What can be done for my downward turned lips? (photos)

A lip lift will pull the upper lip up, but you may also want to consider a corner lift. A corner lift comes with potentially more visible scarring because the incision is at the level of the lip unlike the lip lift which is at the nasal base.

A lip lift will also shorten your philtrum, or the distance between your nose and lip, and it will also make your upper lip look more enhanced and volumized, complementing your already beautifully volumized lower lip.

Thank you for sharing your questions and photos. Neurotoxin to the depressor anguli oris (DAO) will help relax this muscle and lessen the downward pull of the corners of your mouth. Typically, 2-4 units are injected per side depending on how strong the individual’s muscles are. Additionally, neurotoxin can also be injected in the perioral oral area to provide a “lip lift” effect. If injections are done more laterally in the perioral area then it could also help with widening the appearance of the corners of your mouth. Please note that the main risks of neurotoxin injections include but are not limited to, pain, swelling at the injection site, bruising, headache, and asymmetrical results. Notably, this treatment is not permanent and can last between 3-6 months. It is important to go to an experienced injector to optimize safety and to achieve your desired outcome. Best of luck! Kian Karimi MD, FACS

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.

Hello, your options include HA fillers, Botox and surgical central lip lift. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Houston. TX.

Thank you for your question. The best treatment for shortening the upper lip and upturning would be a bullhorn lip lift. It's a procedure that can be performed in the office with just local anesthesia in a little under an hour. The major downside is that there's a scar, however for most patients it tends to hide well under the nose. If you're opposed to surgery, filler along the vermillion border can add some definition and slight upturn as well, but it can't address lip length. I hope this helps, and all the best to you.