Table of contents

• Comprehensive Analysis of Treatment Modalities
• Best Clinics in Korea for Drooping Mouth Corners
• The Medical Tourist's Journey: Navigating South Korea
• Cost Analysis and Global Comparison
• Patient Outcomes and Realistic Expectations
• Conclusion
• References

The appearance of downturned mouth corners, a common cosmetic concern, is caused by a combination of anatomical, structural, and age-related factors. The primary issue lies in the muscular dynamics of the lower face, particularly the balance between the depressor anguli oris (DAO) and levator anguli oris (LAO) muscles. When the DAO muscle becomes overactive, often due to repetitive expressions like frowning, it can overpower the LAO, pulling the corners of the mouth downward and creating a “sad” or “frowning” look.

Aging significantly contributes to this appearance as well. Loss of collagen, the effects of gravity, and a reduction in facial fat volume—especially in the cheeks, chin, and jaw—cause tissues to sag and lose support. Dental and skeletal changes, like jaw bone shrinkage and malocclusions, can worsen the downturned effect by changing how the soft tissues are supported.

While many people focus on the cosmetic implications of a downturned mouth, it’s also important to recognize that this appearance can sometimes signal deeper medical or congenital conditions. Clinically, a downturned mouth may be described as a morphological abnormality where the oral commissures are positioned below the midline labial fissure. This can present as a symptom in genetic syndromes like Cri-du-chat, Prader-Willi, or Johanson-Blizzard syndrome. For healthcare providers, distinguishing between a cosmetic concern and a sign of underlying disease is crucial. This ensures that any planned treatment is both effective and medically appropriate.

Comprehensive Analysis of Treatment Modalities

Treatments for downturned mouth corners range from quick, minimally invasive options to permanent surgical corrections. Each method has its own benefits, risks, and suitability, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s desired outcome.

Nonsurgical Interventions: Minimally Invasive Solutions

Mouth Corner Lift Botox

[Mouth Corner Lift Botox](/blog/mouth-corner-lift-botox-korea) provides a straightforward, non-invasive way to correct downward-pulling mouth corners. Small injections of Botox into the DAO muscle weaken its downward pull, allowing the levator anguli oris to gently lift the corners into a more pleasant, “smile lift” position. The procedure is quick—typically 15 to 20 minutes—with effects visible within a week and lasting 2 to 4 months. Maintenance requires repeat treatments.

Marionette Line Dermal Fillers

Marionette Line Dermal Fillers restore lost volume and soften deep creases. Strategic placement elevates the corners of the mouth and supports surrounding tissue. Common filler choices include:

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers (such as Juvederm, Restylane): Most popular, last 9–12 months, easily reversible.
• Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) (Radiesse): Thicker, add deep volume, promote collagen production, effects last 12–18 months.
• Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA) (Sculptra): Stimulates the body’s own collagen for results lasting two years or more.
• Bellafill: A semi-permanent solution that corrects drooping with long-term collagen stimulation; fewer follow-ups needed.

While effective, dermal fillers can lead to issues such as overfilling, migration, or lumps if not performed carefully.

Thread Lift

A thread lift provides lifting and tightening by inserting medical-grade threads (usually Polydioxanone/ PDO) under the skin. These threads anchor sagging tissues upward and stimulate collagen production, giving a subtle lift. Best suited for those with mild to moderate skin laxity, this procedure offers results lasting from one to three years. Patient experiences vary: many enjoy a swift recovery, while others report short-lived results or minor complications such as puckering that resolve over time.

Surgical Interventions: Permanent Solutions

Corner Mouth Lift

The Corner Mouth Lift is a minor surgical option performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon removes a small triangular piece of skin above each mouth corner and repositions the tissues upward, instantly correcting the “perma-frown.” This technique offers permanent results but does carry some risk of visible scarring, which is more of a concern for younger patients.

