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POSTED UNDER Lip Lift Reviews

Lip Lift (Modified Upper Lift Lift) Scheduled for 5/2 with Dr. Miguel Mascaro

ORIGINAL POST

Hi, I am scheduled to have my lip lift on 5/2/17...

AnnaJane456
WORTH IT$1,800
Hi, I am scheduled to have my lip lift on 5/2/17 with Dr. Mascaro. I interviewed 5 doctors including Dr. Ben Talei, Dr. Pearson (also very good), and Dr. Spiegel in Boston. I decided on Dr. Mascaro for the following reasons:
-Quality of results/before and after photos
-Consultation (I like to do a lot of research and get into the technicalities of the procedure. He was patient and spoke to each question/comment thoroughly)
-Patient reviews
-Ease of working with staff (I did not find this to be the case with other offices)
-Professionalism. This is a big one. I had to do all my consults via Skype or facetime and some doctors I spoke to seemed distracted.
-Punctuality/responsiveness (this applies to both Dr. Mascaro and the office)
-Price/location

I will say I was also very very impressed with Dr. Pearson and if he was not on the West coast and more expensive, it really would have been a toss up between the 2 doctors. Both are fabulous but I live on the east coast and it is easier for me to get to FL.

If you have had this procedure done, would you mind weighing in on the comments section?
-How long until you could cover your scar with makeup?
-How long until you were able to speak somewhat normally and be seen in work/social settings?
-How does your scar look now (if it is fully healed)?
-Anything else I should know?

thank you so much! I won't be posting pics publicly but I think I am open to sending them directly through a message.

AnnaJane456's provider

Miguel Mascaro, MD

Miguel Mascaro, MD

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 235 Reviews
PROFILE

AnnaJane456 rating for Dr. Mascaro:

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
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Replies (5)

April 19, 2017
Thank you for starting your post.
I also have been doing a lot of research on LL.
If you don't mind sharing, how did come across Dr Mascaro, and who is the 5th dr that you interviewed with.
What is upper lip length now and what is your goal?
What type of LL technique dr Mascaro uses? Skin only or with muscle hemming? Internal/ external sutures? How does he anchor the lip lift?
April 20, 2017
I interviewed with one other female doctor in the DC area but this was a while ago and the name has slipped my mind. Sorry! I was not able to see any before/after photos. She also only did 1-2 per year. I'm not sure of my exact measurements now but I will know more once I get down to FL. Goal is to lift more at the sides and increase tooth show. I have some, and I am a younger patient, but I want more :) Technique wise...skin only. He uses both internal and external sutures as well as a special type to avoid scarring and the "track" marks of the stitch. From my research, I the muscle hemming technique was out of the question for me; too risky (in my own, very humble opinion). I came across Dr. Mascaro by researching online. I think he has reviews here too. I also found some of his photos on IG. I always make sure to check out the entire body of work (nose jobs, face lifts, injections, etc.) to make sure I like the doctor's aesthetic style in general. Hope that helps.
April 20, 2017
Hi Waffle,
Thank you for the reply.
Wishing you a good luck on 5/2 and I hope you will be very happy with the result.
I wanted to review the before and after LL photos od dr Mascaro but can't find any, except for 2 on this site. His website has no photos, were you able to see more LL photos in his office?
Also, what do you mean by " modified" lip lift?
April 26, 2017
This young doctor has just recently started his practise. He has reviews on a second surgery review site. Most of the reviews were put on-line in the last 2 months. It looks like he is trying to establish his practise and raise his profile with sites like RealSelf. Nothing wrong with that. But that is most likely the reason he has no before/after photos neither of us can see.
April 20, 2017
I heard Dr. Talei is amazing at lip lifts.
April 20, 2017
Thinking of lip lift, has this doctor done many?
Have not contacted his office yet.
Thanks
April 26, 2017
I had my lip lift done on March 21, 2017. I'm super happy with it. The incision was almost completely invisible as soon as the stitches came out at 1 week post-op. A tiny bit of stick concealer does the trick. My mouth was sore for a few days after. I used forks to eat with instead of spoons because i didnt have to open my mouth as wide. Also used drinking straws put into the back sides of my mouth - id clamp down with my back teeth and suck with my tongue to drink Lol!
April 27, 2017
He is young but trained under the same doctor who trained Dr. Talei in New York. I found many photos of his work on his instagram site. The last one he posted was a close up of the incision right after surgery. I was very impressed by how clean and thin it was. I am nervous but can't wait for next week!
June 1, 2017
Hi waffle! I really love your lip lift, do you know the name of the doctor in New York who trained both (dr. Talei and dr mascaro)? Thank you
June 17, 2017
I would love the name too if want to inbox even. Thanks.
UPDATED FROM AnnaJane456
1 day post

Day 1 and beyond happy!

