The Ranking of Plastic Surgeons for Philtrum Shortening in New York City, Along with a Collection of Case Results!

Introduction

In the bustling metropolis of New York City, the demand for philtrum shortening procedures has been on the rise. The philtrum, that small vertical space between the base of the nose and the middle of the top of the upper lip, plays a significant role in one's facial aesthetics. Many individuals, especially those seeking a more youthful and harmonious appearance, are turning to plastic surgeons in NYC to achieve their desired results. This article aims to provide an in - depth look at the top plastic surgeons for philtrum shortening in New York City and showcase some of the remarkable case results.

Understanding Philtrum Shortening

What is the Philtrum?

The philtrum is a unique and important facial feature. It is the connection between the nose and the lips and serves as a centerpiece to the face, unifying the upper and lower parts. Its length and shape can have a profound impact on one's overall appearance. Over time, due to factors like aging, the philtrum can become longer, which is often associated with a more aged look. People who are born with a long philtrum may also appear older than their actual age.

Why Philtrum Shortening?

Shortening the philtrum can result in a more youthful and freshened look. It can enhance the overall balance of the face, make the lips look fuller and more pronounced, and expose more of the upper teeth when smiling. This can create a more attractive and harmonious facial aesthetic, boosting the patient's self - confidence.

Procedures for Philtrum Shortening

• Upper Lip Lift Surgery: This involves the removal of a small piece of skin from either right below the base of the nose or immediately above the vermillion border of the upper lip. The remaining skin is then sutured back together, reducing the philtrum length. The amount of skin removed is individualized based on the current length of the philtrum, other facial structures, and the patient's desired result.
• Philtrum Contouring Surgery: This is a more innovative procedure. An incision is made below the nasal base, and the muscles of the philtrum are manipulated and sutured in such a way that the vertical columns of tissue alongside the philtrum become more prominent, and the philtrum deepens. It can be combined with an upper lip lift to define the philtrum more effectively.

Ranking of Plastic Surgeons for Philtrum Shortening in New York City

Dr. Gary Linkov

Dr. Gary Linkov, a double - board - certified plastic surgeon at City Facial Plastics, is highly regarded for his expertise in facial plastic surgery, including philtrum shortening. He has been named by USA Today as one of the top three plastic surgeons for reconstruction and body modification in the United States. He is also voted top 5 lip lift surgeons in the US and top 2 on the east coast.

Dr. Linkov's patients rave about his natural - looking results and his ability to listen to their concerns. He offers a wide variety of surgical and non - surgical options, and whenever possible, he prefers to use minimally - invasive procedures. His artistic background paired with an Ivy League medical education gives him a unique combination of skill and talent in the field of facial plastic surgery. He performs philtrum contouring surgery, which is a relatively new and innovative procedure in the United States.

Case Results: Patients who have undergone philtrum shortening with Dr. Linkov have reported significant improvements in their facial appearance. They have achieved a more youthful smile, a more defined philtrum, and enhanced lip contour. One patient said, “I could not be more pleased with my results. From the moment I met Dr. Linkov, I knew I could trust him. He took his time with the procedure to ensure everything was precise and perfect. I now have a beautiful, natural - looking result.”

Dr. Benjamin Paul

Dr. Benjamin Paul is a dual - board - certified otolaryngologist (ENT) and facial plastic surgeon in New York City. He is known for his specialized multi - layered lip lift procedure, which can effectively shorten the philtrum. Dr. Paul prides himself on delivering natural, long - lasting results with minimal downtime.

During the consultation, he takes the time to understand the patient's goals and concerns, evaluates their lip anatomy and medical history, and creates a personalized treatment plan. He uses advanced surgical techniques to precisely refine the upper lip, enhancing its shape and position on the face.

Case Results: Many patients have achieved a more harmonious and alluring facial appearance after a lip lift with Dr. Paul. The procedure has corrected the lengthening of the upper lip that often comes with age, exposed more of the upper teeth when smiling, and created a more defined lip contour. One patient stated, “I was so happy with my results. Dr. Paul listened to what I wanted and delivered a natural - looking lift to my lips. I look and feel more youthful.”