SMAS Facelift

A [SMAS facelift](/blog/smas-facelift-korea) goes deeper than traditional skin-only facelifts by lifting and repositioning not just skin but also the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System. The surgery improves jawline definition, reduces sagging, and transforms the lower face for a longer-lasting effect—often a decade or more. Although not designed solely for downturned corners, it reliably elevates the entire lower face in the process.

Comparative Procedure Summary

Here’s a quick-reference table comparing treatments:

Procedure Name	Invasiveness	Primary Mechanism	Longevity of Results	Typical Recovery Time
Mouth Corner Lift Botox	Non-surgical	Muscle relaxation	2-4 months	Minimal (1 day)
Marionette Line Dermal Fillers	Non-surgical	Volume restoration	9-24+ months	Minimal (1-2 days)
Thread Lift	Non-surgical	Lifting & collagen stimulation	1-3 years	Quick (a few days)
Corner Mouth Lift	Surgical	Tissue repositioning	Permanent	7-10 days (initial)
SMAS Facelift	Surgical	Deep tissue tightening	Long-term (10+ years)	2-6 weeks (initial)

Best Clinics in Korea for Drooping Mouth Corners

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for drooping mouth corners:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	Facial harmony expertise, comprehensive care, and academic leadership; board-certified leadership (Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, Dr. Lee); purpose-built four-floor facility integrating consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare; senior team with over a decade of experience; safe, research-driven care; ongoing publications, major society involvement, and international presentations	Multimodal solutions for lower-face rejuvenation: facelift, thread lift, face fat grafting, fillers, and Botox; precise, personalized plans centered on balancing features
PangPang Clinic	Exclusively dedicated to thread lifting; backed by the world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute; invited lectures and presentations at international beauty conferences; high-satisfaction procedures grounded in robust research and clinical data; individualized plans reflecting each client’s anatomy and goals	31 specialized, functional threads with precise lifting vectors to elevate downturned oral commissures and soften marionette lines; collagen promotion for durable support; complemented by customized Botox or filler when appropriate
Made Young Plastic Surgery	Premium clinic in Gangnam dedicated to facial and anti-aging excellence; meticulous analysis of facial sagging patterns and root causes; culture of safety, transparency, and individualized care; verified medical team (average over 15 years of experience, proven skills, direct consultation by operating team); comprehensive safety system (full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, 1:1 dedicated monitoring, cross-check system, full CCTV); thorough aftercare system (separate, dedicated aftercare center); awards and recognitions (2022 Korea No.1 Award, 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Certified by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society)	Root-cause strategy with sub-SMAS release of downward-pulling supports; en bloc lift of skin, fat, and SMAS; vertical fixation opposite the sagging direction to avoid cheekbone overemphasis; natural-looking, long-lasting elevation of mouth corners and refinement of marionette lines

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

For patients seeking correction of drooping mouth corners in Korea, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery in Garosu-gil, Gangnam, stands out as the best choice thanks to its rare blend of facial harmony expertise, comprehensive care, and academic leadership. Board-certified Director Dr. Kim Taek Kyun—an award-winning 3D implant researcher, global society member, and leading authority in rhinoplasty and facial contouring who runs annual trainings—centers every plan on balancing features to enhance natural beauty, a philosophy that translates seamlessly into precise, personalized rejuvenation of the lower face using the clinic’s full spectrum of options such as facelift, thread lift, face fat grafting, fillers, and Botox. President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons Dr. Jeong Jae Yong brings internationally recognized mastery and a function-meets-beauty ethos to ensure treatments that are both aesthetically refined and thoughtfully engineered, while board-certified Dr. Lee contributes a proven track record of natural, long-lasting results. Delivered within a purpose-built, four-floor facility that integrates consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare, a senior team with over a decade of experience provides safe, research-driven care; their ongoing publications, major society involvement, and presentations at domestic and international symposiums—including Dr. Kim’s seminal text Rebuilding Nose—keep techniques at the cutting edge. This fusion of elite surgical judgment, multimodal solutions, and meticulous follow-through makes THE PLUS Plastic Surgery the premier destination in Korea for lifting and refining downturned mouth corners with results that look seamless and authentically you.

