Mouth angle lifting (synonym: mouth angle lift) is a cosmetic procedure in aesthetic dermatology and is used to raise the corners of the mouth to provide a friendlier and more youthful facial expression. Drooping of the corners of the mouth is a result of the natural aging process and can occur at a younger age. Sagging muscles, loss of skin elasticity, and excess skin lead to a permanently morose, sad facial expression. In addition, the so-called marionette wrinkles can develop due to sagging of the cheek tissue. These wrinkles extend from the corners of the mouth to the jawline and enhance the morose expression of your face. This can also be corrected as part of the corner of the mouth lift.
Indications (areas of application)
Before surgery
Before surgery, an intensive medical history discussion should be conducted that includes the patient’s medical history and motivation for the procedure. The procedure, any side effects, and the consequences of the surgery should be discussed in detail. Note: The requirements of the explanation are stricter than usual, since courts in the field of aesthetic surgery demand a “relentless” explanation.
Furthermore, you should not take acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), sleeping pills or alcohol for a period of seven to ten days before the operation. Both acetylsalicylic acid and other painkillers delay blood clotting and can lead to unwanted bleeding.Smokers should severely limit their nicotine consumption as early as four weeks before the procedure so as not to jeopardize wound healing.
The surgical procedure
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, but can optionally be performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision symmetrically on both sides at the lateral (side) edge of the upper lip that runs parallel to the lip red line. A second and a third incision form a triangle: the second leg runs from the corner of the mouth towards the outer corner of the eye, while the third leg closes the triangle.
The skin is dissected and removed in this area. The wound is sutured subcutaneously and intracutaneously (a suture is placed both in the subcutaneous fat tissue and within the skin, which is invisible from the outside), so that the scar fits the lip contour and is almost invisible. Excess skin, so-called “dog-ears” are removed through a small extra incision. To reduce marionette lines, the existing incisions separate the mimic muscles from the overlying remaining tissue.
After surgery
Your skin may feel very tight at first, and bruising and swelling will occur. To reduce swelling, cold compresses and cooling ice packs may provide relief for the first few days. Opening the mouth may be difficult at first, and eating larger pieces of food, laughing and yawning should also be started carefully. Stitches are removed about a week after the procedure. The scars will fade over time. Only after a few months can the final result be assessed.
Your benefit
The corner of the mouth lift helps you achieve a more youthful appearance, which can increase your self-esteem and sense of well-being.