AnnaJane456
So I was a little hesitant to post photos, but based on my results, I feel like I want to share with everyone. I also found so much support in this community and want to give it back! Dr. Mascaro is an absolute artist and professional. My procedure was a piece of cake and I am not in any pain whatsoever. It has been exactly 24 hours. He had to correct a bit of asymmetry with my case and I personally think he nailed it. His whole office exceeded my expectations.
I flew in yesterday morning for my procedure. I was so nervous but everyone in his office put me at ease. They made me comfortable with a blanket, fuzzy socks, and a recliner for 30 minutes pre-procedure while the Ativan (Xanax) kicked in. From there, Dr M asked me what I wanted to listen to during the procedure. I told him I wanted to listen to Serial on my podcasts so he syched up my phone to the Bluetooth speaker. We are both fans of NPR programs so that was pretty cool :) The procedure itself was so easy I caught myself dozing off a few times. The only part that was uncomfortable were the 2 numbing shots, which I was warned of in several other reviews. They were over quickly and were really not that bad. They hurt less than a cortisone shot (for those who have had that done). I didn't feel a thing after that and did not hear too many crazy cutting noises. The only weird part was the cautery because you can smell it! Very odd.
A few pros about the way Dr M operates:
1) He uses an anti swelling medicine in the shots. I seriously looked great after. I have almost no visible swelling today. The only thing that gives this surgery away is the thin incision line. Other that that, I look good.
2) He uses special stitches and a specific stitching technique to give you the cleanest and most non visible incision line possible.
3) He is able to correct asymmetry and lift some of the corners through just the modified/under the nose incision technique
I have nothing but positive things to say. Doing all my research and flying into town by myself was nerve wracking but I'm simply blown away with how happy I am. I can't believe how painless this is and how great I feel. I feel like I could work out and go out, but I'm following Dr. M's instructions to take it easy and stay out of the sun. So it is Netflix and chill for me today!
I also want to note his staff Lynette, Maria and Nurse Barbara. They were super helpful during the whole process. They get back to you ASAP and want to make sure you are always at ease. Since I am traveling and staying alone, they have checked in on me multiple times. They also arranged a special pick up after the procedure who was able to take me to the pharmacy and back to my room.
I will post more once my stitches come out (Monday). If you are considering this, please go with Dr. Mascaro. I interviewed multiple doctors and he impressed me the most. His price point at 1800 is also extremely reasonable. If you have any questions, let me know and I'll try to respond.

Replies (5)

May 3, 2017
You look amazing! Thanks so much for deciding to share photos. Your lip shape is gorgeous, and his stitch work is incredible. Wow! Please post a before shot at some point, if you are able to.
May 4, 2017
Thank you mariawolfe! I was SO nervous. Luckily, Dr. M posted a new photo of a freshly done lip lift incision on his instagram a day or so before I flew down. This put me at ease. And I am so thrilled with my results. I honestly feel so blessed that I found this doctor and that he came into my life. He is a wonderful doctor and person.
May 3, 2017
Congrats! Your lips look beautiful!
Please post a before photo, thx.
I have couple questions:
1. What was your upper lip length before and how much was removed?
2. Was the same amount removed from the center vs the sides?
3. How does he anchor the lift? Does he use internal sutures?
4. What is his recommendation for the incision care?
Thank you for posting! Wishing you speedy recovery !
May 4, 2017
First of all, its so nice to see so many supportive members in this community! This is really what this place is all about. Let me try and explain some of the finer details in this procedure -

1)This particular case was not a traditional upper lip lift (shorten philtrum, improve volume and definition of the lip). She already had great definition, but had some asymmetry from one side to the other. She also already had a little of tooth show, however, there is that fine line between pretty/youthful and looking like a rabbit. I do two measurements - one with a fine surgical ruler and a second with drafting calipers. the philtrum was 12.5 and 12mm respectively. Difference in measurement as when you use a ruler, you tend to stretch the lip out - whereas with the caliper, if you have a natural pout, it does not stretch it and gives you a slightly different number. That's why I use both :). Since you drop about 15-20% after 6months to a year, I planned to maximize result, keep her looking super pretty while fixing the lateral asymmetry. we took 2.5mm centrally, 2.75 from left, 3.5 from right. Much less than what I would traditionally do, but again, everyone is different and every procedure is tailored for results and individuals.

When doing the measurements, we have to feel the skin, move it, see what looks good and doesn't. This is the part that is a little "jazzy" as I like to say - you have to go by feel. Once you get an idea of how things should go, we start making measurements, etc.

2) see above. I'll go into more detail below.

