Facial expressions play a powerful role in how we are perceived, often before a word is spoken. As the face changes with time, some women notice that the corners of the mouth begin to slope downwards. This can unintentionally give the impression of sadness, tiredness, or frustration, even when you feel calm, content, and confident inside.
This shift is a common and completely natural part of facial ageing. It occurs gradually and is often first noticed when the face is at rest. Over time, the downward pull at the mouth corners can influence how others respond to you socially and professionally, and how you feel when you look in the mirror.
At Monaz Clinic on Harley Street, we offer a clinically established approach to softening the downward pull of the mouth corners using carefully measured anti-wrinkle injections. The focus is never on freezing expression. Instead, the aim is to gently rebalance muscle movement around the mouth, helping your expression appear lighter, more open, and more aligned with how you feel emotionally.
Downturned mouth corners, often referred to as marionette lines, describe the downward curve that forms at the outer edges of the lips. This change develops due to a combination of anatomical, muscular, and structural factors within the lower face.
Ageing and Volume Loss
As the skin matures, collagen and elastin production naturally slows. The supportive fat pads within the face gradually reduce, particularly around the mouth and jawline. This leads to a loss of structural support, allowing the skin to descend slightly and exaggerate downward lines from the corners of the mouth.
Muscle Activity
The depressor anguli oris muscles are responsible for pulling the mouth corners downward. Over time, repeated muscle activity and changes in facial balance can cause these muscles to dominate, especially when the opposing lifting muscles weaken with age.
Genetics and Facial Structure
Some women naturally have stronger downward-pulling muscles or a mouth shape that turns downwards even at a younger age. Genetics play a significant role in how facial muscles interact and how the lower face ages.
External Influences
Environmental exposure, sun damage, gravity, and lifestyle factors such as smoking can accelerate collagen breakdown and contribute to early soft tissue descent around the mouth.
While these changes are normal, many women choose treatment to help their facial expression better reflect warmth, approachability, and emotional balance.
Treatment for downturned mouth corners is often chosen because of the emotional and psychological impact subtle facial changes can have. A softer mouth position can influence how relaxed and approachable your overall expression appears.
Subtle Visible Improvement
A gentle lift often becomes noticeable within days, with progressive improvement as the treatment settles. The result is a refreshed appearance without obvious signs of intervention.
Non-Surgical Approach
Anti-wrinkle injections do not involve incisions, stitches, or extended recovery. This makes the treatment suitable for women who prefer medical aesthetic options with minimal interruption to daily routines.
Preserved Facial Expression
Only the specific muscles responsible for pulling the mouth downward are treated. Smiling, speaking, and natural facial movement remain unaffected.
Emotional Confidence
Many women report feeling more comfortable in social and professional interactions once their facial expression better reflects how they feel internally.
Supportive Ageing Strategy
Regular, conservative treatment may help slow the deepening of marionette lines by reducing repeated downward muscle pull over time.
Anti-wrinkle injections for mouth corner lifting may be suitable for women who:
Every patient must attend a comprehensive face-to-face consultation to assess suitability, discuss medical history, and ensure safe treatment planning.
Anti-wrinkle injections are derived from botulinum toxin type A, a prescription-only medicine used in aesthetic medicine for many years. It works by temporarily reducing nerve signals to targeted muscles, allowing them to relax.
When treating downturned mouth corners, extremely small amounts are injected into the depressor anguli oris muscles. By reducing their downward pull, the natural lifting muscles of the face are able to function more freely, resulting in a more neutral or gently elevated mouth position.
All prescription medicines are sourced through regulated UK pharmacies and administered following strict medical protocols.
This treatment focuses on restoring muscular balance in the lower face.
Targeting the Depressor Anguli Oris
By gently relaxing the muscle responsible for pulling the mouth downward, the resting position of the lips becomes softer and less tense.
Encouraging Natural Lift
Once downward force is reduced, the zygomaticus muscles that assist with smiling are no longer opposed, allowing a natural upward influence on the mouth corners.
Precision and Control
Only the necessary muscles are treated. Speech, eating, and emotional expression remain completely natural.
The outcome is a balanced, relaxed appearance that aligns with your natural facial anatomy.
At Monaz Clinic, patient safety, comfort, and clarity are central to every appointment.
A detailed assessment of facial movement, muscle strength, and skin quality is carried out. Medical history is reviewed, and realistic expectations are discussed.
Aftercare guidance is explained clearly, and you can return to most normal activities immediately.
When Will You See Results?
Initial softening often begins within 3 to 5 days. Full results develop gradually over 10 to 14 days.
How Long Do Results Last?
Results usually last around 3 to 4 months. Longevity varies depending on muscle activity, metabolism, and lifestyle factors.
Maintenance Treatments
Regular maintenance helps sustain results. Some women find that treatment intervals extend over time as muscle strength reduces.
Following aftercare guidance helps ensure optimal results and reduces the risk of unwanted effects.
✔ Avoid touching or rubbing the treated area for 4 to 6 hours to prevent product movement
✔ Remain upright for at least 4 hours to support correct muscle targeting
✔ Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours, as increased blood flow can affect results
✔ Delay facials, saunas, and steam rooms for at least 48 hours
✔ Mild redness or swelling may occur and typically settles within a few hours
Rare risks include headache or temporary muscle weakness if aftercare advice is not followed. All risks are discussed in detail during consultation.
See the transformative effects of our treatments.
Patient A, age 45: A visible soft lift of the mouth corners, creating a more relaxed and open expression.
Patient B, age 55: Improved mouth posture with a gentler resting facial expression, noted by the patient and those close to her.
Watch our short video explaining the treatment journey, from consultation through to aftercare, to help you feel informed and comfortable before your appointment.
No. Only the muscles responsible for pulling the mouth corners downward are treated. When performed correctly, your facial expressions remain natural, with a softer resting appearance rather than a frozen look.
The injection process itself takes around 10 minutes. Allow approximately 30 minutes for your appointment to include consultation, assessment, and aftercare advice.
Discomfort is usually minimal and brief, often described as a small pinprick. Numbing cream can be applied beforehand if needed.
Yes. Many women combine this treatment with dermal fillers or other wrinkle softening procedures as part of a full facial assessment, depending on individual needs.
Makeup can be applied after 6 to 8 hours, provided it is applied gently and without pressure to the treated area.
“I was always asked if something was wrong because of my downturned mouth corners. After visiting Monaz Clinic, my smile looks naturally lifted and I feel so much happier.”
“The treatment was quick and comfortable. I felt listened to and understood. My face looks softer and more approachable.”
“I felt self-conscious about looking stern. The results are subtle but powerful. I finally look how I feel.”
“I visited while in London and felt completely at ease. My smile looks lighter and refreshed.”
Personal Care
Every face is assessed individually, with treatment plans based on anatomy and movement.
Qualified Expertise
All procedures are carried out by medically trained practitioners with advanced knowledge of facial anatomy.
Measured Results
We prioritise subtlety, balance, and facial harmony.
Safe and Regulated
Only UK-approved prescription medicines are used under strict clinical protocols.
Minimal Downtime
Careful techniques help reduce swelling and bruising.
Dedicated Aftercare
Clear guidance and complimentary follow-up appointments are provided.
Prime Location
Our clinic is located on Harley Street, offering a discreet and professional environment.Disclaimer
Results vary between individuals. A face-to-face consultation with a medically qualified practitioner is required to assess suitability. Anti-wrinkle injections are prescription-only medicines and cannot be provided without medical assessment.
Note
Anti-Wrinkle Injections are a prescription-only medicine (POM). Before any treatment can be administered, a face-to-face consultation with our qualified practitioners is required.
