Drooping Mouth Corners: Treatment Options

Drooping mouth corners are a common ageing change that can significantly affect self-confidence, making you look sad, cross or tired even when this isn’t the case.

What are drooping mouth corners?

In a youthful face, the corners of the mouth are typically neutral or slightly elevated, creating an aesthetically pleasing expression. Drooping mouth corners have very negative connotations.

What causes drooping mouth corners?

Drooping mouth corners are caused by the muscles in the jaw that pull downwards becoming stronger over time. The loss of collagen and elastin compounds this as we get older. These naturally occurring proteins in the skin provide strength, support and elasticity and, as they deplete, the tissues of the face descend.

The repetitive action of frowning can lead to drooping mouth corners and deep folds to appear between the mouth and jaw. These are called marionette lines, and which can drag the corners of the mouth downwards.

Do drooping mouth corners worsen with age?

Genetics play a role, and some men and women have a more pronounced downward turn of the mouth from an early age, but this is an aesthetic concern that typically worsens with age.

The loss of volume in the mid-face and lateral sides of the face can also cause these lines to appear on the sides of the mouth and the edge of the mouth to turn downwards. Other causes include sun damage, stress and smoking.

What are the best treatments for drooping mouth corners?

Muscle relaxing injections are an effective non-surgical treatment for drooping mouth corners. It works by temporarily blocking the signal from our nerves to our muscles. When injected into the depressor anguli oris muscle that pulls down the corner of the mouth, it can elevate the edges of the mouth.

Temporary hyaluronic acid dermal fillers replace plumpness in the face and can fill folds such as the marionette lines or provide structural support in the jawline and around the mouth. Dermal fillers can also be used to restore mid-face volume, which can help to lift the lower face.

The drooping corners of the mouth, the loss of definition of the jawline, the formation of jowls and the marionette lines can all be addressed with a SMAS facelift. For optimal results or to prolong the longevity of the lower facelift, you may wish to combine it with dermal fillers or muscle relaxing injections.

ASSOCIATED PROCEDURES: Facelift, Dermal Fillers, Anti-Wrinkle Injections