Could muscles in jaw/lower face overreact/compensate after a large dose of Botox in the forehead.

Question

I had Botox injected for wrinkles in entire forehead about a month ago as my worry wrinkle lines were becoming very profuse. In the last week or so I am having a lot of achin in my jaw/lower face area, morning and night. It's a very heavy uncomfortable feeling. Is it possible with my forehead muscles treated that other muscles are compensating? Thank you.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Botox relaxation of forehead muscles should not affect how your lower face functions or feels. If the provider injects the very outer of the forehead where the temple actually is located, there is a small component of a chewing muscle that inserts there. I can not imagine first of all, that they would inject your temple for a cosmetic benefit with Botox except for the outer eyebrow lifting or crows feet and those are not the actual temple. Secondly, even if the upper temporalis muscle was affected, the majority of the muscle's function resides in the lower cheek and that wouldn't be affected.  See your provider for an evaluation and if needed see a dentist or other specialist who deals with TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome) for a work up. Best wishes.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for this question. Other muscles do not overcompensate for forehead Botox. Perhaps, you’re grinding your teeth at night. Talk to your injector.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. The forehead muscles are part of the muscles of facial expression. They have a specific nerve inervation that is unique in that they are both voluntary and involutary. That is why you can't stop laguhing or smiling even if you want to. The jaw muscels are not like this. They are used for chewing and are inervated by a completely seperate nerve. Both muscles can be treated with Botox or Dysport but I dont think treating the forehead could cause the lower jaw to enlarge. I suppose you never know but I can't see the relationship. Hopefully the problem will resolve on it's own. Give it some time.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Receiving Botox in your upper face will have no impact whatsoever on your jaw or lower face or crow's feet or other areas distant to the injection.

Gary Gesualdi, MD · Answer

I have never seen this connection before and no logical reason why it would occur from the Botox. Occassionally when forehead has restricted movement from botox treatment you sometimes get someone who gets a headache above brows and upper forehead but never lower face or jaw.  
If doesn't resolve see your PCP or DDS.
Good luck!

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

The muscles of facial expression in your forehead have nothing to do with those in the jaw.  I would consult your internist or dentist about the pain in the jaw to have it evaluated to see what the cause is.  Best, Dr. Green

Vibha Gambhir, MD · Answer

Thanks for your message. The jaw muscles have no relation to the forehead muscles so it sounds like a coincidence. Also, the dose of Botox used in the forehead would not be enough to travel down to the jaw area. Since you are experiencing aching it sounds like you are having some other issue and should consult with your PCP. Best of luck!

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Botox doesn’t travel when injected in the forehead.
Jawline massage and a mouth guard for grinding at night may be the culprit.
Check it out with your local dentist.
Best. Dr Brecht
Seattle, Wa

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi lmcbeth, Botox traveling  to distant locations (like your case) is unlikely. However to double check, see your doctor. It may totally be unrelated. The jaw muscles do not compensate for forehead muscles.All the best,Justin Harper, M.D.

Could muscles in jaw/lower face overreact/compensate after a large dose of Botox in the forehead.

Answers (9)

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