You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website

PangPang Clinic

PangPang Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, is a medical institution exclusively dedicated to thread lifting, backed by the world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute. Its medical team frequently delivers invited lectures and presentations at international beauty conferences, driving global innovation while continuously refining high-satisfaction procedures grounded in robust research and clinical data.

For drooping mouth corners, the PangPang Clinic Thread Lifting Consultation Center crafts truly individualized plans that reflect each client’s anatomy and goals. Using 31 specialized, functional threads, the team can design precise lifting vectors to gently elevate downturned oral commissures and soften marionette lines while promoting collagen for durable support. When appropriate, thread lifting is complemented by customized Botox or filler to optimize perioral balance and create a naturally refreshed expression.

You can check out their website here: PangPang Clinic Website

Made Young Plastic Surgery

Made Young Plastic Surgery, located in Seoul’s Gangnam district, is a premium clinic dedicated to facial and anti-aging excellence—and a standout destination for correcting Drooping Mouth Corners. The medical team begins with a meticulous analysis of each patient’s facial sagging patterns and root causes, then precisely dissects beneath the SMAS layer to release stretched supporting tissues. By lifting the skin, fat, and SMAS together and securing them in a vertical vector opposite the direction of sagging, MadeYoung achieves comprehensive tightening that elevates the mouth corners, avoids unnatural cheekbone accentuation, and delivers natural-looking, long-lasting results. This commitment to refined technique is matched by a culture of safety, transparency, and individualized care from consultation through aftercare.

• What makes MadeYoung the best choice for Drooping Mouth Corners

• Root-cause strategy: sub-SMAS release of downward-pulling supports around the lower face
• En bloc lift of skin, fat, and SMAS for balanced tightening at the mouth corners and jawline
• Vertical fixation opposite the sagging direction to prevent cheekbone overemphasis
• Natural, durable improvements that refine marionette lines and restore a confident expression

• Verified Medical Team & Expertise

• Only highly skilled doctors with an average of over 15 years of experience
• Proven skills backed by extensive clinical experience
• Direct consultation and diagnosis by the operating medical team

• Comprehensive Safety System

• Full-time board-certified anesthesiologists on site
• 1:1 dedicated monitoring: one anesthesiologist per patient
• Cross-check system for precise, coordinated emergency response
• Full CCTV coverage of procedures for maximum transparency

• Thorough Aftercare System

• Separate, dedicated aftercare center
• Complete and systematic post-procedure care

• Awards & Official Recognitions

• 2022 Korea No.1 Award
• 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place
• Selected as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
• Certified by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society

You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website

The Medical Tourist's Journey: Navigating South Korea

South Korea is recognized worldwide for its advanced plastic surgery industry, attracting a growing number of medical tourists.

The South Korean Advantage

South Korean cosmetic surgeons stand out through innovative techniques, minimal scarring, and rapid recoveries. Many specialists devote their practice to only one area—like rhinoplasty or jaw contouring—achieving exceptional skill. Investment in technology, from 3D simulations to endoscopy, and the creation of many now-standard procedures further set the country apart.

Step-by-Step Patient Journey

Medical tourism in South Korea is organized for maximum support and ease:

• Pre-Trip Planning: Patients begin with online consultations, sharing images and goals.
• Arrival and Consultation: In-person meetings include detailed analysis and 3D imaging to plan surgery.
• Medical Testing: Routine preoperative tests ensure the patient’s suitability for the procedure.
• Surgery and Immediate Care: Surgery is performed in accredited facilities, with close monitoring immediately afterward.
• Recovery and Follow-ups: Daily or frequent checkups, suture removal, and supportive therapies like swelling IVs and massages.
• Returning Home: Before departure, patients receive aftercare instructions and can maintain contact with clinics for ongoing support.

