What Can Be Done For The Downturned Corners Of My Mouth After A Facelift?

Q: As a 59 year-old female, I am interested in the corner of the mouth lift. I had a facelift four years ago which did help the corners of my mouth to some degree but they need more attention. They are still downturned to some degree. Any info or photos would be appreciated.

A: Contrary to popular perception, a facelift has little effect on the corners of the mouth. In general, a facelift will not turn up corners of the mouth that are drooping down. It will have a very mild effect but nothing significant. This runs contrary to the fear that the corners of the mouth can be pulled way to the side and distorted if a facelift is ‘overdone’. Such is not the case. The mouth is a long way from the point of pull which is by the ears in a facelift. By the time the pull force reaches the mouth, it has little power left to much of anything. The downturned corner of the mouth must be attacked directly with a procedure right at where the problem is located.

The corner of the mouth lift is a simple office procedure done under local anesthesia. It involves the removal of a small triangle of skinjust above the downturned corner. In its replacement, the mouth corner is moved upward. It can be done conservatively or more aggressive depending upon the degree of downturning of the corners of the mouth. There is virtually no recovery other than some persistent redness at the corner of the mouth for a few weeks. This simple mouth procedure is powerfully effective.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis Indiana