Corner Lip Lift for Downturned Mouths

A downturned mouth is one where the corners of the lips point down at rest. A corner lip lift is a surgical option for that. Start with what to watch for afterward, then the questions to ask.

Look at the downturn before you book

Look at your mouth at rest and while talking, in a mirror and in a few photos. Notice whether the downturn is the same on both sides. Bring those photos to a consultation so the surgeon is judging what you actually see.

One reading is worth your time before you book. The PMC article on the surgical method of a corner mouth lift describes the technique in the medical literature. Read it before your consultation so you can ask which parts apply to your face.

Asking where the corner incisions go

• Where will the incisions sit, and how do you expect them to look at the corners?
• What would you do differently for my face than for a standard lip lift?
• What are the alternatives, and why do you suggest this one?

Early signs after the procedure

Take photos of both corners every few days and compare them with each other. Things to compare:

• Swelling that is larger on one side
• Color changes around an incision
• Drainage, or an incision line that is opening
• Soreness at either corner that gets worse instead of better

Ask the surgeon beforehand which of these they want a call about, and what the number and hours are for reaching them.

Caring for incisions at the mouth corners

Ask how your surgeon wants the incisions at the corners of the mouth cleaned and protected, and for how long. Ask what a healing scar should look like at one week, one month and later, and what would make them want to see it sooner. For a general explanation of lip lift types, surgery, recovery and scars, the Cleveland Clinic lip lift overview is a helpful companion.

What a clear answer from your surgeon sounds like

A clear answer says where the corner incisions will sit, what they should look like at one month, and who picks up the phone if something changes afterward. If a surgeon cannot say those things plainly, keep looking.