Smile Surgery in South Korea

One of the most recognizable features on a persons face is their smile. Who doesnt want to have a nice, big, bright smile to show off to the world? South Koreans certainly do, and are turning to plastic surgery to make sure of it.

The latest trend in South Korea is a plastic surgery procedure that involves lifting the corners of a patients mouth to make it appear as though the person is smiling. No, were not talking about a smile that would put Batmans the Joker to shame. The change is not drastic, but just enough to give the individual the appearance of slightly curved lips.

According to cosmetic surgeons in Seoul, the demand for the smile surgery has been increasing at a rapid pace this year, with the majority of patients being in their 20s and 30s. Both women and men are seeking the surgery and explain they have done so because they are tired of being criticized for having an expressionless face.

Even when you are looking like your normal self, people keep asking you: Why are you frowning? Thats a lot of stress, said Kwon Taek-keun, a Seoul plastic surgeon who performs the procedure at his practice.

The surgeon explains that many prospective patients are asking for the surgery because they are feeling ashamed of the shape of their lips. Most of the patients seeking the smile surgery are in customer service jobs where they have to face people on a daily basis and are constantly scrutinized for their downward lips.

But while the surgery is just taking off in South Korea, here in the U.S., the smile surgery has already been performed on countless patients. Here, we call the treatment Valentine anguloplasty, named after the heart shape of the tissues at the edge of the lips that are removed during the surgery. It is considered a type of mini face lift and has been sought by many patients who have noticed the signs of aging have taken a toll on their lips.

Sometimes a regular face lift will treat only the sagging skin around the eyes, cheeks and forehead, but wont restore the lips to their original youthful and upturned position. The surgery was created with those individuals in mind who want to have a younger and brighter looking smile specifically.

Patients seeking the smile surgery in the U.S. tend to be over the age of 40, in contrast to the relatively young patients in South Korea who are requesting the treatment. Many say South Koreans are trying to emulate some of their favorite celebrities smiles, but whatever the reason, having a beautiful smile can completely change an individuals demeanor and increase their level of confidence.

Here in Texas, face lift procedures are extremely popular because they can be modified to the individuals cosmetic goals and desires. Facial plastic surgeon Dr. John Freeman specializes in face lifts and knows exactly what to do to create the optimal, natural look for each patient.

If you would like more information about the smile surgery or any other face lift treatment, contact Dr. Freeman today for a consultation to determine the best option so you can look your best.