Dr. David Cangello

As the head of Cangello Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Cangello is recognized for his artistry in plastic surgery, especially when it comes to face care. He has mastered the techniques for upper lip shortening, also known as lip lift surgery. He employs the bullhorn lip lift method, named for the shape of the incision made just under the nose, to achieve natural - looking and refined results with minimal scarring.

Dr. Cangello's approach focuses on enhancing the patient's natural beauty and improving their self - confidence. He is committed to providing the highest level of care and attention to detail throughout the entire surgical process.

Case Results: Patients who have undergone lip lift surgery with Dr. Cangello have experienced a reduction in the distance between the bottom of the nose and the top of the lips, and an enhancement of the upper lip contour. They have also noticed a more youthful appearance and an increase in self - esteem. One patient said, “Dr. Cangello is a true artist. My lip lift results are amazing. I look younger and more refreshed, and the scarring is barely noticeable.”

Comparison of Surgeons

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon for Philtrum Shortening

Board Certification

Make sure the surgeon is board - certified by a recognized organization, such as the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery or the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification indicates that the surgeon has met specific educational, training, and experience requirements.

Experience

Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in performing philtrum shortening procedures. An experienced surgeon is more likely to have encountered a variety of cases and can handle any potential complications that may arise during the surgery.

Reputation

Check the surgeon's reputation through patient testimonials, online reviews, and media recognition. A surgeon with a good reputation is more likely to provide high - quality care and satisfactory results.

Portfolio of Work

Review the surgeon's before - and - after photos of patients who have undergone philtrum shortening. This will give you an idea of the surgeon's skill level and the kind of results you can expect.

Communication and Rapport

During the consultation, pay attention to how well the surgeon listens to your concerns and explains the procedure. A good surgeon should be able to communicate clearly and build a rapport with you, making you feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.

Case Studies

Case 1: Patient A with Dr. Gary Linkov

Patient A was a 45 - year - old woman who was unhappy with the length of her philtrum and the lack of definition in her upper lip. She felt that her lips looked thin and that she appeared older than her actual age. After a consultation with Dr. Gary Linkov, she decided to undergo a combined upper lip lift and philtrum contouring procedure.

Dr. Linkov carefully planned the surgery, taking into account the patient's facial anatomy and her desired outcome. During the procedure, he removed a small amount of skin from below the nasal base and precisely manipulated the muscles of the philtrum. The patient's recovery was relatively smooth, with some swelling and bruising that subsided within a few weeks.

After six months, Patient A was extremely satisfied with the results. Her philtrum was significantly shorter, her upper lip was fuller and more defined, and she had a more youthful smile. She also noticed an improvement in her self - confidence and was glad she had chosen Dr. Linkov for the procedure.

Case 2: Patient B with Dr. Benjamin Paul

Patient B was a 50 - year - old man who had a long upper lip and was self - conscious about his appearance. He wanted to look younger and more energetic. He visited Dr. Benjamin Paul for a consultation, and after a thorough evaluation, Dr. Paul recommended a multi - layered lip lift procedure.

On the day of the surgery, Dr. Paul performed the procedure with precision, using deep internal dissolving sutures to ensure a perfect closure. The patient followed the postoperative care instructions carefully and had a relatively quick recovery. He was able to return to work within a week.

Three months after the surgery, Patient B saw a remarkable improvement in his lip appearance. His philtrum was shortened, his upper lip was lifted, and he had a more natural - looking smile. He was very happy with the results and recommended Dr. Paul to his friends.

Case 3: Patient C with Dr. David Cangello

Patient C was a 38 - year - old woman who had always felt that her upper lip was too long and lacked definition. She came to Dr. David Cangello for a lip lift consultation. Dr. Cangello examined her lips and explained the bullhorn lip lift procedure in detail.

