The mouth and lips undergo many changes with aging. The upper lip lengthens, sags, and thins with fading of the lip rolls. The maxillary and mandibular bones resorb (loose their volume) sinking in the upper and lower lips. The fat layer thins and exposes the circular orbicular oris muscular sphincter whose repetitive circular actions contribute to the gradual formation of lip lines and secondary “cat’s whiskers” lines. Permanent deep wrinkle lines eventually become etched into the lip lines producing “lipstick smears” or “feathers.” The corners of the mouth droop and furrow by skin laxity, downward muscle action (depressor anguli oris muscle and platysma muscle), and loss of fat volume. These multiple aging factors contribute to the appearance of the “marionette fold” that extends from the corner of the mouth to the mandibular margin. The lower lip undergoes similar thinning with loss of its lip roll, formation of primary lip lines and secondary “cat’s whiskers.” A horizontal groove below the lower lip may develop over time and represents the outline of the lower border of the circular orbicular oris muscle from loss of fat. At his Pasadena plastic surgery practice, Dr. Sasaki offers both nonsurgical solutions to aging lips using fillers, enhanced fat grafting, Botox®, resurfacing procedures (chemical peels, lasering), and micro-needling with radiofrequency to improve the aging appearance and surgical options (upper lip lifts, corner lifts), which have longer lasting results.
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Upper Lip Lift
A lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to elevate the sagging upper lip . During this procedure, the surgeon shortens the lip by removing a small ellipse of skin under the nose-lip junction, creating a fuller mucosal show. The wavy scar is camouflaged by the shadowed crease between the nostril and the lip.
Dr. Gordon H. Sasaki
Triple Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Few plastic surgeons can match Dr. Sasaki's combination of expertise, compassion, and experience. He's a distinguished educator and a renowned innovator whose work and research have influenced a generation of plastic surgeons. Dr. Sasaki will work with you to make the improvements you desire.
Corner Lift
The corner lift elevates the downturned corners of the mouth. This procedure changes an unhappy appearance to a more serene look. The surgeon performs this procedure by removing a small triangle of skin above the corners of the mouth.
Are you ready to discover all the ways Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center in Pasadena can enhance your appearance and confidence? Request a consultation using our online form or call for an appointment.