Introduction
Imagine having a neutral expression, devoid of anger or sadness, and yet, because of drooping mouth corners, people often ask, "Are you upset?" or "Are you feeling down?" This can give the impression of an unfriendly demeanor. Wearing a perpetually sullen face not only fails to convey a lively or amiable image but also adds an air of aging and weariness. This phenomenon is often due to the tugging of the orbicularis oris muscles around the mouth, causing the corners of the mouth to turn downwards.
To determine whether you have drooping mouth corners, aside from observing whether people ask if you are angry, you can also take a look at yourself in the mirror. When gazing at your reflection, keep your face upright and as parallel to the mirror as possible, with a neutral expression. If the corners of your mouth align with or dip below the lip apex, it indicates drooping mouth corners.
Causes of Drooping Mouth Corners
There are several factors that can lead to drooping mouth corners. Some individuals are naturally predisposed to this condition, often due to genetic factors. Additionally, skin laxity, muscle atrophy, and unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking can contribute to mouth corner drooping.
Orbicularis Oris Muscle Activity
The orbicularis oris muscle, which controls mouth movements, encircles the mouth area and extends to the chin. Prolonged periods of frowning or excessive usage of this muscle can lead to its tightness, causing mouth corners to droop.
Aging of Skin and Muscle Tissues
Aging is not confined to the skin's surface. As individuals age, the orbicularis oris muscle can also deteriorate, becoming lax and atrophied, which results in insufficient support for the skin around the mouth. In addition, collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis layer of the skin are gradually reduced due to natural aging and photodamage from UV radiation, causing the skin to lose elasticity. Once the skin becomes lax, it can no longer support the underlying fat and muscles, ultimately leading to drooping mouth corners.
Genetic Factors
Early-onset or even childhood drooping mouth corners are often linked to genetics rather than aging. If family members have a history of mouth corner drooping, there is a higher likelihood of passing on this facial feature to the next generation.
Smoking
Smoking not only accelerates skin aging but also diminishes blood circulation and nutrient absorption in the skin's surface. The ongoing damage to collagen and elastin fibers within the skin, due to smoking, results in sagging skin with reduced ability to rebound during facial expressions. Additionally, smoking keeps the orbicularis oris muscle in a contracted state, exacerbating mouth corner drooping.
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Treatments
Botox Injections
Drooping mouth corners can be addressed by relaxing overly contracted orbicularis oris muscles through Botox injections. Botox involves injecting Botulinum Toxin Type A into the orbicularis oris muscle that controls mouth corners. By inhibiting nerve signals that trigger muscle contractions, the muscle relaxes, temporarily lifting the mouth corners. The effect of Botulinum Toxin is transient and typically lasts 4-6 months, gradually fading with lip and facial movements.
Soft Thread Lift (PDO)
A 3D thread lift can elevate drooping mouth corners. This minimally invasive procedure involves implanting soluble, absorbable PDO protein-lifting threads into the fascial layer of the skin, lifting sagging lower facial skin upwards. The results are immediately visible, improving not only drooping mouth corners but also addressing smile lines, and lifting sagging lower cheek muscles and skin. The protein-lifting threads are absorbed and metabolized by the skin over approximately six months. However, once embedded beneath the skin, these threads continue to stimulate the production of more collagen and elastin in the dermal layer, combating the effects of aging skin's sagging.
Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic acid injections for lip augmentation can also lift drooping mouth corners. A controlled amount of hyaluronic acid filler enhances thin or atrophied lips, making them plumper and more youthful. Simultaneously, it addresses drooping mouth corners, improving their appearance.
