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Downturned mouth corners treatment in Rotterdam
Downturned mouth corners are often caused by a muscle that pulls the corners of the mouth downwards; a small dose of muscle relaxant in that muscle reduces the pull, so your face looks friendlier and less tired. At Zalat Clinics in Rotterdam, BIG-registered doctor Dr. Pravesh Gadjradj first assesses whether muscle activity or volume loss is the main cause and performs the treatment personally. The consultation is free.
- Treatment time
- about 10 minutes
- Results visible
- after 3–7 days, full effect after about 2 weeks
- Results last
- on average 2–3 months
- Downtime
- none; occasionally a small bruise
- Price
- from €75
What causes downturned mouth corners?
Below each corner of the mouth lies a triangular muscle (depressor anguli oris) that pulls the corner down and outwards. In some people this muscle is naturally strong or unconsciously active. The result is a downturned smile: drooping mouth corners that give you a tired, sad or stern expression, even when you do not feel that way at all.
Ageing plays a part as well. The face loses volume, the skin becomes less firm and lines can form from the mouth corners towards the chin, known as marionette lines. Then it is not only the muscle pulling the corner down; support is missing too.
What does a muscle relaxant do for a downturned smile?
The doctor gives a small injection on each side into the muscle below the mouth corner, at a safe distance from the lip. The muscle pulls less strongly, giving the muscles that lift the corners more room. The corners usually sit slightly higher or more neutral, especially while talking and at rest. The effect is subtle: your face looks friendlier, not different.
- Mouth corners that point downwards at rest
- An expression that comes across as tired or stern
- Early marionette lines
- Aged 18 or over, not during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Combining with marionette line filler
If volume has already been lost around the mouth and chin, a muscle relaxant alone is often not enough. A small amount of hyaluronic acid filler in the marionette lines and below the mouth corners then provides support, while the muscle relaxant reduces the downward pull. This combination usually gives a more natural and longer-lasting result than either alone. During the consultation the doctor honestly discusses which approach suits you; sometimes marionette line filler is more useful than a muscle relaxant.
What happens during the treatment?
- 01
Free consultation
The doctor looks at your mouth and chin at rest and while talking, discusses your health and gives you a fixed price in advance.
- 02
Treatment
After cleansing the skin, one small injection is given on each side. The treatment takes about 10 minutes.
- 03
Effect
After 3–7 days the mouth corners are pulled down less; after about two weeks the result is complete.
- 04
Free check-up after two weeks
The doctor assesses whether your mouth is balanced and whether a small top-up is useful.
Aftercare and possible side effects
Because the muscles around the mouth are finely balanced, the doctor uses a low dose and places the injections precisely. A slightly uneven smile or a stiffer feeling in the lower lip occurs rarely and fades as the effect wears off. Around the mouth the effect lasts on average 2–3 months. If you have questions you can reach the doctor via WhatsApp.
- Do not lie flat for the first 4 hours
- Do not rub or massage around the mouth
- No exercise, sauna or sunbed for 24 hours
How much does treatment of downturned mouth corners cost?
We treat downturned mouth corners from €75; depending on the amount needed, the price is between €75 and €90. If you choose a combination with filler, we agree a total price. You hear the final price during the consultation; the consultation and the two-week check-up are free.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Pravesh Gadjradj, BIG 39924163701.
Frequently asked questions
What helps with downturned mouth corners?
That depends on the cause. If a muscle pulls the corners down, a low dose of muscle relaxant usually helps well. If volume loss is the main issue, filler has more effect; often a combination works best.
How long does botox for a downturned smile last?
On average 2–3 months. You move your mouth a lot, so the effect lasts shorter than on the forehead. After that you can repeat the treatment.
What is the difference between downturned mouth corners and marionette lines?
Downturned mouth corners concern the position of the corner itself. Marionette lines are the lines running from the mouth corners to the chin, usually caused by volume loss. They often occur together, in which case a combination of muscle relaxant and filler makes sense.
Could my smile become uneven?
That happens rarely. The doctor places the injections at a safe distance from the lip and doses low. If a slight unevenness does occur, it is temporary and the doctor discusses the options at the check-up.
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Ready for the first step?
Book a no-obligation consultation. We take time for your questions, and you know exactly what to expect before anything is done.