I had Botox done on my chin 3 days ago to relax its a bit, and since yesterday the right bottom lip is bit swollen? (photo)

Question

My bottom lip when I speak or laugh goes to the left, i am very worried I asked the doctor who did the procedure and he said it's not possible that it's Botox? So I am very confused! Can someone advise on what to do please? Thanks

Munir Somji, BSc, MBBS · Answer

I suggest you remind your doctor of his anatomy, this is certainly possible with Botox in this area and should always be in your consent form for this area. I'm afraid you have no choice but to wait it out. Generally it wears off after a couple of months.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear about your experience. You are correct that this is a complication from your Botox treatment. Unfortunately, the Botox has spread to the DLI muscle causing your asymmetric smile. Your smile will improve as the Botox wears off in 3-4 months. I recommend having a follow with your injector to discuss your concerns. Best of Luck!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

The problem is absolutely Botox related. The right DLI, depressor labia inferioris is affected and not moving. There is nothing to do except wait it out. Some will say that injecting the other side will make it symmetric but I wouldn't do that because it will be hard to move around food when you chew. It may take 3-4 months to get better.

Anthony J. Wilson, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, It appears as though the Botox has spread into other local muscles causing them to relax. The muscle affected is the depressor of your lip. The side that appears swollen is actually the side that still works normally pulling down your lip. The side where the lip doesn't pull down appears retracted and small. Give this a couple of months and it will gradually get better. This will get better.

Dinesh Maini, MBChB · Answer

Dear Sweetikati I am sorry to see you have this issue.I cannot understand the doctors comments as this is completely related to botox leaking in to the wrong muscle or affecting a nerve that hangs around this area.To be honest botox in to the chin is not a good option in 2017 and there are far better ways of getting a longer lasting result for the same cost.Nevertheless we are where we are and the best option is to get hold of an electric toothbrush and use the back of it (smooth part) over the area of the angle of the mouth. I would suggest 1 minute max 3 x a day. It should shorten the recovery time as otherwise it can take 3 months.Kind Regards Dr Dinesh Maini Zenith Cosmetic Clinics

Robert Zieber, MD · Answer

The chin has one muscle, the mentalis, which lifts and puckers the chin when flexed.  Relaxing this muscle would reduce puckering and also reduce the appearance of a line just above the muscle.  Just to each side of the mentalis muscle are the depressor labii inferioris and depressor anguli oris muscles.  These muscles pull down on the lower lip when talking, smiling, frowning, etc.  It is possible that the BOTOX has weakened the depressor muscles on the right side allowing for your lip to be raised and appear swollen on that side and move unopposed to the left when you speak.  However, this problem is difficult to assess without a thorough examination of the muscles involved.
At this point you have two options, first do nothing and in a few weeks or couple of months the movement will return.  Or second, have an experienced injector add one or two units of BOTOX to the left side thus weakening the muscles there.  Good luck; I hope this helps.  -Dr. Z

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about the experience. This is a complication of the Botox treatment. It appears that the Botox diffused to the adjacent DLI muscle and this is resulting in an asymmetric smile. I would followup with your injector. Unfortunately, it most cases, nothing can be done to reverse the Botox. Your smile will improve over the next 4-6 weeks but it may take 3-4 months for it to return to normal.

I had Botox done on my chin 3 days ago to relax its a bit, and since yesterday the right bottom lip is bit swollen? (photo)

Answers (7)

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