My smile was ruined after masseter Botox (6 months post-op). Is there possibly nerve damage? Could it be permanent?

Question

The doctor used 25 units of Botox on each side 6 months ago. I could tell my smile was off after a few weeks & it only worsened. Jaw slimming only on the left side of my face, the right side had an extremely limited smile. It looks fake and inauthentic. I'm assuming the risorius muscle was hit &/or the zygomatic. It's been 6 months and though there has been SLIGHT improvement, the smile is still not lifted and wide like before the treatment. Is it possible a nerve has been hit?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry that you're experiencing issues after your Botox treatment.  The effect of the product typically wears off over 3-4 months, but may take longer in some cases.  I encourage you to give it more time as the treatment is not permanent and your smile should return to normal.

Alicia Sanderson, MD · Answer

The good news about Botox is that it does wear off and does not have permanent effects.  Depending on the volumes injected and where they are injected in can take 3-6 months for return to normal function.  If you are starting to see a slight improvement that indicates you are close to resolution.  I'm sorry for your experience, but I would expect full recovery.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Once the Botox effect wears off, your smile will return to it original state. The results of this treatment are not permanent.

Kurt Kuhlman, DO · Answer

Botox usually causes muscle weakness for 3-6 months. I would expect this to completely resolve. "Hitting a nerve" during a masseter injection that causes an altered smile is extremely rare--and you would typically have experienced significant pain when injected.

Andy Shieh, DMD · Answer

I’d give yourself more months to see if your smile muscles restrengthens. Botox effectiveness can last past the traditional 3-4 months. Again, not sure if this was your first time with this injector, but clearly this injector had injected into the incorrect area and anatomy along your Masseter muscles.

My smile was ruined after masseter Botox (6 months post-op). Is there possibly nerve damage? Could it be permanent?

Answers (5)

Answer: Ruined smile after Botox

Answer: Ruined smile after Botox

Answer: More time

Answer: More time

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My smile was ruined after masseter Botox (6 months post-op). Is there possibly nerve damage? Could it be permanent?

Answers (5)

Answer: Ruined smile after Botox

Answer: Ruined smile after Botox

Answer: More time

Answer: More time

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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.