Ataşehir Mah. Feza Sk. No:3 İstanbul / Türkiye
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Introduction
The corners of the mouth naturally change shape over time. For some people, they begin to turn downwards. This can create a sad, tired or stern expression even at rest. A corner lip lift is a small surgical procedure designed to raise the corners of the mouth. It can create a softer and more neutral expression at rest. This guide explains what a corner lip lift involves and who it tends to suit. It also covers recovery, scarring, risks and how it compares with other lip procedures.
What Is a Corner Lip Lift?
A corner lip lift is a procedure that lifts the outer corners of the mouth. It is sometimes called a corner of the mouth lift or a commissure lift. During the procedure, the surgeon removes a small triangle of skin just above each corner of the mouth. The skin is then stitched together, which raises the corner into a higher position. The aim is to correct a downturned mouth and create a more relaxed appearance. Some patients describe the result as a subtle, natural lift rather than a fixed smile.
Why Do the Corners of the Mouth Turn Down?
Downturned mouth corners can develop for several different reasons over time. Ageing is the most common cause, as the skin loses collagen and elasticity over time. Changes in the muscles around the mouth can also pull the corners downwards. Volume loss in the lower face may make the effect more noticeable. For some people, downturned corners are a natural feature from a young age. Genetics play a role in the shape of the mouth and the position of the corners. Some people notice the same feature in parents or grandparents. Lifestyle factors may also contribute over time. Sun damage and smoking can both weaken the skin around the mouth and speed up these changes.
Who Suits a Corner Lip Lift?
A corner lip lift may suit people whose mouth corners turn down and make them look unhappy. It can also help people who feel their expression appears tired or stern at rest. Suitable candidates for a corner lip lift usually share the following characteristics:
- Downturned mouth corners that are visible when the face is relaxed
- Good general health and no active skin infections near the mouth
- Non-smokers, or patients willing to stop before and after surgery
- Realistic expectations about the result and the visible scar
It is less suitable when the main concern is a long space beneath the nose. In these cases, a bullhorn or Italian lip lift may be more appropriate.
Who May Need a Different Approach?
A corner lip lift is not the right choice for everyone. Patients with a history of raised or thickened scars may be advised against it. This is because the scars sit on a visible part of the face. People with very mild downturned corners may achieve enough improvement with non-surgical treatments. Anti-wrinkle injections can relax the muscle that pulls the corners down. Filler can also support the corners and reduce shadowing beneath them. A surgeon will assess the face carefully before recommending a corner lip lift. This assessment usually includes looking at the mouth at rest, while smiling and while talking. Photographs may also be taken to plan the result and track healing.
How the Procedure Works
A corner lip lift is usually performed under local anaesthesia. The procedure often takes less than one hour from start to finish. The surgeon first marks the area to be removed while the patient is sitting upright. This helps to ensure the corners are lifted evenly and in proportion. A small triangle of skin is then removed above each corner of the mouth. The edges are carefully stitched together using very fine stitches to support neat healing. Most patients go home on the same day, once the area has been dressed. The amount of skin removed is usually small, as even a few millimetres can change the expression. Removing too much skin can create an unnatural or overly lifted look. An experienced surgeon will aim for a subtle, balanced change.
Corner Lip Lift Combined with Other Procedures
A corner lip lift is often combined with other lip or facial procedures. The most common combination is with a bullhorn lip lift. A bullhorn lip lift shortens the space between the nose and the upper lip. Adding a corner lip lift raises the outer corners as well, which can create a more balanced result. Some patients also combine a corner lip lift with a facelift or lip filler. Your surgeon will advise whether a combined approach suits your goals. Combining procedures can mean a single recovery period rather than two separate ones. However, a combined procedure may involve more swelling in the first weeks. It may also add to the overall cost of treatment.
Corner Lip Lift Recovery Timeline
Recovery after a corner lip lift is usually straightforward for most patients. Most patients experience some swelling, bruising and tightness around the mouth.
| Stage | What to Expect |
| Days 1 to 3 | Swelling, tightness and mild discomfort around the mouth |
| Around day 5 to 7 | Stitches are usually removed |
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Most visible swelling settles and many patients return to work |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | Scars appear as pink lines and continue to heal |
| Months 6 to 12 | Scars gradually fade and soften |
Patients are usually advised to avoid wide smiles and large bites in the first weeks. Soft foods can make eating more comfortable during early recovery.
Conclusion
A corner lip lift raises downturned mouth corners to create a softer and more neutral expression. It usually suits patients whose mouth corners turn down at rest and who accept a small visible scar. It is often combined with a bullhorn lip lift for a more balanced result. A specialist consultation is the best way to find out whether a corner lip lift suits you.
Explore aesthetic surgery options at ACIBADEM Beauty Center to learn more about lip lift procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
A corner lip lift usually creates a neutral or gently lifted expression rather than a fixed smile. The aim is to remove a downturned look without creating an exaggerated expression. Results depend on the amount of skin removed.
A corner lip lift is designed to give long-lasting results. The face will still continue to age naturally over the following years. Some patients may notice gradual changes many years later.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so it should not be painful. Some tenderness and tightness are common afterwards. These usually ease within a few days with simple pain relief.
A surgical corner lip lift cannot be replicated exactly without surgery. However, anti-wrinkle injections and filler can lift mildly downturned corners. These results are temporary and need repeating to maintain them.
Corner lip lift scars sit near the corners of the mouth. They are usually pink at first and fade over several months. Many patients find them hard to notice once they have fully healed.