3) I anchor it with deep sutures that slowly dissolve over 4-5 months. This provides adequate anchoring for an extended period of time and prevents lips from "dropping" too soon. I anchor it to the surrounding ligaments of the nasal base - keeps it from deforming the base of the nose or pulling down the nasal tip. It's technically trickier to anchor, but I find it gives a better result long term.

Interestingly, this affects measurements as well. For example, I had a lip lift last week, measured 23mm. I took out 7.5mm centrally. You would expect her to be at around 15mm when sutures were removed. She was actually at 13mm. The ligaments are deeper and higher than the nasal base, and as such you gain some lift. I hope that makes some sense. Wish I could draw it up for you with a chalkboard!

4) I hate markings post op so we make sure everything is nice and clean before you leave. I usually tell patients to avoid the sun for first five days while sutures are in place as that can increase the likelihood of hyper pigmentation. Keeping the incision clean and covered with antibiotic ointment is the secret! For the first 3-4 days, the more active you are, the more you will swell. There is no doubts about it. I like to say you have to respect the biology of healing the first few days, no matter how good you look.

I hope that helps clear everything up. You guys are a great support system. Keep it up.
May 4, 2017
well there you have it Kato! I could not have explained that as well as Dr. Mascaro. Was going to ask him some of these questions on Monday when I get my stitches removed! Hope his answer helps you! As I tried to convey, he has a very specific methodology that maximizes results from many perspectives. Everything is super thoughtful. I will try to post a pre-op photo soon. If you are thinking about having this done, you are in good hands with Dr. M. My results speak for themselves. I went out after the sun went down last night (no UV rays for me) and had dinner. Nobody looked at me weird at all. And it was literally 1 day after my procedure. Still blown away. Highly recommend this doctor.
May 4, 2017
Thank you Dr Mascaro and Waffle for the response to my questions and the detailed explanation of the procedure.
I've been doing the research on this procedure for a long time now and I appreciate all the information. It's very helpful!
Congratulations on the outcome! You are looking beautiful!
May 4, 2017
Omg, wow another amazing result.
You got the perfect amount of tooth show and lip shape. You did your research and ended up with a great choice!!! He certainly has an eye for beautiful lips. No rabbit look for you!
May 4, 2017
Thank you Lostbeauty!!! I was SO worried about the rabbit effect. I already had some tooth show pre op and my length was not bad at all. I wanted to lift the corners more, so Dr. M customized my measurements. He gives a more detailed explanation in one of the replies below. I was seriously so worried the weeks leading up. I did all of my research long distance and travelled alone here so I really had to trust my gut. I feel so blessed that this all worked out. Any questions, please let me know and I will try to answer. If you want more details, you can look at Dr. M's reply below. He explains the explains the technicalities of the procedure better than I can!
March 16, 2018
Perfect result - congrats! Where can I find the explanation of Dr. M. which you mention in your answer to Lost Beauty?
May 7, 2017
Fantastic result! I'd love to see before pics. I thought I had researched all LL doctors but had not come across Dr. Mascaro. I like his detailed measuring process and adjustments for asymmetry. Looking forward to seeing your healing progress!
May 13, 2017
Hi Waffle. Thanks so much for sharing and I'm so happy I came across your post. I live in South Florida and am definitely going to save Dr M to my list and go to see him when I'm ready. I can't believe that he has personally chimed in and provided so much helpful information which speaks volumes to me. Your results are amazing !
May 13, 2017
Omg thank you so much! You can't go wrong. I am jealous that you live near him lol
UPDATED FROM AnnaJane456
2 days post

Day 2 update plus a few things I forgot to mention.

AnnaJane456
So it has been almost 48 hours and nothing new to report! Still looks good and the incision is healing nicely. One thing I forgot to mention is that the stitches he used are clear. So, I don't feel like too much of a Frankenstein when walking around. I have not gotten any weird looks especially since I'm not super swollen. My lips look practically the same as they did yesterday.
Another thing I did not mention was the medication. Dr. M prescribed me an antibiotic (Keflex), a round of Prednisone (Methylprednisolone) and Valtrex as an antiviral. These are all precautionary/preventative. I will say that the round of prednisone helps a lot with the swelling as well as the medicine he puts in the shot. I'm keeping the incision clean with water when I wash my face as well as constant antibiotic ointment. This is the key apparently. Also...staying out of the sun is super important. I try to avoid the sun anyway and swear sunscreen everyday so this is not too bad. I will mention that I am also on the younger side for this procedure. Previously, this procedure was mostly performed on older women who showed signs of aging. But now, doctors are performing this on younger patients to achieve a more sultry/sensual/pouty look (what I was going for). I think that is all for now! Happy Friday Eve everyone!

Replies (1)

February 18, 2018
Can you please lmk about the scars? How visible are they? And have they healed by now