Darice W. Fadeyi, MD

Generally, open eyes are considered an asset. However, if the appearance is more of a distortion (exophthalmos is the medical term) with the entire iris in full view due to protrusion, then the first step is to figure out the cause, not to just fix it. You should see your primary care doctor for a thorough assessment of thyroid function. If your PCP’s workup is normal, then a referral to a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon would be an appropriate next step.

Dear Lauren
I can see how this would be confusing. The injection pattern along the vermillion border of the upper lip is a lip flip. This relaxes the superficial fibers of the orbicularis oris muscle resulting in less pronounced smokers’ lines, greater lip eversion and the appearance of lip fullness.

The injection of two points on either side of the nose is intended to correct the “gummy” smile. These two injections target the levator labii superioris, zygomaticus minor and levator labii superioris alaeque nasii muscles that raise and shape the lip into a smile. Additional lateral injection points target the zygomaticus minor more thoroughly to address gummy exposure at the back of the smile (posterior gummy smile).

In summary, the lip flip and gummy smile treatment are two completely different procedures for two different reasons. See a board certified dermatologist to make sure you have expert injections for the correct indication. I hope this helps!
Dr. Fadeyi

This is such an interesting question. Injecting Botox or any other neuromodulator into the masseters will have the effect of relaxing them, reducing clenching and reducing excessive bulk. Because singing requires a relaxed jaw and relative ease in the entire head/neck axis in order to fully take advantage of the diaphragm, I would think that masseter Botox would be a positive intervention with respect to your craft.

You likely did sustain some mild sun damage as evidenced by slight redness and the appearance of broken capillaries on the face. But this is limited to the skin. Dermal fillers would not be affected by ultraviolet rays. Dissolution of hyaluronic acid requires the injection of an enzyme called hyaluronidase. So you can safely let go of this concern. As a matter of best practice, continue to wear your broad spectrum sun block and a hat with sun exposure. Thanks for your question!

Hello and thanks so much for your question. You might want to investigate neuromodulators to help relax the purse string muscles around your eyes. A few units (10-12) on each side would reduce this crinkling effect. A thin filler, such as Belotero, for the under eye tear trough area would also be worthy of consideration. These two strategies in combination can do a lot to rejuvenate the eyes.