Introduction
Philtrum shortening surgery has gained increasing popularity in the field of cosmetic surgery. A well - defined and appropriately short philtrum can enhance facial aesthetics, giving a more youthful and attractive appearance. In New York City, a hub of advanced medical technology and top - notch plastic surgeons, there are several hospitals renowned for their excellence in philtrum shortening surgery. This article will introduce you to the top five hospitals in New York City for this type of surgery.
What is Philtrum Shortening Surgery?
The philtrum is the vertical space from the base of the nose to the middle of the top of the upper lip. As we age, the philtrum tends to lengthen due to factors such as gravitational pull, weakening of facial muscles and ligaments, and increased skin elasticity. Philtrum shortening surgery aims to reduce the length of the philtrum, thereby creating a more youthful and harmonious facial appearance. It can be combined with upper lip lift procedures and other techniques to also improve the shape of the philtrum.
There are mainly two types of procedures commonly used in philtrum shortening surgery:
- Upper Lip Lift Surgery: This involves removing 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, which reduces the philtrum length. The amount of skin removed is personalized based on the patient's current philtrum length, other facial structures, and desired results.
- Philtrum Contouring Surgery: An incision is made below the nasal base. The muscles of the philtrum are then manipulated and sutured in such a way that the vertical columns of tissue alongside the philtrum become more prominent, and the philtrum deepens. This not only shortens the philtrum but also enhances its shape.
The Top Five Hospitals for Philtrum Shortening Surgery in New York City
1. City Facial Plastics
Surgeon: Dr. Gary Linkov, a top - rated plastic surgeon who has been named one of the top 5 lip lift surgeons in the United States. He is also the only medical reviewer for the lip lift category on Realself located in Manhattan, NYC. He uses new lip lift techniques based on sex, age, occupation, and aesthetic perception and considers an individual’s geographic, ethnic, cultural traditions, and demographic background to achieve fuller, “ideal” lip characteristics.
Procedure Offerings: Dr. Linkov offers a bullhorn lip lift, also known as a subnasal lip lift. This is a special type of upper lip lift surgery aimed at revealing more of the pink upper lip. He also performs philtrum contouring surgery, which is a new and innovative procedure. He can combine lip lifts with alar base reduction and philtrum - defining surgery to enhance the junction of the lower and middle face near the mouth and nose.
Advantages:
- Rich experience in lip and philtrum - related surgeries. Many patients have shared their satisfaction with the results of lip lift and philtrum contouring procedures on their website.
- Customized surgical plans. Dr. Linkov takes into account multiple factors of each patient to ensure the best results that match the patient's unique facial features.
- Attention to detail in the surgical process. From the preparation phase (including precise marking, proper anesthesia, and thorough cleaning) to the surgery phase (skin removal, tunnel creation, bleeding control, and meticulous incision closure), every step is carefully carried out.
Patient Testimonials: Many patients have praised Dr. Linkov for his professionalism, kindness, and the excellent results of the surgeries. One patient said, “From the moment I met Dr. Linkov, I knew that I could trust him 1000% with my face. He took his time explaining everything and also took his time with the procedure to ensure that everything was precise and perfect!”
2. Cangello Plastic Surgery
Surgeon: Dr. David Cangello, a world - class plastic surgeon. He has mastered the techniques necessary to create natural - looking and refined results for his patients.
Procedure Offerings: Specializes in upper lip shortening (lip lift surgery). He uses the advanced bullhorn lip lift method, named for the shape of the incision made just under the nose. This procedure can not only help patients achieve a more shapely pout but also be used alone or in conjunction with a facelift to create a dramatically more youthful appearance.
Advantages:
- Years of experience in lip lift surgery. His procedures have been shown to effectively reduce the aesthetic issues related to the lengthened and thinned upper lip, such as improving the cupid’s bow and overall appearance of the lips with minimal scarring and downtime.
- Comprehensive pre - and post - operative care. He provides detailed instructions for patients to prepare for the surgery, including avoiding smoking and alcohol, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy diet. After the surgery, he closely monitors the patients' recovery process and gives appropriate guidance.
