Tired of Looking Tired In Newport Beach?: How Filler and Botox Can Improve Facial Expressions

As early as 1972, Charles Darwin claimed that facial expressions are a form of communication, informing people in a social environment of the emotional state of the person wearing the expression. In other words, facial expressions are the foundation of human connection.

With aging, facial expressions change as anatomy changes. For example, the cheeks flatten, and sag, lines and wrinkles become etched in, hollowing appears under the eyes. These changes can lead to people looking sad, stern, or tired when they do not feel that way on the inside. In fact, people express negative emotions at rest without being expressive at all.

One goal of treatment with facial injectables is to address the discrepancy many people see between how they feel inside vs the negative emotions they exude external and as it’s perceived by others. To put it simply, people want to look on the outside how they feel inside.

At Lotus Medical Aesthetics in Newport Beach, we often talk to clients about what they think their face is communicating and what they want their face to communicate. Interestingly, specific complaints, like “I look like I’m angry” or “I look so tired all the time,” are connected to specific anatomical changes that we can address with Botox and filler such as Juvéderm.

Imaging of patients feeling tired, angry or sad

Dr. Malecki is the Medical Director for Allergan Aesthetics, the maker of Botox and Juvéderm  collection of fillers in Irvine. When he’s not at his practice, he’s traveling the country training physicians and injectors. He is an expert in assessing facial expressions and determining how Botox and Juvéderm can help create more harmony for each client.

The midface

Over time, the cheeks lose volume and begin to flatten and sag. The resulting hollowness in the cheeks and under eyes (tear trough region) can simulate expressions of sadness or fatigue.

Dr. Malecki uses Juvéderm Voluma XC to restore volume in the cheeks followed by adding subtle volume in the under-eye area with Juvéderm Volbella or Juvéderm Vollure. Many clients who try this dual treatment cocktail say they immediately look rejuvenated.

Below is a great example of a patient who this exact treatment cocktail. She looks refreshed and tired look is eliminated.

The upper face

In the upper face, horizonal forehead lines and vertical lines between the brows (known as the 11’s) can create a harsh or tired appearance. Volume loss in the temples and hollowing under the eyes can contribute to a fatigued appearance as well.

Dr. Malecki uses Botox to soften lines, Juvéderm Voluma XC to restore volume in the temple. Results below depict this treatment strategy.

The lower face

With age, the lips can lose volume and become thinner. Lines can appear in and around them, creating a stern appearance. In addition, the corners of the mouth turn downward, creating an appearance of bitterness or sadness. Creases and folds, such as smile lines, also create a fatigued, sad look.

Dr. Malecki uses fillers in the Juvéderm Collection to plump the lips, or add subtle volume, depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals. Juvéderm Volbella XC is a great product for smoothing lines in and around the lips. There are different fillers in the Juvéderm Collection to help smooth wrinkles and folds. Dr. Malecki assesses each area and determines what filler will deliver the best results. Also, for the vertical lip lines and to evert the lip, a lip flip is performed with Botox.

If you feel like your facial expressions don’t match how you feel inside, injectables can help. Ready to find out what Botox and fillers can do for you? Contact us to schedule a free consultation.Between the eyebrows to target frown lines