Botox injected into masserter and chin two weeks ago caused dry mouth and no saliva form the sides and bottom of my mouth.

Question

I had dry mouth few days after injections and two weeks after injections, I noticed there was no salvia from both sides and bottom of my mouth. My throat is so dry and I have swallowing problem. I suspect Botox was injected into my parotid glands and submandibular glands which suppress the saliva. Did Botox damage my glands permanently? Botox wears off in 3-4 months, what about Botox injected into glands, will it wear off? Anything can be done to have my saliva back?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest seeing your injecting physician, however, you may not be able to do anything until the botox wears off in 2-3 months. Sour mouth drops and dry mouth rinses can help.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Botox has a temporary effect on the salivary glands and will wear off in a few months. It sounds like the attempt was to weaken your masseter muscle which is deeper.  You probably only have a partial dose into your salivary glands and not a full dose so it can wear off sooner.Are your masseters weaker?  If so then some went there.My technique is to place the Botox deeper into the masseters to avoid the salivary glands.  This requires a longer thin needle than the usual Botox needle.Good luck.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Majo2015,Botox can be used to help decrease saliva production.  Just like cosmetic Botox, it will last for about 3 months and requires repeat injections.  I have not heard of any permanent loss of saliva.  Based on the location of your injections, it would be unlikely that there would have been a significant reduction in saliva production from the Botox (the submandibular gland is below the jawbone and not in the area of injection and the masseter muscle is very small compared to the size of the parotid gland).  If the dry mouth is related to Botox then it will improve with time.  However, I would suggest you follow up wiht your injector to discuss your concerns and possibly your primary care physician to evaluate your dry mouth for other causes.  There are treatments that can be used to help with dry mouth including artificial salivas and oral medications.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Botox injected into masserter and chin two weeks ago caused dry mouth and no saliva form the sides and bottom of my mouth.

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Botox injected into masserter and chin two weeks ago caused dry mouth and no saliva form the sides and bottom of my mouth.

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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