What Is A Liquid Corner Lift?

A common question I encounter is whether a liquid corner lift can effectively lift the droopy corners of the mouth. While the concept might sound appealing, the reality is more complex.

Let’s delve into why a liquid corner lift, and even dermal fillers, may not be the ultimate solution for this particular concern.

Understanding the Causes of Droopy Corners

Droopy corners of the mouth can arise from a few key factors:

1. Heaviness of the Cheeks: The outer cheeks contain significant fat and ligamentous structures. This heaviness can create shadows and, in extreme cases, form marionette lines.
2. Muscle Activity: The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle pulls the corners of the mouth downward, contributing significantly to a droopy appearance.

Why a Lip Flip and Fillers Fall Short

1. Dense Tissue Resistance: The tissue around the marionette lines is very dense. When this area is filled, the heavy cheek fat continues to exert pressure, preventing significant lifting. Essentially, adding volume does not move the underlying structures enough to make a noticeable difference.
2. Muscle Activity: Fillers do not address the underlying muscle activity. While Botox can temporarily relax the DAO muscle and provide some improvement, fillers alone are insufficient.
3. Filler Consistency: Fillers, much like honey, come in various consistencies. Thin fillers are suitable for delicate areas around the eyes, while thicker fillers are used for structural areas like the cheeks. Despite these variations, fillers cannot achieve the lifting effect needed for droopy mouth corners.

Why Surgery is Often Necessary

For those seeking a lasting solution to droopy corners, surgical intervention is usually the best option. Surgery can effectively address the underlying anatomical issues that fillers and Botox cannot fully correct.

Conclusion

While a liquid corner lift or dermal fillers can enhance certain facial features, they are not the best solutions for lifting the droopy corners of the mouth.

The combination of heavy cheek fat and the activity of the DAO muscle requires a more comprehensive approach, often involving surgery, to achieve lasting and significant results.