Willl a Corner of the Mouth Lift Correct my Asymmetrical Mouth?

Question

I have an asymmetrical mouth that I'd like to correct through surgery. The present shape of my mouth may be completely natural, or the result of having braces when I was a teenager (small mouth was enlarged to accommodate big teeth).
I'm wondering if I am a viable candidate for a corner of the mouth lift. I like that this procedure has immediate, permanent results while being less invasive than other facial surgeries. Any advice you could give would be appreciated.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

There are several possible things that contribute to the shape of the smile, and so different options depending upon the specific condition. 
One possibility is that the bone structure of the face is a little bit different, as is the case for example with Brian Williams of NBC News. Often it is related to muscle activity and in that case, some Botox to the higher side can work, assuming you don't mind lowering the higher side. 
If you do decide on a lip lift, thre are a couple of ways to do it, and one that I like places the scar along the bottom of the nose where it is very inconspicuous. But if you have ever seen the mirror image pictures, where one side of the face is reversed and matched up so the face is perfectly symmetrical, it usually looks kind of odd.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

There are multiple anatomic abnormalities that can result in
asymmetry of the mouth. These may include abnormalities of the underlying
facial bones, teeth, and lip soft tissue. In most cases asymmetry of the mouth is relatively minor, but in some
cases may be severe and extremely noticeable. Depending on the cause, treatment
may or may not be possible.It’s hard to tell exactly what’s
going on from your pictures, a physical examination that looked specifically at
occlusion, teeth and the facial skeleton would be helpful. Asymmetry of the
facial bones can be a major contributor to this type of problem. Dental
abnormalities may also contribute to this problem.It’s therefore important to localize
the cause of the problem. Depending on
the cause a wide variety of treatment options may exist. The results of
treatment are dependent upon applying the right treatment to the right problem.
When the problem is related to the
soft tissue, lifting the corner of the mouth may be associated with high
satisfaction rates. If you’re considering this approach, consultation with a
board certified plastic surgeon who has experience in this area is appropriate.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

There are several things that can be used to treat an asymmetric mouth.
The corners can be raised individually or together with a corner of the lip lift, with DAO muscle fiber division, augmentation asymmetrtically to compensate for volumetric asymmetries, or an asymmetric upper lip lift.
None of these seems appropriate to your case, where the commissures insert differently due to an asymmetric cant of the entire lip.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

While the right corner of your mouth appears lower than the left, there may be multiple other reasons why the lips are asymmetric. A corner lift could elevate the corner of the mouth but other issues such as the height and length of the white lip as well as the thickness and fullness of the vermillion will not be corrected. It almost appears as if the entire lip is longer and ti could be that  conservative use of Botulinumn toxin on the left lip may provide you with better symmetry.

Dean Fardo, MD · Answer

Although a good procedure, its usually reserved for patients over 60 as they tend to heal with more favorable scars. I would not recommend this procedure for you, and I like the procedure!

Willl a Corner of the Mouth Lift Correct my Asymmetrical Mouth?

Answers (9)

Answer: Asymmetry of the lips

Answer: Asymmetry of the lips

Answer: Corner of the mouth lift

Answer: Corner of the mouth lift

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Willl a Corner of the Mouth Lift Correct my Asymmetrical Mouth?

Answers (9)

Answer: Asymmetry of the lips

Answer: Asymmetry of the lips

Answer: Corner of the mouth lift

Answer: Corner of the mouth lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

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