Lip Corner Lift in Korea: Fix Downturned Mouth - Prices 2025

6 min readBy Seoul Skin Guide Team
Lip Corner Lift in Korea: Fix Downturned Mouth - Prices 2025
#lip corner lift#smile lift#mouth frown#korean plastic surgery#lip enhancement

Lip Corner Lift in Korea: Fix Downturned Mouth - Prices 2025

Downturned mouth corners can make you look sad, angry, or tired—even when you're perfectly happy. Korea offers multiple solutions from quick Botox fixes to permanent surgical lifts. Here's how to achieve a more pleasant resting expression.

Happy smile

Understanding Downturned Mouth

Why Mouth Corners Droop

CauseDescription
GeneticsNatural mouth shape
AgingLoss of volume, skin laxity
Muscle activityDepressor muscles pull down
Volume lossFat pad shrinkage
GravityTissue descent

The "Resting Sad Face"

Downturned corners can make you appear:

  • Sad or unhappy
  • Angry or unapproachable
  • Older than you are
  • Tired or unwell

Who Seeks Treatment

  • Those with naturally downturned mouths
  • Aging-related corner descent
  • Anyone wanting a friendlier appearance
  • Those tired of looking "upset"

Why Korea for Lip Corner Treatment?

Korea leads in facial aesthetics:

  • Multiple options: Various treatment levels
  • Subtle expertise: Natural-looking results
  • Competitive pricing: Affordable options
  • Combination approach: Can address related issues
  • High volume: Extensive experience

Treatment Options

1. Botox (DAO Injection)

How it works: Relaxes the depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle that pulls corners down

Details:

  • 2-4 units per side
  • Takes effect in 3-5 days
  • Subtle lift
  • Quick, no downtime

Price: $155-$310 (₩200,000-₩400,000) Duration: 3-4 months

Best for: Mild downturn, first-time treatment

2. Filler

How it works: Adds volume to support corners and lift

Can address:

  • Corner support
  • Marionette lines
  • Oral commissure area

Price: $310-$540 (₩400,000-₩700,000) Duration: 6-12 months

Best for: Volume loss, moderate improvement

3. Botox + Filler Combination

How it works: Botox relaxes downward pull + filler supports

Price: $385-$770 (₩500,000-₩1,000,000) Duration: 3-6 months (Botox) / 6-12 months (filler)

Best for: Optimal non-surgical result

4. Thread Lift

How it works: PDO/PLLA threads lift corner area

Price: $540-$1,155 (₩700,000-₩1,500,000) Duration: 12-18 months

Best for: Moderate lifting needed, want longer result

5. Surgical Lip Corner Lift

How it works: Excises small triangle of skin at corner to lift

Details:

  • Permanent solution
  • Small incisions at corners
  • Visible scar (fades)
  • 1-2 week recovery

Price: $1,540-$2,695 (₩2,000,000-₩3,500,000) Duration: Permanent

Best for: Significant downturn, want permanent fix

Treatment Comparison

TreatmentLift AmountDurationDowntimePrice
BotoxMild3-4 monthsNone$155-$310
FillerMild-Moderate6-12 monthsMinimal$310-$540
Botox + FillerModerate3-12 monthsMinimal$385-$770
Thread liftModerate12-18 months3-5 days$540-$1,155
SurgerySignificantPermanent1-2 weeks$1,540-$2,695

Botox for Lip Corners Deep Dive

The DAO Muscle

The Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) pulls mouth corners down:

  • Active in frowning
  • Can be overactive
  • Relaxing it allows corners to lift

The Procedure

Duration: 5-10 minutes

Process:

  1. Mark injection points
  2. Small injections near mouth corners
  3. Typically 2-4 units per side

Results

TimeChanges
Day 1-3No visible change
Day 3-7Muscle relaxing
Day 7-14Subtle lift visible
Month 3-4Effect wearing off

Tips for Best Results

  • Start with lower dose
  • Can add more at 2 weeks if needed
  • Combine with filler for enhanced result
  • Regular maintenance

Surgical Lip Corner Lift

The Procedure

Duration: 30-60 minutes

Technique:

  1. Local anesthesia
  2. Small triangular excision at each corner
  3. Careful closure to minimize scarring
  4. Corners lifted to new position

Recovery

TimeExpectations
Day 1-3Swelling, stitches in place
Day 5-7Stitches removed
Week 2Most swelling resolved
Month 1-3Scars fading
Month 6+Final results

Scars

  • Located at mouth corners
  • Initially visible
  • Fade significantly
  • Can be concealed with makeup

Who is a Good Candidate?

For Botox

Good for:

  • Mild downturned corners
  • Testing the effect
  • Prefer non-surgical
  • Can maintain regularly

For Surgery

Good for:

  • Significant downturn
  • Want permanent solution
  • Accept small scars
  • Realistic expectations

May Need Combination

  • Moderate downturn with volume loss
  • Marionette lines present
  • Want optimal results

Related Concerns

Marionette Lines

Lines from mouth corners down toward chin:

  • Often treated together
  • Filler is primary treatment
  • Botox helps prevent worsening

Lower Face Sagging

If overall sagging:

  • May need broader lifting
  • Consider thread lift or facelift
  • Lip corner lift alone insufficient

Choosing a Clinic in Seoul

What to Look For

  • Facial balance understanding: Natural results
  • Multiple options: Various treatments available
  • Before/after photos: Similar cases
  • Conservative approach: Not overdoing it
  • Surgical experience: If considering surgery

Questions to Ask

  • What's causing my downturned corners?
  • What treatment do you recommend?
  • What results can I expect?
  • What are the risks?
  • Can I see before/after photos?

FAQ

Q: Will Botox freeze my smile? A: No, only the downturn muscle is relaxed. You'll smile normally.

Q: Is the surgical scar noticeable? A: Initially visible, but fades significantly and can be concealed with makeup.

Q: How much lift can I expect? A: Botox: subtle. Surgery: more noticeable. Discuss realistic expectations with your doctor.

Q: Can I combine with other treatments? A: Yes, often combined with lip filler, marionette filler, or other procedures.

Q: How long does Botox last for lip corners? A: Typically 3-4 months, sometimes shorter than forehead Botox.

Q: Will I look different? A: You'll look like yourself with a happier, more pleasant resting expression.

Q: Is there a non-surgical permanent option? A: Not truly permanent, but threads and filler can provide longer-lasting results than Botox alone.

Q: What age is appropriate for treatment? A: Adults of any age with downturned corners. Younger patients often prefer Botox; older patients may benefit from surgery.

Conclusion

Lip corner lift treatments in Korea range from quick Botox fixes to permanent surgical solutions. Whether your downturned mouth is genetic or age-related, you can achieve a more pleasant, approachable resting expression.

Tired of looking upset when you're not? Consult with a Korean clinic to find the right solution for your lip corners.


⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about lip corner treatments. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified professionals.

Last Updated: January 2025 Prices as of January 2025. Actual costs may vary by clinic.