A: What a great question! And one I have never gotten before, even though I do this in my office frequently. You are correct that fillers are the most common medical treatment for small and wrinkled lips (I am currently an investigator in the clinical trial for a new filler to be introduced in a few years to the US market --keep tuned!). Botox, however has a use around the mouth. First, it reduces excess movement of the obicularis oris muscle and improves those annoying lipstick lines. But there is another interesting use of Botox around the mouth. There is a way to use Botox in order to roll the lips outward rather than inward when a person smiles. This allows you to see the red part of the lip better and gives the appearance of bigger lips without changing the size of the lips at all. It is a popular alternative for those afraid of the dreaded fish lips that look ridiculous from too much filler. The doctor must be a very experienced injector to give you a natural result. Thank you for the question so more people can know about this procedure.
Q: I have Bell's palsy. What can I do to improve my smile?
A: Bell's palsy is usually the result of a virus or illness and the facial nerve on one side becomes weak. It can be temporary or permanent. Minute injections of Botox into key points on the normal side gives you improved symmetry when you smile.
Q: I have heard that Botox can be used to give a Nefertiti face lift. Can you explain?
A: This technique is using Botox along the jaw line and into the platysma neck muscle. This relaxes the pull downward on the lower face and gives definition to the jaw. It works extremely well when combined with Sculptra to the cheeks and in front of the ears, and Exilis or Ultherapy to the lower face and upper neck.
Q: I have one eyebrow much higher than the other. What can I do to improve that?
A: Botox is the answer. I evaluate the asymmetry, then I have you animate, making certain faces to see how your muscles move and if one is stronger than the other. I then inject certain key areas to even out the brows. I have found that if it is done regularly over a few years, it becomes permanent over time in many patients. Check my gallery of results to see more.
More Botox Related Questions
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- Botox Injections New Orleans - Is there a waiting period between getting Botox injections after finishing Medrol 4 mg pack? I recently had poison ivy and was put on this medication for 6 days, taking 6 (4mg) pills on day one, 5 on day 2, 4 on day three, etc. I am not sure how long I should wait since this suppresses the immune system. Any thoughts or suggestions?
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Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. - Connect on Linkedin
Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective, and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments to all patients.
Board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD, has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane, and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.
She has also received the following awards:
- 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Recognizes full-time academicians who have dedicated their careers to educating dermatology residents and fellows;
- 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐝, 𝐌𝐃 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 and 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 - Recognizes dermatologists of national prominence who have been trailblazers for women in some aspect of dermatology.
Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.