The surgery was performed at Dr. Cangello's office under local anesthesia. He made the incision just under the nose in the shape of a bullhorn, removed the excess skin, and sutured the edges carefully. After the surgery, the patient experienced mild swelling and discomfort, which was managed with medication.

Two months later, Patient C was amazed at the results. Her philtrum was shortened, and her upper lip had a beautiful contour. The scar was hardly noticeable, and she was extremely satisfied with the outcome. She felt that she looked younger and more attractive.

Potential Risks and Complications of Philtrum Shortening

Bleeding and Infection

As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of bleeding during and after the surgery. In addition, there is a small risk of infection at the incision site. Surgeons take precautions to minimize these risks, such as using sterile techniques during the surgery and prescribing antibiotics if necessary.

Poor Scarring

Although surgeons try to minimize scarring, there is still a possibility of visible scarring after philtrum shortening. This can be influenced by factors such as the patient's skin type, the location of the incision, and how well the wound heals. However, with proper surgical techniques and postoperative care, scarring can be kept to a minimum.

Undesirable Aesthetic Result

There is a risk that the patient may not be satisfied with the aesthetic result of the philtrum shortening. This could be due to factors such as asymmetry, over - or under - correction, or a result that does not match the patient's expectations. Surgeons work closely with patients during the consultation to understand their goals and minimize the risk of an undesirable outcome.

Functional Changes

In rare cases, philtrum contouring surgery, which involves manipulating the muscles of the philtrum, may cause functional changes. This could include changes in the way the patient speaks or moves their lips. However, this risk is relatively low when the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon.

Preparing for Philtrum Shortening Surgery

Consultation

The first step is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your lip anatomy, medical history, and aesthetic goals. They will explain the procedure in detail, including the risks, benefits, and expected results. You should ask any questions you have and be honest about your expectations.

Medical Evaluation

The surgeon may order some medical tests, such as blood tests or a physical examination, to ensure that you are in good health for the surgery. This is important to minimize the risk of complications during and after the procedure.

Lifestyle Changes

You may need to make some lifestyle changes before the surgery. For example, you should stop smoking at least three months before the surgery, as smoking can impair healing. You should also avoid alcohol consumption for at least two weeks prior to the surgery. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can also help promote better recovery.

Medication and Supplements

Inform the surgeon about any medications or supplements you are taking, as certain products may need to be stopped before the surgery. This includes blood - thinners, aspirin, and some herbal supplements, which can increase the risk of bleeding.

Arrange for Support

You should arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and assist you for the first 24 - 48 hours. You may also need to take some time off work or other activities to allow for proper recovery.

Recovery After Philtrum Shortening Surgery

Immediate Post - Surgery

After the surgery, you can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the lip area. The surgeon's team will provide you with specific postoperative care instructions, including the application of prescribed ointments and guidance on managing any initial discomfort. You may need to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and take pain medication as prescribed.

First Week

During the first week, it is advisable to rest and avoid strenuous activities. You should eat only soft foods to minimize chewing and reduce the strain on the lips. You may need to return to the surgeon's office for a follow - up appointment to have the sutures removed if they are not dissolvable.

Weeks 2 - 4

As the weeks pass, the swelling and bruising will gradually subside. You will start to see the initial results of the philtrum shortening. However, the final results may take several months to become fully apparent as the tissues continue to heal and settle.

Long - Term Recovery

During the long - term recovery period, you should continue to follow the surgeon's instructions for skincare and sun protection. This will help ensure that the incision heals well and that the results of the surgery are long - lasting. You may also need to schedule follow - up appointments with the surgeon to monitor your progress and address any concerns.

Conclusion

Philtrum shortening can be a life - changing procedure for those looking to enhance their facial aesthetics and achieve a more youthful appearance. In New York City, there are several highly skilled plastic surgeons who specialize in this area, such as Dr. Gary Linkov, Dr. Benjamin Paul, and Dr. David Cangello. Each surgeon brings their unique expertise, techniques, and patient - centered approach to the table.

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