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.
Understanding Downturned Mouth
Why Mouth Corners Droop
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Natural mouth shape |
| Aging | Loss of volume, skin laxity |
| Muscle activity | Depressor muscles pull down |
| Volume loss | Fat pad shrinkage |
| Gravity | Tissue 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
| Treatment | Lift Amount | Duration | Downtime | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botox | Mild | 3-4 months | None | $155-$310 |
| Filler | Mild-Moderate | 6-12 months | Minimal | $310-$540 |
| Botox + Filler | Moderate | 3-12 months | Minimal | $385-$770 |
| Thread lift | Moderate | 12-18 months | 3-5 days | $540-$1,155 |
| Surgery | Significant | Permanent | 1-2 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:
- Mark injection points
- Small injections near mouth corners
- Typically 2-4 units per side
Results
| Time | Changes |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | No visible change |
| Day 3-7 | Muscle relaxing |
| Day 7-14 | Subtle lift visible |
| Month 3-4 | Effect 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:
- Local anesthesia
- Small triangular excision at each corner
- Careful closure to minimize scarring
- Corners lifted to new position
Recovery
| Time | Expectations |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Swelling, stitches in place |
| Day 5-7 | Stitches removed |
| Week 2 | Most swelling resolved |
| Month 1-3 | Scars 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.
