Have you ever noticed how droopy mouth corners can make your face look tired or even unhappy, no matter how you feel inside? This subtle shift in your facial expression can lead to a frown-like appearance or even a constant “permafrown.” Many people are now turning to Botox injections as a minimally invasive solution to gently elevate the corners and restore a more positive look.
When performed by an experienced specialist, Botox treatments can not only help lift the oral commissures but also reduce the appearance of smile lines and soften wrinkles around the mouth. If you’ve been considering a way to refresh your look without surgery, read on — the transformation might be more achievable than you think.
Can Botox Lift the Corners of Your Mouth?
Yes — strategic use of botulinum toxin can help lift the corners of the mouth by targeting specific muscles that pull the oral commissures downward. By relaxing these muscles, the natural balance of opposing muscle groups in the face is restored, allowing the corners to lift slightly. The result is a subtle yet noticeable improvement in facial expression, giving you a friendlier, more refreshed appearance without altering your unique features.
How Does Botox Lift The Mouth Corners?
The procedure works by carefully injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin into the depressor anguli oris muscle, a key muscle responsible for pulling the corners of the mouth downward.
By temporarily relaxing this muscle, the upward pull from opposing facial muscles becomes more prominent, gently elevating the corners for a more positive, rested look.
During treatment, precise placement of the injections is essential to avoid affecting nearby muscles that control the upper lip or other parts of the mouth.
When performed by an experienced injector, this technique provides natural-looking results that enhance your expressions without making them appear frozen or unnatural.
What to Do During Recovery From Botox for Mouth Corners
The steps you take during recovery time can significantly impact your results. Following your provider’s aftercare instructions will help minimize side effects and extend your Botox results, ensuring you enjoy a lifted, more refreshed look for as long as possible. These simple habits can make all the difference in the longevity and quality of your outcome.
Avoid touching or massaging
After your treatment, it’s important to avoid touching, pressing, or massaging the injection sites for at least 24 hours. This precaution helps prevent the botulinum toxin from spreading to unintended areas, which could affect nearby muscles. Gentle hands-off care will support optimal placement and allow the product to settle where it’s needed most.
Remain upright
Staying upright for at least four hours after your injections helps ensure the botulinum toxin remains exactly where it was placed. Lying down too soon could increase the risk of migration to unintended muscles, which may affect your results. Use this time to relax, read, or enjoy light activities that keep you comfortably vertical.
Avoid strenuous exercise
For the first 24 hours after your procedure, skip intense workouts, heavy lifting, or any activities that significantly raise your heart rate. Strenuous exercise can increase blood flow and potentially cause the botulinum toxin to move from the injection site, which could diminish your results. Opt for light, low-impact activities instead during this short recovery window.
Gentle cleansing
When washing your face after treatment, opt for a mild cleanser and use gentle motions around the injection sites. Avoid hot water, harsh scrubs, or vigorous rubbing, as these can irritate the skin and potentially disrupt the treatment area. Pat your skin dry softly to maintain comfort and protect the results.
Are There Any Potential Side Effects of the Procedure?
Most patients experience only mild and temporary side effects following Botox for the mouth corners. Common reactions include slight swelling and bruising around the injection site, which typically resolve within a few days. Some individuals may also notice minor redness or tenderness in the treated area. In rare cases, unintended muscle relaxation can occur, but this is usually temporary. Choosing a skilled provider greatly reduces the likelihood of significant side effects while ensuring your results look natural.
Are There Other Downturned Mouth Treatment Options?
While Botox is an effective option for subtly lifting droopy corners, there are other cosmetic treatments that can address this concern — either as stand-alone solutions or as complementary treatments to enhance your results. From non-invasive fillers to surgical techniques, each approach has its own benefits and considerations, allowing patients to choose the best fit for their goals and lifestyle.
Lip Fillers
Dermal fillers, often made from hyaluronic acid, can restore lost volume and subtly lift the corners of the mouth for a smoother, more youthful appearance. This injectable treatment works by adding structure and hydration to the lips and surrounding areas, helping to counteract downturned corners. Results are temporary, so additional injections are typically needed every several months to maintain the effect. When performed by a skilled provider, lip fillers can complement Botox beautifully for a balanced, natural look.
Plastic Surgery
A mouth corner lift surgery offers a more permanent surgical solution for patients seeking to correct downturned corners and improve overall facial balance. This procedure involves carefully removing small sections of skin near the corners of the mouth and adjusting underlying tissues to create a subtle lift. While recovery time is longer than with non-invasive options, the results are typically long-lasting and can be tailored to match the patient’s natural anatomy. For individuals with significant sagging or those looking for a one-time correction, this option may provide the most dramatic and enduring improvement.
Secure Your Safe Procedure Experience with Dr. Hojjat
Join our satisfied clients who’ve experienced safe, effective treatments.
Trust in an Expert Facial Surgeon for Best Results
When it comes to achieving natural-looking results with Botox, choosing the right professional is just as important as the treatment itself. An experienced specialist understands facial anatomy in depth and can ensure balanced, symmetrical results — avoiding overcorrection while enhancing your natural expressions. The expertise of Botox specialists helps minimize risks and maximize satisfaction.
At our clinic, Dr. Homer Hojjat brings unmatched credentials to every appointment. A double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, he specializes exclusively in the face and neck, using the most modern, minimally invasive techniques. His dedication to precision and artistry ensures results you’ll love. Call us today at 949-996-3274 or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation.
