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

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."

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.

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.