What procedures are available to help fix naturally downturned lips? (Photo)

Question

I have naturally thinner and down turned lips. Im not happy with my profile. What options are available to make my lip line more straight. Additionally, I have an old scar on my left cheek close to my mouth that may need to be considered with any procedures. I am currently undergoing invisaline which may help my profile a little.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

Although a variety of approaches are possible, my first recommendation would be skillfull shaping of the corners of your lips by addition (injection) of a hyaluronic acid gel ( Restylane Lyft, Defyne, Refyne, Juvederm, Belotero, or equivalent). Turning corners upward with filler will soften or eliminate frown, create more pleasant expression, and carries little risk, and no scar(s).  Examples posted in our gallery under "lips."

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A downturned smile or permanent frown can be improved with a combination approach, including neuromodulators (such as Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau), injectable fillers, and radiofrequency skin tightening treatments such as Thermage or Venus Legacy. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. There are three types of corner lip lifts, each of which provide their own idiosyncratic benefits.The noninvasive route would be fillers plus or minus a neuromodulator such as Botox® into the depressor anguli oris muscle. This treatment route is good for mild cases. However, corner lip ptosis progresses with age. A traditional corner lip lift will elevate the drooping corners of your mouth while at the same time, help eradicate the small fold (marionette fold) that originates from the corner. The surgery can be performed under local anesthesia and results are subtle yet dramatic. The DAO release is performed within the mouth but is a less effective treatment option than a traditional corner lift (the effects of which can be predicted by injecting Botox ®  into the aforementioned muscle). A medial corner lip lift is one which elevates the corners of the mouth, lessens the marionette folds and also can directly reshape the lateral vermillion. It is essentially a "magic trick". Results are permanent, subtle and yet, as mentioned, very dramatic.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. For your lips, I would recommend some filler placed along the sides as well as the corners of the mouth to help give additional support and lift. You may also consider a very tiny amount of Botox injected into the same area which can further help lift the lips for a subtle resting smile. For the old scars, the texture and overall appearance can be improved with microneedling with or without PRP to help reorganize the collagen within the scar to blend better with normal skin. It is best to have an in-office consultation to determine what treatments you are a candidate for to help you achieve your desired goals. Hope this helps!!Johnson C. Lee MD Plastic Surgery

What procedures are available to help fix naturally downturned lips? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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