“Valentine anguloplasty” may sound like a funny term. However, at the New York City area offices of Edmund Kwan, M.D., we simply refer to a surgical procedure to restore the youthful, appealing, and balanced contours of the lips.
Why is it called that?
“Angulo” is derived from the Latin word for “angles” or “corners.” “Plasty” refers to shaping or molding. So, this process is quite literally all about shaping the contours or angles of the lips. The “Valentine” part comes into play because an attractive pout is generally achieved by removing excess tissue at the edge or corners of the lips, and that tissue happens to be heart-shaped. It is often referred to as a “corner lip lift.”
Why would I be a good candidate for such a “lip lift”?
Unlike lip lifts to remove skin between the top of the lips and the bottom of the nose, this technique is focused on rejuvenating the corners or sides of the lips. This area is known as the oral commissure, and it is vulnerable to aging due to the effects of gravity and changes such as the loss of elasticity and firmness deep within the skin. But you don’t have to be a “mature” patient to benefit. Some younger individuals may be good candidates, too, as a downturned mouth can be a function of genetics. In turn, we can rejuvenate the appearance of this central feature of your face. You will no longer look perpetually angry, tired, or sad when we lift the sides of your pout.
How is this done?
As with all surgical procedures performed by our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Edmund Kwan, the technique can vary considerably based on your needs and the underlying source of a downturned mouth. Incisions may be placed in such a way as to access and remove excess tissues, revealing more of the outer edges of the top lip. This process results in a more even and well-defined border to the lips. Depending on your needs, the incision may extend into the cheek or wrap around the corners, taking on a distinctive heart shape. These incisions may be placed to hide the resulting scar. In general, scarring from this process is minimal and predictable. As needed, Dr. Kwan may alter the muscles near the commissures, as the depressor or pull-down muscles in the area may overwhelm the levator or lifting muscles and result in corners that extend downward and contribute to a chronically grumpy appearance (even in youthful, highly elastic skin).
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Yes! In fact, the corner lip lift is often combined with other surgical and nonsurgical lip treatments. During a consultation, we’d be happy to discuss ways to maximize treatment and optimize your look. This could include complementary standard lip lifts or the use of products such as dermal fillers to combat the effects of the aging process on the results from lip treatments. We can’t stop the clock, but we can periodically “reset” it!
Call (212) 734-4488 to request your consultation at one of Dr. Edmund Kwan’s three metro area offices – in Manhattan, Flushing/Queens, NY, and Fort Lee, NJ today.
