible, although it is never a guarantee, as it can vary from one treatment to another. That said, try to stick with the same injector, as that will help with consistency of treatments as well. 
The good thing about this situation is that Botox in the upper lip typically does not last very long, due to the constant movement of the mouth, so this odd feeling should wear off pretty quickly. Good luck!

Beauty Bar - Ooltewah - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi! Experiencing weakness in the upper lip post lip flip is extremely common. Your injector may have increased your dose, that could be why you didn't experience weakness initially. If I do 4units on a patient, they may experience no weakness, but if I inject 6-8units the weakness is normally guaranteed. Botox, or any neurotoxin injected is meant to weaken or "relax" that muscle, so you can expect it to do the same for the upper lip. I hope this helps!

Milan Shah, MD · Answer

A Botox lip flip involves injecting Botox into the muscles around the upper lip to create a subtle upward curl, enhancing the appearance of the lips. Temporary upper lip weakness can occur as a side effect if the injection affects nearby muscles or nerves. Causes may include dosage issues, improper injection technique, or individual variations in anatomy. It’s essential to consult with the treating professional to address any concerns or complications.

Stephen Matta, DO · Answer

Thanks for the question! I’m not sure how many lip flips you received in that period of time or how far away they were spaced but it’s highly possible you were over treated or the injection itself was not shallow enough. Botox works best when only about 30% of the neuromuscular junctions of the muscle have been treated. Any more than that and you will see paralysis. I recommend waiting until it wears off before receiving any more treatment. Also be sure to get only 1 unit superficially on or slightly above the vermilion border on each side,

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the issues from your Botox treatment.  If you were spacing your treatments 3-4 months apart or more then this result is likely from the last treatment alone.  Effects of Botox are temporary and you should notice improvement over the coming months  I encourage you to discuss the concerns you have with your injector.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Any part of your muscles that are affected by the Botox injection are going to develop paralysis and weakness until the medication wears off. Each outcome is based on how each treatment is done.
Best,
Matt hagstrom, MD.

Botox lip flip and upper lip weakness - Causes?

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