Treatment

Treatment of Downturned Mouth

Treatments for downturned mouth
Treatments for downturned mouth
Downturned mouth treatment
Downturned mouth treatment

Downturned Mouth Treatment

Lifting and softening the corners of the mouth

As we age, the corners of the mouth can start to turn downward, giving the face a tired, sad, or stern appearance. This is often caused by the natural overactivity of a muscle in the lower face (the DAO muscle) that pulls the mouth corners down. Some people activate this muscle subconsciously during concentration or stress.

At The Manse, we offer non-surgical treatments designed to lift and soften the mouth corners, helping create a more relaxed, balanced, and refreshed appearance.

How We Treat a Downturned Mouth

Our approach focuses on reducing the downward pull of the DAO muscle, allowing the mouth corners to lift naturally.
In some cases, volume restoration may also be used to support deeper folds or shadows around the mouth for a smoother transition between the lips and chin.

Treatment usually involves a few small applications using a fine-tipped tool to the lower face — typically one point on each side of the mouth.

Your Consultation – What We’ll Discuss

During your consultation, your practitioner will discuss:

  • Your facial structure and muscle activity

  • Whether this concern runs in your family

  • Past treatments and how long results lasted

  • Lifestyle factors such as exercise or metabolism

  • Any history of uneven smiles or unusual outcomes

  • Whether marionette lines or chin projection also concern you

Facial Assessment

Your clinician will assess:

  • How the mouth rests and moves

  • The strength of the muscles that pull the corners downward

  • Any natural facial asymmetry

  • The depth of folds and chin shape

This helps ensure your treatment plan is precise and individualised.

Tailoring Your Treatment Plan

Each treatment plan is tailored to your anatomy and goals.
Your clinician may adjust the approach depending on:

  • Desired level of lift (natural vs. noticeable)

  • Past treatment longevity

  • Personal preference and budget

  • Comfort level with subtle or stronger change

Comfort Options

While treatment is quick and well tolerated, comfort measures include:

  • Topical numbing cream (applied about 45 minutes prior)

  • Cooling with ice to reduce sensitivity and bruising

  • Nitrous oxide (“happy gas”) for added relaxation

  • Local anaesthetic when combined with volume-supporting treatments

What Happens During the Appointment

  • The skin is cleansed and cooled before treatment

  • Two small points are treated, one on each side of the lower face

  • Light pressure is applied with gauze afterwards

The procedure usually takes less than five minutes, and you can return to work or social activities right away.

Threads as an Alternative Option

For those wanting additional lift or contouring, collagen-stimulating threads can be an excellent complement or alternative.
Threads are placed just under the skin to provide subtle support and encourage collagen production, helping to elevate and redefine the corners of the mouth over time.
Your practitioner will advise whether threads, or a combination approach, is most suitable for your anatomy and goals.

After Treatment

You may notice mild redness or swelling that typically subsides within hours. Tiny bumps or slight bruising can occasionally appear but resolve quickly.

Aftercare Instructions

  • Avoid makeup for 4 hours

  • Don’t rub or massage the area

  • Avoid lying down for 4 hours

  • Skip heavy exercise for 24 hours

  • Avoid active skincare (acids or retinoids) for one day

When to Expect Results

  • Initial softening may appear within 2–8 days

  • Full effect at around 3–4 weeks

  • Review at 3 weeks is recommended for first-time patients

If any unevenness appears early, it generally resolves naturally by the review appointment.

Longevity of Results

Duration varies depending on individual factors:

  • Peak effect at 3–4 weeks

  • Gradual return of movement at 8–12 weeks

  • Most results fade by 16 weeks

Maintenance is generally recommended every 3–4 months, though some patients return sooner for consistent lift.

Complementary Treatments

To enhance results and improve skin texture around the mouth, consider combining with:

  • Microlaser Peel

  • Fractional Laser

  • Skin Boosters

  • Volume Restoration

  • Lower-face rejuvenation treatments

Treatment Cost

Please refer to our current pricing page for full details.

Frequently Asked Questions – Downturned Mouth Treatment

1. What causes the corners of the mouth to turn downward?
This usually happens when the DAO muscle becomes overactive, pulling the mouth corners down over time.

2. Are these treatments painful?
Most patients describe it as quick and mild. Numbing cream, ice, or happy gas can be used if needed.

3. Is there downtime?
There’s minimal to no downtime. Mild redness or swelling may appear briefly but resolves quickly.

4. How long do results last?
Results vary from person to person but typically last between 3–4 months for some treatments.

5. Can threads be used instead?
Yes. Threads can provide gentle lift and collagen stimulation, helping to define the corners of the mouth naturally.

 

THE MANSE