25th Jun 2024
Do you sometimes catch your face in the mirror and think I look sad or unhappy, but you do not actually feel the way you look. As we age our face, muscles and fat all start to reduce and move. This can create a downward turned mouth and it can impact one’s overall facial expression. In this blog post, we will look at the causes of a downturned mouth, what non-surgical treatments and surgical procedures (such as a lower facelift and corner lip lift) can transform a tired and sad mouth look.
What causes downward turned mouth?
• Aging: As we age, skin loses elasticity and collagen resulting in cheek volume loss, resulting in sagging around the mouth.
• Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to downturned mouth corners. Facial muscles are not as active.
• Muscle Imbalance: Weakness or imbalance in facial muscles can contribute to a droopy appearance such as a general shrinkage in the jaw area. The mouth and jaw have depressor angulis oris muscles or DAO that run from the corner of ones lips down to the chin. Repetitive use of this facial muscle can result in an appearance of permanent drooping mouth corners or a downturned mouth look.
What non-surgical treatments can help a droopy mouth or downward turned mouth?
• Dermal Fillers: Hyaluronic acid fillers can add volume, lifting and supporting the corners of the mouth. However, this is not a long-term option and it may not lift the mouth enough to warrant the cost of the treatment. Typically lasts 12 months.
• Botox: Strategically placed Botox injections can relax specific muscles, helping to elevate the mouth. This option can be successful however it must be done by an expert surgeon or doctor who have years of experience. It can cause further droop if too much Botox is injected. Typically lasts 3 to 4 months.
• Thread Lifts: Non-surgical thread lifts such as PDO threads or Silhouette threads can provide a subtle lift to the lower face. This is not a long-term option; it can be expensive and lasts approximately 12 months. It is crucial to seek an experienced medical professional if you decide on this option.
Downward Turned Mouth surgical options: Facelift or lower facelift
Drooping mouth is primarily caused by the natural aging process, which leads to the loss of skin elasticity and the descent of facial tissues over time.
A lower facelift, or lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at rejuvenating the lower third of the face, including the jawline and neck. It addresses sagging skin, wrinkles, downward turned mouth and excess fat.
A lower facelift can help improve the appearance of a down turned mouth often caused by aging. It can tighten and reposition the skin and underlying tissues.
Can a corner lip lift help a droopy mouth or sad mouth?
To lift the corners of the mouth, our plastic surgeons may recommend a procedure called a corner lip lift or a lip lift. This involves removing a small portion of skin, effectively lifting and reshaping them and creating a more youthful look. This is a separate procedure from a lower facelift. It can not only lift the lower corners of the lip but can create a more youthful smile.
Lower facelift and lip lift next steps at Kensington Medical
At Kensington Medical we specialise in lower facelift and lip lift. Our Plastic Surgeons have carried out hundreds and hundreds of facelifts and lip lifts and will be able to show you many before and after photos that have addressed a droopy or sad mouth. No person is the same and so it is important to have a consultation to find out what procedure is best suited for you.
In your consultation we ask that you bring photos of when you were younger so our plastic surgeons can decide the best facial procedures for you. During your facelift and lip lift consultation they will cover the risks, timeline to looking and feeling great, the recovery process and what you can do before to prepare for surgery. If you have a special event or holiday date, they will work their way back to an acceptable timeline to ensure you will be feeling and looking amazing and most importantly, so you feel 100% confident in your choice.
Deciding to have a non-surgical option can be worth trying if you are looking for a short-term result. A lower facelift or lip lift will certainly result in longer downtime however the results will last many years to come and will be a more dramatic result creating more facial harmony and removing the sad mouth look so many patients ask us about.
To book a consultation to find out more and to see if you are suitable please phone 0204 5514892 or fill in the form.
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