The Happy Face Treatment: An Anatomical-Based Technique for the Correction of Marionette Lines and the Oral Commissures

ABSTRACT

When viewing the most famous smiles in history (Figure 1), two constants become apparent a smooth perioral surface and oral commissures that are turned upward (or horizontal as a minimum). Patients are often fixated on improving both the marionette lines and the downward oral commissures as these distractions are one of the most noticeable areas in the aging face to the average person. In addition, the downward turn of the oral commissures gives an impression of sadness. Unfortunately, the anatomy of this area makes non-surgical treatments less than satisfactory, and unpredictable in many cases. The senior author has developed a novel technique to treat the marionette lines and turn the corner of the mouth upward that has been named the Happy Face treatment. The key for a successful outcome is the assessment of the perioral anatomy and the understanding of the physio dynamics of the jowl to produce a Mona Lisa smile and a Happy Face.