Is it possible to use Botox to prevent the smile from turning downwards without affecting upward smile?

Question

Sorry I can't upload photos, I will try to describe in detail. I find myself tightening the chin area when I'm nervous and also making frown faces I don't want to make. My mom has a permanent downward smile (heavy mouth corners) and I see this happening on my own face as I get older...I would like to prevent this! But I also love my smile and don't want to ruin that...

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

As an expert injector, I have used Botox to improve the appearance of downturned mouth corners. If injected carefully by a Botox specialist, the treatment should not affect your ability to smile. However, improper injections can leave unsatisfactory results.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Yes, but you must see a physican that is VERY experienced with this area of the face.  Just a small amount in the right muscle group works beautifully to turn that frown upside down.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Jessica.  Yes, this can be accomplished with Botox and Dysport.  The key is not to overinject as to cause relaxation of the surrounding muscles that would control your smile when not at rest.  The downside is that when you use a small amount of Dysport (Botox), the effects tend to wear off quickly so you end up having to come in more often than Dysport in other areas.  View the pictures below where we used filler and Dysport to accomplish correction for a mouth frown.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

botox is not approved for this use, but doctors have injected the muscle that pulls down on the corners of the mouth to help lift this region. It not uncommonly is done along with fillers, especially when the fillers don't improve the fold from the corner of the mouth down along the marionette line satisfactorily.
The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Botox doesn't usually improve the downward corners of the mouth without wierd looking smile expressions but sometimes does ok. I don't think it is worth the risk. Fillers does a more consistent natural result to upturn the corners of the mouth and works everytime without looking wierd or abnormal. Sincerely,David Hansen,MD

Is it possible to use Botox to prevent the smile from turning downwards without affecting upward smile?

Answers (8)

Answer: Botox off label has been used to lift up the corners of the mouth

Answer: Botox off label has been used to lift up the corners of the mouth

Answer: Botox around the mouth is a hit or miss at best.

Answer: Botox around the mouth is a hit or miss at best.

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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Is it possible to use Botox to prevent the smile from turning downwards without affecting upward smile?

Answers (8)

Answer: Botox off label has been used to lift up the corners of the mouth

Answer: Botox off label has been used to lift up the corners of the mouth

Answer: Botox around the mouth is a hit or miss at best.

Answer: Botox around the mouth is a hit or miss at best.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.