What can be done about drooping mouth corners?
When we think of the word ‘Botox’, smooth foreheads and bright eyes spring to mind. But, when it comes to aesthetic benefits, reducing wrinkles isn’t all that Botox has to offer. In recent years, Botox has started to gain popularity in the lip augmentation arena, particularly to target drooping mouth corners. But is the treatment worth it? What results can you expect? And how can we combine it with filler in this area? Here is everything that you need to know.
What causes drooping mouth corners?
Drooping mouth corners can make a face appear sad, angry, or tired, even when that’s not the case. One cause of a downturned mouth is a set of muscles on the jaw called depressor anguli oris (DAO), which run from the corners of the lips down to the chin and tend to get stronger as we age. These muscles cause the mouth to turn downwards when frowning, and when overused, the repetitive action of frowning can lead to drooping mouth corners.
Another factor is the natural ageing process, which results in the natural loss of collagen and elastin, proteins that contribute to firm, plump skin. As these deteriorate, skin can sag or look lax, which, especially around the mouth, can lead to the appearance of drooping mouth corners. Drooping mouth corners are also commonly associated with marionette lines that run down vertically from the corners of the mouth. Marionette lines settle in for all the same reasons as any other lines – the loss of underlying fat and bone – but they are particularly frustrating to deal with, as they make a face look sad and drag the corners of your mouth downwards, too.
What are the treatment options?
There are various ways that we can address drooping corners of the mouth. Botox is beneficial for relaxing the muscle pulling the corners of your mouth downwards. By injecting directly into the depressor anguli oris muscle, the toxin blocks the transition of chemical messages sent from the nerve to cause the muscle to contract. Without these messages, the muscle stays in a resting state, leading to an elevation of the edges of the mouth.
We may also consider subtly replacing volume in the cheeks with dermal fillers to provide a ‘lift’ to the lower face. Restoring lost volume in the mid-face and strengthening the face’s structure gives the lower face the support it needs, softening nasolabial folds (smile lines), marionette lines (creases running from the corner of the mouth to the chin) and even jowls.
Dermal fillers can also be used around the mouth and chin to further improve the corners of the mouth, by providing structural support around the body of the lip or in the lip body itself, leading to a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.
What results can I expect, and how long will they last?
Patients can often achieve maximum results by opting for a combined treatment approach. Botox injections can be utilised to relax muscles around the mouth, preventing them from contracting and dragging the lip corners downwards, whilst filler provides structural support to the lower face, helping to lift and rejuvenate the area.
If you’d like to find out more about treatment or how we can work together, click here to book a consultation.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.
