Downturned mouth

A downturned mouth can make you look sad, tired or stern—even when you feel your best. It often develops with ageing, changes in skin elasticity and volume, or overactivity of the muscles that pull the mouth corners downward.

What causes a downturned mouth?

Muscle pull (DAO/platysma): Overactive depressor muscles draw the mouth corners down.
Volume loss & skin laxity: Thinner skin and reduced support deepen lines from the mouth to the chin (marionette lines).
Dental/occlusal changes: Bite and tooth wear can alter lower-face support and balance.

Best suited for

Corners of the mouth that turn down at rest or when speaking.
Early to moderate marionette lines.
Patients seeking subtle, natural correction without surgery.
Not suitable if pregnant/breastfeeding, with certain neuromuscular conditions, or active skin infection.

Your treatment journey

Medical consultation: Full facial assessment, discussion of goals and medical history.
Personalised plan: Options, pros/cons and expected outcomes explained clearly.
Treatment day: Precise, conservative dosing for a natural, rested look.
Review: Routine check at ~2 weeks for anti-wrinkle adjustments if needed.

Aftercare (quick guide)

Stay upright for 4 hours after anti-wrinkle injections; avoid rubbing/massaging treated areas.
Skip strenuous exercise, saunas and hot baths for 24 hours.
Avoid alcohol and heavy makeup on the day of treatment.
For filler: expect mild swelling/bruising; use cool compresses if needed and avoid pressure on the area.

Treatment options at our clinic

Anti-wrinkle injections (DAO lift)

How it works: Tiny doses are placed to relax the depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle so the corners lift naturally, balancing the smile.

At a glance:

Procedure time: 10–15 minutes
Onset: 3–7 days; peak: ~2 weeks
Longevity: ~3–4 months (varies by individual)
Downtime: Minimal; you can return to normal activities the same day

Dermal filler (oral commissures & marionette lines)

How it works: Hyaluronic acid filler restores support at the mouth corners and softens marionette lines, reducing shadowing and a “pulled-down” look.

At a glance:

Procedure time: 20–30 minutes
Results: Immediate, refine over ~1–2 weeks
Longevity: Typically 9–12 months (product/area dependent)
Downtime: Usually mild swelling or bruising for 1–3 days

Skin quality boosters (optional)

Profhilo, skin boosters, PRF or polynucleotides can improve hydration, elasticity and skin texture around the lower face, complementing the lift achieved with toxin/filler.