Corner Mouth Lift

A corner mouth lift, or oral commissure surgery, is a cosmetic out-patient procedure that corrects downturned corners of the mouth. It is performed to restore a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. This procedure improves an important part of the face as the lips play a central role in facial expression, perception, and aesthetics. Upturned corners of the mouth are visually considered happier, more optimistic, and friendly. Corner mouth lifts can improve a patient’s first impression, quality of life, and overall facial symmetry. ⁽¹⁾

At Plastic Surgeons of Lexington, we offer a broad array of aesthetic procedures performed by our board-certified surgeons. For our patients in Lexington, Cincinnati, Knoxville, and other areas of Northern, KY, a corner mouth lift procedure can improve the entire lower third of the face in one surgery. Schedule your private consultation with us today by calling our office at (859) 276-3883. You may also wish to fill out this short contact form to get started.

Before and After Photos

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All About Corner Mouth Lifts

An upturned mouth expresses youthfulness and happiness. For patients with downturned mouth corners, it can convey an unpleasant disposition. Corner mouth lifts aim to correct this by removing a small section of tissue and surgically lifting the edges of the mouth. Though a facelift can correct the signs of aging on a good portion of the face, it sometimes cannot directly target a downturned mouth. Corner mouth lifts target this section of the face to improve a patient’s facial appearance. 

The Centrofacial Area

The part of the face that draws the most attention from onlookers is the area around the eyes, nose, and lips. It is referred to as the centrofacial area, and its dimensions typically determine a person’s attractiveness according to beauty standards. When the corners of the mouth (oral commissures) droop downward, it can create marionette lines that often make patients look sad, angry, or too serious. ⁽²⁾ Lifting the oral commissures impacts both the self-esteem and outer perception of a patient.

Descending outer corners of the mouth can be a genetic feature, a sign of aging, or a combination of both depending on the patient. Lip shape and size are notably influenced by genetics, and aesthetic medicine has spent decades refining patients’ mouth shapes through many different techniques. 

Surgical Corner Mouth Lift

Typical corner mouth lip procedures start with the surgeon measuring and marking triangles along the corner of the upper and/or lower lips. Skin is then removed very carefully. The incisions are delicately stitched together creating a thin, conspicuous scar. The procedure can be combined with a traditional lip lift and filler to achieve a more robust and youthful upper lip.

Benefits of Oral Commissure Surgery

A corner mouth lift can help patients achieve an overall friendlier expression. 

This procedure:

The surgery is:

Am I a Good Candidate for a Corner Mouth Lift?

Many patients seeking a corner mouth lift have a permanently downturned or melancholy expression no matter what position their mouth is in. They may have wrinkles around the corners of the mouth that further accentuate the drooping. This procedure can be performed on patients of all ages, but those with good skin elasticity may receive better results. They must be in good health with no underlying conditions that affect their ability to undergo surgery. Patients must also be willing to quit tobacco and nicotine products leading up to their procedure as smoking negatively affects healing.

Personal Consultation with Plastic Surgeons of Lexington

During your initial consultation at Plastic Surgeons of Lexington, we will ask you about your medical history to assess your candidacy. We will perform an examination of the treatment area and explain exactly what your corner mouth lift will be like. One of our experienced surgeons will create a customized procedure plan for you, and we will assist you in scheduling your future procedure and follow-up appointments.

Your private consultation will be your chance to ask any questions you may have about your corner mouth lift procedure. If you are curious about altering the size of your lip as well as the shape, you may discuss adding a lip lift or lip fillers during this appointment. Since all of our procedure plans are personalized toward each patient, your surgeon will assess your unique anatomy and determine the best treatment plan for your needs. 

Preparation

To best prepare for your corner mouth lift, please avoid:

A corner mouth lift is an outpatient procedure, so you are free to go home to recover on the same day that you receive treatment. Make sure to ask a friend or loved one to transport you to and from your surgery. Though general anesthesia is not typically used, you will still be unable to drive yourself. In the days leading up to your corner mouth lift, try not to alter any of your current skincare routines. Stray away from any harsh ingredients that may irritate your lips and stay out of the sun. If your surgeon prescribes antibiotics or other medications, be sure to pick them up beforehand to ease your recovery.

How Long is Corner Mouth Lift Recovery?

You may experience swelling and bruising for 1 to 2 weeks following oral commissure surgery. We recommend that you avoid over-exerting your mouth or opening your mouth too wide for at least a month after your procedure. This reduces your risk of visible scarring. Avoid all vigorous lip movement, but assume your daily activities after a few days of resting. If your sutures are not dissolvable, your surgeon removes them during your follow-up appointment about seven days into your recovery. 

Long-Lasting Results

Corner mouth lifts provide long-lasting results. The corners of your mouth will be lifted permanently to reduce a drooping and unhappy expression. It is important to remember, however, that regular aging and time will continue to affect the shape of your mouth. Implement a diligent skin and lip care routine to protect your incision sites from the sun. If you seek wrinkle correction, your surgeon may recommend additional facial rejuvenation treatments like dermal fillers or Botox to further enhance your results.

To learn more about facial rejuvenation services, give our blog a read.

Cost of Corner Mouth Lifts in Lexington

Because every patient has specific anatomy and cosmetic desires, the total cost of a corner mouth lift varies. The best way to receive an accurate cost estimate is to schedule your private consultation at Plastic Surgeons of Lexington. Patients in Lexington, Cincinnati, Knoxville, and all of Northern Kentucky are encouraged to call us today at (859) 276-3883. You may also inquire online by filling out this short form.

FAQ

References

1. Jeong TK. Surgical Method of a Corner Mouth Lift. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020;8(2):e2653. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002653
2. van der Sluis N, Gülbitti HA, van Dongen JA, van der Lei B. Lifting the Mouth Corner: A Systematic Review of Techniques, Clinical Outcomes, and Patient Satisfaction. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2022;42(8). doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjac077