I just turned 60 and have never before looked so good.\r
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Here's the story. About 20 years ago I got dental braces and crowns which resulted in a fine smile, but caused a lengthening of my upper lip (which worsened with age). My husband would sometimes ask me why I was scowling. The fact is that I looked unhappy even when I felt well. I smiled in every photo taken of me because I didn't want to be reminded of the dour appearance conferred by a disproportionately long upper lip. Then last year I had a passport photo taken - the kind where you're not supposed to smile. I was saddened by how sad I looked.\r
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For many years, I have talked to cosmetic surgery specialists regarding the procedure of shortening the upper lip. They had either been unwilling to perform the procedure due to concerns about scarring or too inexperienced in the operation.\r
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I finally found Dr. Eshima. He showed me many astoundingly successful lip shortening before and after photos. Now that I'm an ""after"" I know what a difference a few less millimeters can make.\r
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As a doctor I want to appear encouraging and happy to see my patients. I believe that I communicated those feelings before the surgery, but now I'm more confident that there's no false frown even momentarily blocking my honest expression of warmth and welcome.\r
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Dr. Eshima also performed other procedures to improve lax skin around my eyes, neck and lower face. These too were more effective than I could have imagined.\r
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Dr. Eshima did warn me that people will no longer sense my true age and, since maturity can be desirable in a physician, this might be a problem. He was right. Now when I tell people how long I've been in practice, I must quickly rattle off the years I graduated from medical school and completed residency. Their jaws drop briefly but they are reassured. This is a side effect I can live with.\r
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I am extremely happy with Dr. Eshima's artistry - and now that happiness actually shows on my face. \r
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