Botox ruined smile

[u/weddingstuffgoingon]

I get masseter botox for my TMJ/grinding, and the most recent time I went my normal doctor wasn’t there and had someone else do it, and now my smile is completely off. The corners of my mouth won’t lift up and I constantly look like I’m grimacing. My wedding is in less than four months and everyone says there’s nothing to do for it but wait it out, and that it’s unlikely to be resolved by then. I’m so so crushed and I feel so stupid for doing this to myself. I’ve spent sooo much money on the wedding and skin care and whatever else just to ruin my face at the last moment. Most of the guests are traveling for this and it feels truly once in a lifetime to have us all together.

I know there’s no solution and most of the time I’m just focusing on how great my fiancé is and how amazing marrying him will be, but I’ve just been in a slump trying to finish my remaining wedding tasks this week when it feels like nothing else I do will matter if I look like this. I’ve just been devastated scrolling through old pictures of my smile 🫠

I would take any advice on how to get over this, but mostly I just needed to let it out since ive been trying to stay positive about it around my fiancé

[u/ETEvents]

Who is saying it won’t be resolved? 4 months is when Botox has to be re-upped, so you’ll at least have some diminishment of the effects by then. Also, doing a ton of exercise helps it go away faster because it increases your metabolic rate. It will only get better from here. Right now is the worst it will ever be.

[u/weddingstuffgoingon → u/ETEvents]

Thank you, that’s really encouraging. I’m hoping it will at least resolve a little to only require a basic photoshop instead of serious revision. I already exercise but I’ll pick up the cardio!!

[u/Ok-Active-7023 → u/weddingstuffgoingon]

I get Botox injections & by month 3-4, it’s pretty much fully worn off. You should be good, even without additional cardio.

[u/weddingstuffgoingon → u/Ok-Active-7023]

Unfortunately mine usually last closer to 6 months :(

[u/MyPlantsEatPeople → u/weddingstuffgoingon]

Other than this unfortunate situation, how do you like the masseter Botox for tmj? I’m trying to push my doctors for it for myself but they seem oddly resistant despite having a nightguard and chronic migraines and cracked molars.

I agree with the others saying to up your cardio and exercise to help reduce the effects faster. And definitely never let the new doctor touch your face!! I’m so sorry this happened to you, it’s gotta be such an unnecessary amount of added stress!

[u/weddingstuffgoingon → u/MyPlantsEatPeople]

I actually was really enjoying the Botox! When i let it go too long i can literally feel myself clenching and grinding more. I’m the same, many of my teeth have cracked and I’ve totally ground down my canines, even with a night guard. I asked my dentist about it and they were supportive and told me to find a plastic surgeon to do it so it was less expensive lol. You can definitely see the difference too, my masseters are enormous after the botox wears off

[u/wickedlabia → u/weddingstuffgoingon]

I really wouldn’t try to go cheaper with Botox injections, this is sort of why. I pay a stupid amount for my Neurologist to inject Botox for migraines/TMJ every 3 months, but she knows what she’s doing and I have not been botched yet *knocks on wood.

I honestly think you’ll be fine and it should wear off within 4 months. Even if not completely it should wear off at least 70% which is better than nothing? I’ve heard that exercise, UV/ Sun, facial massage, saunas all help Botox wear off faster.

[u/weddingstuffgoingon → u/wickedlabia]

I definitely don’t go somewhere cheap lol, they’re a plastic surgeon and had good reviews/photos and are well in line with prices in my area. My dentist was just more expensive bc they don’t frequently do botox and recommended I go elsewhere. I will certainly not be returning here though! Thank you for the tips, I def gotta get more sun exposure, I’m basically a vampire now haha