Procedure Overview
Surgery for drooping mouth corners is a personalized facial rejuvenation procedure designed to elevate downturned mouth corners and restore a more relaxed, approachable facial expression.
Conditions Treated
Surgery for drooping mouth corners may improve:
Suitable Candidates
This procedure may be suitable for adults who:
- Have noticeably drooping mouth corners
- Feel their facial expression appears tired or unhappy even at rest
- Have good skin quality and sufficient tissue support
- Are in good general health
- Have realistic expectations regarding surgical outcomes
Suitability should always be determined through an individual consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon.
Preoperative Assessment
Before surgery, we evaluate:
- The degree of mouth corner drooping
- Facial symmetry and lower facial proportions
- Skin quality and elasticity
- Muscle function around the mouth
- Previous facial procedures
- Medical history and overall health
Based on this assessment, an individualized surgical plan is developed to achieve natural-looking improvement while maintaining facial harmony.
Surgical Procedure
Incision Placement
Small incisions are carefully placed within the natural contours of the mouth corners whenever possible to minimize visible scarring after healing.
Soft Tissue Repositioning
The supporting soft tissues and muscles around the corners of the mouth are carefully adjusted to elevate the mouth corners while maintaining natural facial movement and expression.
Contour Refinement
The surrounding tissues are refined to improve lower facial balance and create a softer, more youthful appearance. When appropriate, this procedure may be combined with other facial rejuvenation treatments for more comprehensive results.
Closure
Fine layered suturing techniques are used to support precise healing, minimize scarring, and promote symmetrical postoperative results.
Recovery
Week 1
Mild swelling, bruising, and temporary tightness around the mouth corners are common during the first week. Patients are encouraged to rest and avoid excessive facial movements.
Weeks 2–3
Swelling gradually subsides, and most patients are able to resume normal daily activities. Care should be taken to avoid excessive stretching of the mouth during this period.
After One Month
The mouth corners appear more natural as healing progresses, and facial expression becomes softer and more balanced. Final results continue to improve over the following several months.
Postoperative Care
To promote optimal healing and maintain surgical results, you should:
Keep the incision area clean and follow all wound care instructions.
Avoid excessive mouth movements during the early recovery period.
Refrain from smoking, as it may delay healing.
Protect the incision from direct sun exposure until fully healed.
Attend scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor recovery.
Potential Risks
Every surgical procedure carries potential risks. Possible complications may include:
- Temporary swelling or bruising
- Infection
- Delayed wound healing
- Visible scarring
- Temporary asymmetry
- Changes in sensation around the mouth
- The need for revision surgery
These risks are discussed during your consultation. Careful surgical planning and appropriate postoperative care help reduce the likelihood of complications.
About Your Surgeon
Dr. Yuan Qiang, Chief Plastic Surgeon | Facial Rejuvenation Specialist
- Chief Physician, MD & PhD in Plastic Surgery
- More than 20 years of clinical experience in facial rejuvenation surgery
- Executive Member, Cosmetic Surgery Committee, Endoscopy Branch, Chinese Medical Association
- Published 12 articles in leading Chinese medical journals
- Co-author of two professional medical textbooks
- Participant in national and Guangdong Natural Science Foundation research projects
- Invited to participate in academic conferences and professional exchanges in China, South Korea, Japan, and the United States
- Developed the Multi-Layer Complex Rhytidectomy (MCR) approach for comprehensive facial rejuvenation
FAQ
Q: What causes drooping mouth corners?
A: Drooping mouth corners are commonly caused by age-related soft tissue laxity, reduced skin elasticity, and changes in the supporting muscles around the mouth.
Q: Will the surgery change my smile?
A: The procedure is designed to improve the resting position of the mouth corners while preserving your natural smile and facial expression.
Q: Will there be visible scars?
A: Incisions are typically placed along the natural contours of the mouth corners to make scars as inconspicuous as possible after healing.
Q: How long does the surgery take?
A: The procedure generally takes 1–2 hours, depending on the treatment plan and whether it is combined with other facial procedures.
Q: What type of anesthesia is used?
A: The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the surgical plan and your individual needs.
Q: Can this procedure be combined with other facial rejuvenation surgeries?
A: Yes. It is commonly combined with facelift surgery, facial fat grafting, or other facial rejuvenation procedures when appropriate.
Q: Will the results look natural?
A: Yes. The goal is to create a more relaxed and approachable appearance while maintaining natural facial movement and individual facial characteristics.
Q: Who is a suitable candidate for this procedure?
A: Healthy adults with noticeable drooping mouth corners and realistic expectations are generally suitable candidates following professional evaluation.
Q: When can I return to normal activities?
A: Most patients can resume light daily activities within 1–2 weeks, although complete recovery continues over the following months.
Q: How long do the results last?
A: Results are generally long-lasting, although the natural aging process will continue. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and proper skincare may help preserve the results over time.
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