25
Feb
Botox for Gummy Smile New Orleans
Can Botox be used around the mouth?
Yes, but it is technically more difficult so an expert who is experienced in the techniques must be the one injecting the Botox. One of my favorite uses is for the “gummy smile”. This happens when the muscles pull the upper lip up so high, you can see the upper gums. A little Botox in just the right spot lowers the lip to cover the gums when the person smiles. It often results in the lips looking a bit larger as well.
I am very confused about when I need Botox and when I need filler for my crow’s feet ?
I was part of the FDA trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of Botox in moderate to severe lateral canthal lines (crow’s feet) over 4 years ago. I found that those with severe sun damage and resulting skin laxity needed more than just Botox. Adding filler to smooth the deeper lines, or resurfacing the area with laser will often be necessary for older patients and those with a history of tanning. The daily use of SPF and nightly retinoids (I like Renova best in this area) are very important to smooth the surface texture and prevent further damage. A good skin care program (Teoxane and Neocutis Lumierre Eye Cream on which I did the clinical trial over a decade ago, remain my go to cosmeceuticals to complement the sunscreen and Renova. Finally, I strongly recommend patients begin Botox for crow’s feet in their late 20’s. After 18 years of injecting Botox, I have seen firsthand its preventative benefits in smoothing crow’s feet before they get deeply etched into the skin.
I love my Botox results, but I am hearing about a new product called Xeomin which is supposed to be more “pure”. Is Xeomin better than Botox?
Great question. We now have 3 neuromodulators on the market here in the US that are FDA approved for glabellar frown lines (and Botox is FDA approved for lateral canthal lines or “crow’s feet”). Botox has been around the longest for cosmetic use (since 2002) and then we had Mypbloc, but it was not nearly as good, so it is not available. Then came Dysport, which seems to have a larger area of effect than Botox. In my office, most of those who tried Dysport, went back to Botox. A few liked it more, so they have stuck with that product. Recently, Xeomin got FDA approval. It does not have the complexing proteins found in the other 2 products, thus they call it more “pure”. The fact is, no one knows if these complexing proteins are good, bad or make no difference. I have had a few people try Xeomin and a few like it better than Botox. So here is my recommendation: if you love Botox, why switch? If, however, you feel the Botox does not give you the result you like, or it doesn’t last more than 3 months, perhaps you should give the new product, Xeomin, a try.
Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. – Connect on Instagram
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.