- High - end medical facilities. His office in New York City is equipped with a fully accredited (AAAASF) operating room, ensuring a safe and comfortable surgical environment.
Patient Testimonials: Patients appreciate Dr. Cangello's expertise and the attention he pays to their concerns. One patient mentioned that “Dr. Cangello explained the procedure in detail and made me feel confident. I'm very happy with the results of my lip lift.”
3. FranckMD
Surgeon: Dr. Philipp Franck, a board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He completed his training at two prestigious Ivy League university hospitals and has been named one of New York’s rising star surgeons by the New York Times Magazine since 2023. He also serves as a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University Hospital in New York.
Procedure Offerings: Offers a variety of lip lift techniques, including the bullhorn (subnasal) lip lift, corner lip lift, italian lip lift, gullwing lip lift, and cupid lift. These techniques can be tailored to each patient's unique anatomy and goals.
Advantages:
- Expertise in multiple lip lift techniques. This allows him to choose the most suitable approach for each patient, providing personalized solutions.
- Patient - centered philosophy. He spends time in the consultation process to understand the patient's aesthetic goals and concerns. He also provides clear explanations of the procedure, anesthesia, and recovery process to ensure the patient feels confident moving forward.
- Combinational treatment options. Many patients choose to combine a lip lift with other treatments such as facial fat grafting, rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, or facelift at his clinic, which can optimize the results and minimize overall downtime.
Patient Testimonials: Patients have commended Dr. Franck for his skill and the natural - looking results. One patient said, “Dr. Franck is very professional and friendly. He listened to my needs and performed a lip lift that gave me the exact look I wanted. I'm extremely satisfied with the outcome.”
4. SamanMD
Surgeon: Dr. Masoud Saman, a double board - certified facial plastic surgeon with decades of experience in lip lift surgery and other facial cosmetic procedures.
Procedure Offerings: Specializes in central lip lift (subnasal lip lift) and lateral lip lift (corner lip lift). The central lip lift involves removing a small piece of skin under the nose to reduce the distance between the nose and the upper lip and create a pouty look. The corner lip lift is suitable for those seeking to improve the appearance of downturned corners.
Advantages:
- High success rate. Dr. Saman has a comprehensive approach and is committed to patient satisfaction, achieving a high success rate in performing lip lift procedures.
- Personalized treatment plans. He assesses each patient's goals during the initial consultation and recommends the best lip lift procedure accordingly.
- Minimal scarring. His expertise ensures that any visible scarring is discreetly concealed along the natural contours of the face.
Patient Testimonials: Patients have shared positive experiences with Dr. Saman. One patient stated, “Dr. Saman and his team are very professional. They helped me understand the lip lift procedure clearly. I'm very happy with the result of my lip lift, which has enhanced my facial aesthetics.”
5. Dr. Benjamin Paul - Facial Plastic & Hair Restoration Practice
Surgeon: Dr. Benjamin Paul, a dual - board - certified otolaryngologist (ENT) and facial plastic surgeon. He is known for his artistic approach to plastic surgery and ability to create natural - looking results that enhance each patient’s unique features.
Procedure Offerings: Performs a specialized multi - layered lip lift procedure. This procedure can profoundly rejuvenate the overall facial aesthetic by precisely refining the upper lip, creating a more defined lip contour, increasing the visibility of the vermillion border, and exposing more of the upper teeth when smiling.
Advantages:
- Focus on natural - looking results. Dr. Paul takes pride in delivering long - lasting results with a natural appearance and minimal downtime.
- Comprehensive treatment process. From the detailed consultation to the careful surgical execution and attentive post - operative care, he ensures the best possible outcome for the patients.
- Ability to combine with other procedures. Patients often choose to combine their lip lift with other cosmetic surgery procedures such as brow lift, chin implant, eyelid surgery, or rhinoplasty for a more unified and rejuvenated appearance.
