Botox for downturned mouth in New York, NY
Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered why you look upset—even when you’re perfectly content? Or maybe people keep asking if something’s wrong when you’re just standing there thinking about lunch. If so, you might be dealing with what we call a permafrown—a common sign of aging where the corners of your mouth start to turn downward.
And yes, this can give off serious “resting bitch face” vibes, even if you’re the friendliest person in the room.
Let’s talk about what causes that permanently pouty look—and how Botox for a downturned mouth can help.
Why Do We Develop a Permafrown?
There are a few culprits behind that frowny resting face:
- The DAO Muscle – Short for depressor anguli oris, this small facial muscle is responsible for pulling the corners of your mouth downward. Over time, it can become overactive—especially as other muscles weaken with age—leading to a constant drooping appearance.
- Loss of Facial Volume – As we age, we naturally lose fat and collagen in our cheeks and midface. This can create a sagging effect and make the lower face look heavy or tired.
- Decreased Skin Laxity – Gravity is relentless. Less elastic skin means it doesn’t bounce back the way it used to, contributing to that sad, downward pull around the mouth.
To make things worse, the permafrown is often paired with deep frown lines between the brows (a.k.a. “11s”), which can make your whole expression look stern or disapproving—even when you’re just thinking about puppies.
Botox for Corners of Mouth
Botox to the rescue! A few well-placed units of Botox can relax the DAO muscles, allowing the corners of your mouth to rest in a more neutral—or even slightly lifted—position. This subtle tweak can make you look more approachable, refreshed, and less like you just read a really disappointing email.
The procedure is quick, relatively painless, and has little to no downtime. Most people notice a difference within a few days, with full results at around two weeks.
Other Treatments for Corners of Mouth
Botox is a great place to start, but depending on your goals and anatomy, we might recommend combining it with other treatments to get the best result:
- Dermal Fillers – Fillers can restore lost volume in the cheeks and around the mouth, helping to support the lower face and subtly lift the corners of the mouth.
- Skin Tightening – Treatments like radiofrequency, ultrasound, or laser can improve skin elasticity and reduce sagging around the jawline and mouth.
- The Grin Lift – For patients who are looking for a more dramatic or longer-lasting solution, a minor surgical procedure called a “grin lift” can physically reposition the corners of the mouth.
Let’s Turn That Frown Upside Down
Looking in the mirror and seeing a scowl that doesn’t match how you feel? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to live with it. Whether it’s Botox, fillers, or a customized combination, there’s a solution that can help you look as friendly as you feel.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Dina Strachan to find out if Botox for downturned mouth is right for you. Let’s put a little more smile in your resting face!