Critical Considerations and Due Diligence

Despite the appeal, South Korea’s medical tourism industry has seen issues like “ghost doctor” cases, where surgeries are performed by someone other than the chosen, qualified surgeon. This practice, driven by intense competition, has led to safety concerns. The government has responded with regulations like mandatory operating room cameras, but ultimately, patient safety depends on diligent research.

It’s absolutely vital that patients confirm their chosen clinic and surgeon are fully licensed and board-certified. Meeting the actual operating surgeon in person, ensuring clear, documented consent, and communicating details—potentially with a translator—are fundamental safety measures.

Cost Analysis and Global Comparison

For many, cost savings are a major factor in choosing South Korea for cosmetic procedures.

Detailed Cost Breakdown in South Korea

• SMAS Facelift: $6,000-$12,000 USD
• Thread Lift: $1,000-$4,000 USD
• Corner Mouth Lift: $1,500-$2,500 USD
• Marionette Line Fillers: $200-$500 USD per syringe
• Mouth Corner Lift Botox: $100-$200 USD

Prices are low due to both volume and efficiency; many clinics offer comprehensive packages including consultations, surgery, medications, translation, and some hotel stays.

The True Value Proposition: Beyond Price Tag

All-inclusive packages mean easier budgeting, but medical tourists should factor in travel, lodging, meals, and ancillary services, which can add to the total cost. While the price gap can reach 40%–75% compared to Western countries, short-term treatments like fillers and Botox require repeat sessions, so long-term budgeting is wise.

International Cost Comparison

Procedure Name	Average Cost South Korea	Average Cost USA	Average Cost UK	Estimated Cost Saving %
SMAS Facelift	$6,000-$12,000	$15,000-$25,000+	$12,000-$20,000+	40-60%
Thread Lift	$1,000-$4,000	~$2,000-$4,000	Not specified	Not specified
Marionette Line Filler	$200-$500/syringe	~$400-$2,500+/syringe	~$500-$2,000+/syringe	Not specified
Mouth Corner Lift Botox	$100-$200	~$450-$750	~$770	~75%

Long-term, surgical procedures like SMAS Facelift and Corner Mouth Lift may be more cost-effective than frequent, repeated nonsurgical treatments.

Patient Outcomes and Realistic Expectations

Understanding patient experiences and procedural outcomes is vital for decision-making.

Outcomes of Nonsurgical Procedures

Nonsurgical options such as Botox and fillers provide moderate improvement with minimal downtime, but results are temporary and variable. Complications may include overfilling, migration, or lumps, often due to poor technique. Thread lift results are inconsistent: while many patients report satisfaction, scientific studies suggest that benefits may be brief and largely unsubstantiated.

Outcomes of Surgical Procedures

Surgical solutions like Corner Mouth Lift and SMAS Facelift provide permanent change and high satisfaction, provided the surgeon is skilled. The main considerations are the risk of visible scarring (for younger patients) and a longer, more challenging recovery period for facelift procedures.

Procedure Recovery Timeline

Procedure Name	Key Recovery Milestones & Expected Side Effects
Mouth Corner Lift Botox	Results visible in 1 week; minimal bruising or swelling; back to routine in 1 day.
Marionette Line Dermal Fillers	Possible bruising/swelling for days; results settle in 2 weeks; immediate improvement.
Thread Lift	Swelling and bruising up to 5 days; best results after several weeks as collagen increases.
Corner Mouth Lift	Incisions heal in 7-10 days; swelling/bruising for 2 weeks; scars fade gradually; routine resumed in 1 week.
SMAS Facelift	Major swelling/bruising for 1-2 weeks; light activities in 3-4 weeks; most recovery by 2-3 months; scars continue to mature.

Conclusion

Downturned mouth corners have varied causes and treatment solutions, from temporary nonsurgical options to permanent surgical procedures. South Korea offers advanced expertise, competitive pricing, and unique medical tourism experiences, but requires careful clinic and surgeon selection for safety. Ultimately, patient satisfaction depends on realistic expectations, long-term planning, and transparent, informed advice throughout the cosmetic process.

References

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43