The corners of the mouth droop, making the face look unintentionally sad and tired. Many people therefore asked Dr. Pun: "Can a thread lift really help lift the corners of the mouth?" The answer is yes. But the results and techniques used depend on the cause of each person's droopy mouth corners.
Why do the corners of my mouth droop?
Droopy mouth corners are caused by a combination of factors. Both the loss of volume in the cheeks and corners of the mouth with age sagging skin The force of gravity pulling tissue down accumulates over time. and the Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle that works more prominently than the muscle that lifts the corners of the mouth.
Clinical principles
Thread lifting at the mouth corners uses threads placed to support and gently pull the corners upward, anchoring tissue and creating resistance against laxity. In some cases, doctors may combine this with botulinum toxin on the DAO muscle to reduce its downward pull, enhancing results.
“Lifting mouth corners isn't always just about threads. Some cases need the surrounding cheek structure and muscles assessed together, so results look natural rather than forced"
Practical advice
- Consult your doctor to determine if the corners of your mouth are drooping from lost volume, muscle, or both.
- Consider combining with botulinum toxin if the doctor assesses it's appropriate
- Set expectations based on your actual structure — don't expect an unnaturally dramatic lift
- Follow up periodically to assess whether touch-ups are needed
Summary
Thread lifts can help lift the corners of the mouth. Especially when evaluating the cause together with the surrounding structures and muscles. Dr. Pun always recommends receiving a thorough evaluation before planning treatment.