Downturned Mouth
Specialised muscle-relaxing injections to restore symmetry, soften deep lines, and gently rebalance lower facial expressions.
| Treatment Time: 15 - 30 mins | Downtime: 1 - 2 hrs | Duration: Up to 3 - 4 months |
What is Perioral & Lower Face Muscle-Relaxing Treatment at Dr Sonya Williams?
The appearance of the lower face and lips is heavily influenced by the constant, repetitive movement of delicate facial muscles. Over time, these contractions can lead to structural changes, such as a persistent downturned expression, a prominent display of the gums when smiling, or fine vertical lines around the mouth. At Dr Sonya Williams, we provide highly precise, clinically led treatments using specialised muscle-relaxing injections to restore symmetry, soften deep lines, and gently rebalance lower facial expressions.
This advanced therapeutic intervention offers a non-surgical approach to refining the lower third of the face, shifting muscle dynamics to create a more refreshed and approachable appearance. Every treatment plan is entirely bespoke, beginning with a mandatory, face-to-face consultation to evaluate your unique facial anatomy and verify clinical suitability.
How Lower Face Muscle-Relaxing Treatment Works
The treatments target specific, overactive muscles around the mouth and jawline using a prescription-only muscle-relaxing formulation. When administered by a qualified medical clinician, the solution temporarily intercepts the chemical signals between nerves and muscles, reducing the intensity of localised contractions.
By precisely relaxing selected muscle groups, we can diminish their downward or pulling forces. This allows the opposing muscles to lift the tissue naturally or prevents the skin from folding repeatedly in high-tension areas. The procedure is performed using ultra-fine micro-needles to ensure maximum comfort, requiring no downtime and allowing an immediate return to daily activities.
Targeted Conditions & Clinical Applications
Gummy Smile (Excessive Gingival Display)
This protocol is designed for individuals who experience a prominent or disproportionate display of gum tissue above the upper teeth when smiling. This often occurs because the levator muscles that lift the upper lip are hyperactive, pulling the lip up higher than desired. By precisely administering a specialised muscle-relaxing solution into these targeted muscle sites, the upward pull is gently softened. The upper lip travels lower when smiling, keeping the gums beautifully framed and creating a more balanced, confident smile.
Downturned Mouth Corners (Permafrown)
This application addresses a persistent sad, stern, or tired resting expression caused by an overactive depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle, which runs from the corners of the mouth to the jawline. When this muscle pulls too heavily, it drags the corners of the lips downward, accelerating the appearance of premature shading around the mouth. Precise relaxation of the DAO muscle diminishes this heavy downward force, allowing the upper facial muscles to naturally elevate the mouth corners back into a neutral, refreshed resting position.
Vertical Lip Lines (Smoker's / Lipstick Lines)
Commonly referred to as smoker's or lipstick lines, these vertical superficial wrinkles develop around the perimeter of the lips due to natural ageing, a loss of structural support, and repetitive puckering movements of the orbicularis oris muscle. This treatment gently diffuses the constant tension within this circular lip muscle. Relaxing the superficial fibres softens the depth of existing lines and helps prevent the deep skin creasing that causes lipstick to bleed, smoothing the perioral architecture from within.
Thin Upper Lip (The Lip Flip)
This refined technique is tailored for individuals who notice their upper lip thin out, roll inward, or virtually disappear when they laugh or smile. Rather than adding physical volume, this treatment targets the superficial fibres of the orbicularis oris muscle along the border of the upper lip. Softening this localised tension allows the upper lip to gently roll slightly upward and outward. This exposes more of the natural vermilion (the pink part of the lip), creating the appearance of a subtler, fuller, and more defined upper lip without altering structural volume.
What Lower Face Muscle-Relaxing Treatments Can Address
Through these targeted muscle interventions, this non-surgical perioral approach helps to:
Gently elevate downturned mouth corners to restore a more neutral, approachable resting look.
Soften the depth and appearance of stubborn vertical lines around the lip border.
Reduce excessive gum display for a more balanced and proportional smile.
Enhance upper lip definition and fullness naturally without the use of dermal fillers.
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The procedure involves only a few highly precise injections using exceptionally fine micro-needles, meaning discomfort is kept to an absolute minimum. Most patients report a minor, fleeting pinch. Because the process is completed within a few minutes, topical anaesthetics are rarely necessary.
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While the specialised formulation begins interacting with the nerve signals within a few days, the visible relaxation of the muscles and subsequent structural lifting or smoothing typically develops over 4 to 10 days. The final clinical outcome fully settles by day 14.
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The results of this muscle-relaxing treatment are temporary. For most individuals, the effects last up to 3 to 4 months. Regular maintenance appointments can be scheduled to maintain a consistent, refreshed look.
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The lower face demands advanced clinical precision because the target muscles are small and sit closely alongside muscles responsible for speaking, smiling, and swallowing. If the solution spreads into adjacent muscle groups, it can temporarily affect facial symmetry or mouth movement. Choosing a highly trained medical professional minimises these risks, and any minor injection-site redness or bruising resolves quickly.
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To ensure the product settles exactly where intended and to optimize your clinical results, please follow these guidelines:
Keep your head upright and avoid bending over for at least 4 hours immediately following your procedure.
Do not rub, massage, or apply firm pressure to the lower face or lips for 24 hours to prevent the solution from migrating.
Refrain from strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, and hot environments for 24 to 48 hours.
Avoid alcohol and non-essential blood-thinning medications for 24 hours to minimize the risk of minor bruising.
Refined Aesthetics At Home
Facial Aesthetics Consultations and treatment carried out in your Home. Private, convenient and safe. Servicing the greater Dublin area. Can travel for group bookings.
Start with my online consultation form.