Why do the corners of my mouth turn down when I smile? (photo)

Question

I used to just dislike my smile but in recent years I've come to hate it. Even when smiling as hard as I can the sides of my mouth still turn down. Are my cheeks too big? My mouth too small? All I want is a nice, wide smile, what can I do to achieve that? Weight loss? Surgery? What's it gonna take?

John Mesa, MD · Answer

The movement of the corners of the mouth is secondary to the activity of the facial expression muscles. However, the anatomy of the face ( bones, soft tissue etc) could affect the movement of those muscles. Also aging affects the corners of the mouth . In aging patients treatment of the muscles that lower the corners of the mouth with Botox help to turn the courses of the mouth up at rest and when smiling.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

I would recommend Botox in your DAO muscles. This requires 10 units of Botox, total. You can actually see a dimple below the corner of your mouth which I suspect is the action of the DAO pulling on the corner of your mouth and skin. Best.

Why do the corners of my mouth turn down when I smile? (photo)

Answers (2)