Patient Testimonials: Patients have expressed their satisfaction with Dr. Paul's work. One patient said, “I'm so happy with my lip lift result from Dr. Paul. He made me feel comfortable throughout the process, and the result is exactly what I wanted. I would highly recommend him.”
Comparing the Five Hospitals
Hospital | Surgeon | Specialized Procedures | Advantages | Patient - related Factors |
---|---|---|---|---|
City Facial Plastics | Dr. Gary Linkov | Bullhorn lip lift, philtrum contouring surgery | Rich experience, customized plans, attention to detail | Patients with diverse ethnic backgrounds and complex facial conditions may benefit |
Cangello Plastic Surgery | Dr. David Cangello | Upper lip shortening (bullhorn lip lift) | Years of experience, comprehensive care, high - end facilities | Patients who value experienced surgeons and well - equipped facilities |
FranckMD | Dr. Philipp Franck | Multiple lip lift techniques (bullhorn, corner, italian, etc.) | Expertise in various techniques, patient - centered, combinational options | Patients looking for a wide range of options and personalized treatment |
SamanMD | Dr. Masoud Saman | Central lip lift, lateral lip lift | High success rate, personalized plans, minimal scarring | Patients who are concerned about scarring and want a reliable procedure |
Dr. Benjamin Paul - Facial Plastic & Hair Restoration Practice | Dr. Benjamin Paul | Multi - layered lip lift procedure | Natural - looking results, comprehensive process, combinational ability | Patients who desire natural results and may want to combine with other surgeries |
What to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Philtrum Shortening Surgery
Surgeon's Qualifications and Experience
Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified and has extensive experience in philtrum shortening surgery. Look for reviews and before - and - after photos of their previous patients to evaluate their skills.
Hospital Facilities
A well - equipped hospital with modern surgical facilities and a sterile operating environment is essential for a safe and successful surgery. Accredited hospitals usually have higher standards in terms of safety and quality of care.
Range of Procedures Offered
Choose a hospital that offers a variety of procedures related to philtrum shortening. This allows the surgeon to select the most suitable approach based on your specific needs and goals.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Read reviews from previous patients to get an idea of the hospital's reputation, the quality of care, and the satisfaction of the patients with the surgical results.
Cost
The cost of philtrum shortening surgery can vary among different hospitals. However, do not base your decision solely on cost. Consider the overall value, including the surgeon's expertise, the quality of care, and the expected results.
Potential Risks and Complications of Philtrum Shortening Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, philtrum shortening surgery carries some risks and potential complications. These may include:
- Bleeding: Although it is usually minimal, there is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery.
- Infection: The surgical site may become infected if proper hygiene and post - operative care instructions are not followed.
- Poor Scarring: Scarring is a possible outcome, but an experienced surgeon can minimize its visibility. However, in some cases, the scar may be more prominent or may not heal as well as expected.
- Undesirable Aesthetic Result: The final result may not meet the patient's expectations. This could be due to factors such as incorrect assessment of the patient's facial features or unforeseen complications during the surgery.
- Functional Changes: Since the muscles around the philtrum are manipulated during the surgery, there is a small risk of functional changes, such as changes in speech or the ability to move the lips normally.
Conclusion
In New York City, the five hospitals mentioned above - City Facial Plastics, Cangello Plastic Surgery, FranckMD, SamanMD, and Dr. Benjamin Paul's practice - stand out as excellent choices for philtrum shortening surgery. Each hospital has its own unique advantages, including experienced surgeons, a variety of procedure offerings, and high - quality patient care. When considering philtrum shortening surgery, it is crucial to thoroughly research these hospitals, consult with the surgeons, and weigh the potential risks and benefits. By making an informed decision, you can increase the chances of achieving the desired aesthetic results and a successful surgical experience.
If you are interested in philtrum shortening surgery, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals for consultations. Discuss your goals and concerns with the surgeons, and they will be able to provide you with more detailed information and personalized treatment plans. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards enhancing your facial aesthetics and boosting your self - confidence!