Corner Lip Lift Cost and Procedure Guide

Do you look grumpy even though you feel anything but? It can be a drawback of having lips that droop downward. Even just slightly downturned lips can make you appear sad, tired or just so serious.

Maybe you were born with downturned lips, or perhaps it’s the toll of gravity and aging causing the corners of your mouth to sag. The good news is that a corner lip lift can turn a frown upside down by elevating the corners of the mouth for a naturally happy and more youthful appearance.¹

What Is a Corner Lip Lift?

A corner lip lift is a surgical procedure that’s used to lift the oral commissures, or the corners of the mouth, to minimize a downturned appearance.²

Downturned lips can be caused by genetics or the aging process. As we age, the depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscles that run along the side of the mouth weaken over time, pulling the corners of the mouth down. Add reduced skin laxity and sagging jowls — other common signs of aging — and this causes the corners of the mouth to turn downward.²

Benefits of a corner lip lift can include:¹

• Elevating downturned lips
• Facial balance
• Happy, more approachable appearance
• Illusion of fuller lips
• Improved self-esteem

Corner lip lift vs. lip lift

If you’re ready to address the way your lips dip in the corners, you may be wondering how a corner lip lift compares to a regular lip lift.

While both procedures elevate the lips, they target different areas to achieve a different aesthetic:³

• Corner lip lifts focus on raising the outer corners of the lips to correct a downturned appearance.
• Lip lifts raise the upper lip toward the nose to make the vermilion — or colored part of the lip — more visible for a fuller appearance.

Who Is a Candidate for a Corner Lip Lift?

A corner lip lift may be right for you if you feel that the downturned appearance of your lips makes you look older, tired or sad.

An ideal candidate for a corner lip lift may be someone who:¹

• Has realistic expectations about results
• Is a nonsmoker or is willing to quit smoking before surgery
• Is generally in good health without uncontrolled medical conditions

How Much Does a Corner Lip Lift Cost?

A corner lip lift can cost between $2,500 and $5,000.⁴ Corner lip lifts can sometimes cost more than other types because of the precision required for the procedure.⁵

The surgeon’s experience and geographical location can also affect the cost.⁵ Be sure to check with your surgeon's office to find out what your specific costs may be.

Are corner lip lifts covered by insurance?

Corner lip lifts are cosmetic procedures that are typically not covered by insurance.⁶ However, some providers may offer patient financing, such as the CareCredit credit card, as a way to pay for the cost over time.*

How Corner Lip Lifts Work

Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon to find out if a corner lip lift is the right procedure for you. To do this, the doctor will examine your lips and facial anatomy and discuss their approach to achieve your aesthetic goals.³

Preparation

If you decide to proceed, your surgeon will give you preparation instructions to follow ahead of your surgery. These may include avoiding the following:⁷

• Blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen
• Herbal supplements, such as vitamin E and ginseng
• Sun exposure
• Tobacco and nicotine

Procedure

Corner lip-lift procedures are typically performed in-office using local anesthesia to numb the area. It typically takes under an hour. Here’s a general idea of how a corner lip lift is done and what you might expect the day of your procedure:¹

• Local anesthetic is used to numb the area and keep you comfortable.
• Small incisions are made at each the corners of your mouth where your top and bottom lips meet.
• A small amount of skin is removed from each side.
• The incisions are closed with fine sutures.

Recovery tips and timing

After your surgery, swelling and bruising is normal, and typically resolves within three to five days. Some discomfort is also normal, but you may be able to manage it with over-the-counter pain medication.¹

You may be able to return to your regular activities right away, but your surgeon may recommend that you avoid any strenuous activities and exaggerated lip movements for the first week after surgery.¹

Your surgeon will tell you when to return to the office to have your stitches removed, which is usually five to seven days after surgery.¹

Corner Lip Lift Results

The results of your corner lip lift will become more apparent within a week. As your swelling improves, you’ll be able to see your full results.¹

While the procedure permanently alters your lips, it’s important to remember that aging will naturally change your lips over time. Additional treatments or products may be needed to help you maintain your results.⁶

Potential complications and side effects

Every surgical procedure has the potential to cause complications and side effects. Fortunately, most people who have the procedure don’t experience adverse effects.²

Potential complications may include:³

• Anesthesia-related complications
• Asymmetrical results
• Bleeding
• Changes in skin sensation
• Infection
• Poor wound healing
• Scarring

Choosing a board-certified surgeon can help mitigate the potential complications and provide the desired outcome.³

Brighten Your Expression With a Corner Lip Lift

If your naturally downturned lips make you appear tired or sullen, or you feel like the drooping of your lips is aging you, a corner lip lift may be worth considering. This straightforward cosmetic procedure can lift the corners of the mouth for a brighter, more pleasant expression and enhanced lip contours.¹

Book a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to see if a corner lip lift is the best way to achieve your aesthetic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Corner Lip Lifts

Do you still have questions about corner lip lifts? Here are answers to some common questions about this procedure.

Financing Corner Lip Lift Surgery With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for a corner lip lift and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for almost two decades. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today and more.