When it comes to aging, one aspect that often goes unnoticed is the impact on your smile. While we focus on wrinkles and sagging skin, the changes in our lips and teeth when we smile can be just as significant.
As we age, the upper lip naturally elongates, covering the teeth and diminishing the brightness of our smiles. Dr. Jill Hessler, a facial plastic surgeon in Palo Alto, CA, explains, “It’s a subtle sign of aging that people may not always recognize, but they sense that something is not quite right.”
Dr. Hessler and cosmetic dentist Dr. Joseph Field from Los Altos, CA are revolutionizing the approach to smile enhancement. Their innovative technique combines a lip lift with a customized smile makeover to achieve a harmonious and rejuvenated look.
The Importance of Lip Proportion
“Many patients seek veneers to improve their smiles, but the length of the lip is crucial in framing the teeth,” says Dr. Field. “If the lip is too long, it can obscure the teeth, even if they are perfect.”
The lip lift procedure is designed to reduce the distance between the nose and the upper lip, revealing more of the teeth and restoring proper proportions. Dr. Hessler adds, “It brings back that youthful tooth display that we associate with a more vibrant appearance.”
Customized Treatment Plan
Dr. Field utilizes digital smile design to map out the ideal positioning of the teeth before determining whether to perform a lip lift or enhance the teeth first based on the patient’s facial features. “Each case is unique, but starting with a lip lift often provides a solid foundation for achieving optimal results,” explains Dr. Field.
Natural and Confident Results
While fillers are commonly used to address aging lips, Dr. Field cautions that improper treatment can alter the shape of the smile. “The harmony between the lips and teeth is crucial,” he emphasizes. “Any changes in one can affect the other.”
Moreover, this combined approach not only enhances aesthetics but also improves functionality. “If veneers are overly extended to compensate for hidden teeth, it can impact speech or lead to a lisp,” notes Dr. Field.
Scar Management and Recovery
Concerns about visible scarring from a lip lift are common, but Dr. Hessler assures patients that the incision is discreetly placed in a natural crease beneath the nose, making it virtually undetectable once healed.
Following a lip lift, patients typically wait 6 to 8 weeks before proceeding with veneers to allow for swelling reduction and lip adjustment. “This allows us to align the teeth with the new smile,” says Dr. Field.
The Final Verdict
Whether considering veneers for the first time or seeking to enhance a previous treatment, it’s essential to consider the overall balance of your smile. Dr. Hessler concludes, “This comprehensive approach can produce remarkable transformations that are subtle, natural, and ultimately reflect a refreshed version of yourself.”