What It Is
A corner lip lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that elevates the drooping corners of the mouth. This subtle lift improves a downturned or “sad-looking” expression, creating a more youthful, refreshed, and approachable appearance.
In Korea, corner lip lift surgery is highly refined, with surgeons using delicate intraoral or fine skin-based incisions to minimize scarring and achieve natural results. It is often performed as a standalone procedure or combined with a subnasal lip lift or facelift for full perioral rejuvenation.
Why It’s Done
Cosmetic Purposes:
- Lifts the corners of the mouth to correct a sad or tired look
- Improves overall smile aesthetics
- Restores youthful expression, especially in aging patients
- Enhances facial harmony when paired with lip augmentation or subnasal lip lift
Patient Considerations:
- Common among patients in their 30s–60s with age-related mouth corner drooping
- Younger patients may also choose this surgery to improve natural lip shape
- Ideal for healthy, non-smoking individuals with realistic expectations
Alternatives
- Dermal Fillers: Add subtle lift and support, but effects are temporary
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Relaxes depressor muscles pulling corners downward; results last 3–6 months
- Thread Lift: Minimally invasive lifting using dissolvable threads; temporary improvement
- Full Facelift or Mini-Lift: For patients with significant sagging beyond the lip corners
Preparation
Before undergoing a corner lip lift in Korea, patients typically complete:
- Consultation: Facial evaluation and photo documentation to plan incision placement and expected results
- Health Screening: Bloodwork and medical history review
- Pre-Surgery Instructions: Avoid alcohol, smoking, and blood-thinning medications before surgery
- Anesthesia Consideration: Usually performed under local anesthesia; sedation may be used if combined with other procedures
How It’s Done
Type: Surgical, under local anesthesia (sometimes light sedation)
Duration: 30–60 minutes
Procedure Steps:
- Small incisions made at the outer corners of the lips (skin-based or hidden in natural creases)
- A small triangular or crescent-shaped piece of skin is removed
- The skin is sutured upward, lifting the corner of the mouth
- Fine sutures are used to minimize visible scarring
Hospitalization: Outpatient procedure; patients return home the same day
Recovery
- First Few Days: Mild swelling and bruising, usually controlled with cold compresses and medication
- Sutures: Removed within 5–7 days if non-dissolvable
- Downtime: Most patients return to daily life within 5–7 days
- Scar Healing: Small scars fade over time and are usually concealed in natural lip creases
- Final Results: Stable appearance within 1–2 months
Possible Complications
- Swelling and bruising (common in the first week)
- Mild asymmetry if healing differs between sides
- Noticeable scarring (minimized by fine suturing and scar care)
- Overcorrection or undercorrection of the lift
- Temporary numbness or tightness around the lips
Treatment Options in Korea
Diagnosis
Korean clinics emphasize careful planning with:
- Facial Analysis to evaluate drooping degree and lip proportions
- Digital Simulations to preview expected results
- Plastic Surgeon Consultations for customized treatment plans
Medical Treatments
For patients preferring non-surgical solutions:
- Fillers or Botox for temporary corner lift
- Thread lifting for minimally invasive correction
Surgical or Advanced Therapies
- Corner Lip Lift Alone: Focused correction of drooping lip corners
- Subnasal Lip Lift + Corner Lift: For comprehensive upper lip rejuvenation
- Combination with Facelift or Fat Grafting: For patients with advanced facial aging
Rehabilitation and Support
- Post-op scar care with silicone gel, ointments, or laser treatments offered in Korean clinics
- Regular follow-up visits to monitor healing and symmetry
- International patient support: translation services, recovery accommodations, and long-term care coordination
