How to Achieve the Ideal Smile with Corner of Mouth Botox

What is Corner of Mouth Botox? Basic Knowledge and Effects

The Principle of Botox and Its Effect on the Corner of the Mouth

Botox, made from botulinum toxin, works by temporarily blocking nerve signals, which reduces muscle activity.
When injected into the depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle, which pulls the corners of the mouth downwards, it limits this downward movement.
As a result, when you smile, your mouth corners naturally lift, creating a more pleasant and uplifted expression.

Procedure Flow for Corner of Mouth Botox

You will be asked to say "ee" to show the lines on your neck.
The Botox will be injected into the shallow, indented areas (about 2 units on each side) where wrinkles appear.
The injection takes only about 5 seconds per side.

Treatment Effects and Duration

The effects usually become visible 3 to 7 days after the procedure and can last from 3 to 4 months.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Corner of Mouth Botox

Benefits: Achieving the Ideal Smile

Some people have a habit of naturally pulling their mouth corners down when they smile.
For those individuals, Botox can help by gently lifting the corners of the mouth, giving a more "happy" appearance.
A cheerful smile is universally appealing!

Drawbacks: Risk of Misplacement

One potential risk is that if Botox is accidentally injected into the wrong muscle (such as the depressor of the lower lip), it can cause the mouth to become asymmetrical or uneven.
This would persist for about 3 months until the Botox effect wears off.

Side Effects and Risks of Corner of Mouth Botox

The main risk is that Botox may end up in the wrong muscle (e.g., the depressor of the lower lip), which could cause asymmetry.
However, this is a temporary condition, and it resolves as the Botox effect fades.

Safety of Corner of Mouth Botox Treatment

Choosing a Clinic

The primary factor in choosing a clinic is likely the cost, but also consider their reputation and your level of comfort with the clinic’s approach.

Expert Treatment

The procedure itself is simple, so specialized expertise is not necessarily required. However, it’s always best to choose a clinic with good experience in administering Botox.

Post-Treatment Aftercare and Precautions

There are typically no specific aftercare requirements, but it's recommended to avoid massaging the treated area or applying pressure immediately after the injection.

Botox vs Other Treatment Options for Corner of Mouth Lifting

Botox vs Hyaluronic Acid

Botox works by relaxing muscles to prevent certain facial expressions, whereas hyaluronic acid adds volume.
If the issue is that the corners of the mouth are pulled down when smiling, Botox is usually the better option.
On the other hand, if the sagging is due to volume loss in the lower lip area, hyaluronic acid may be more appropriate.
During a consultation, your doctor will assess your condition and recommend the best treatment.

Botox vs Surgery

Botox is a non-invasive option that only works while smiling, so there’s no change in appearance when you’re not actively using facial muscles.
Surgical options, like corner-of-mouth lift surgery, provide permanent results but involve more risk and recovery time.
Hyaluronic acid injections can also address sagging due to volume loss, offering the benefit of plumping the lips and reshaping the mouth corners.

Cost of Corner of Mouth Botox

Pricing Differences Between Clinics

Typically, around 4 units of Botox are used for corner of mouth Botox injections.
Prices can vary based on the type of Botox used, with some clinics offering different price ranges.

Treatment Units and Estimated Pricing

At our clinic, we use Allergan Botox, and the cost for this treatment is ¥10,000 for the necessary units.

Does the High Price Reflect the Results?

Results can vary for each individual, and the cost will depend on factors like the clinic’s pricing structure, the brand of Botox, and the experience of the practitioner. The effectiveness of the treatment generally justifies the price for those seeking long-lasting and natural-looking results.

Yoshiko Kuno