Question: Dear Dr. Watt,

I am an attractive and healthy middle-aged woman, but everyone says I look tired and angry all the time. I’ve noticed two pronounced lines framing my mouth and two defined wrinkles between my eyes, in the middle of my forehead. My lips are also much thinner and my cheeks look slightly sunken. I’m NOT interested in surgery or a face lift, but how can I soften these lines and plump up my skin so I don’t look so tired?

Thanks,

Jill

Answer: Dear Jill,

Many women get similar lines in the areas you mention which can make them look like they are frowning or tired all the time. In fact, a recent survey showed that on average, there is a 17 year gap between how Canadian women aged 30 to 60 feel on the inside compared to how they think they look on the outside.  Most women also said that if they were to consider a cosmetic treatment, the most important outcome for them would be natural-looking and radiant results.

I suggest trying a popular new treatment called Soft Lift to give you a more refreshed look overall.  This treatment uses a combination of Botox Cosmetic and Juvéderm to smooth out wrinkles, restore lost volume and enhance facial contours. It is ideal for a woman who does not want an invasive, surgical procedure. The treatments are quick, painless and safe. Botox Cosmetic will be used for the deeper wrinkles on your forehead (these can look like the number 11). Botox Cosmetic is a non-invasive procedure that can be injected directly into these frown muscles, relaxing them and smoothing out the skin on your forehead. The lines around your mouth would be treated with Juvéderm, and will also be able to help plump up your thinning lips and sunken cheeks. Juvéderm is made with hyaluronic acid and works by replacing the natural volume your skin loses with aging, while plumping out thin areas and softening fine lines.  Both products are safe, natural and long-lasting. You’ll need no recovery time and will start to see results soon after.