Sagging around the mouth｜Doctors explain causes, treatment, and self-care methods
I want to get rid of the sagging around my mouth."
The sagging around my mouth tends to make me look older than my age and make me look grumpy."
I want to know what causes sagging around the mouth and what effective treatments are available."
Do you have any of these concerns about sagging around the mouth?
Hello. I am a doctor of cosmetic dermatology and Smart Skin Clinic.
Sagging around the mouth can lead to lines, marionette lines, bulldog face, faltering mouth and face lines, and wrinkles around the mouth.
In this issue, we will carefully explain the causes, treatments, and self-care for sagging around the mouth from an expert's perspective.
If you only want to know about treatments and self-care for sagging mouth, you can skip to the Table of Contents.
What causes sagging around the mouth?
Sagging around the mouth is caused by the skin, muscles, fat, ligaments, blood and lymph flow, etc.Changes inside the body."as well as UV rays and stress.External Environment."and "lifestyle habits" such as smoking and posture.
[Causes of sagging around the mouth.
- Weakening of the facial muscles
- Lack of skin elasticity and firmness
- swelling
- Fat gain and bulging
- Stiffness of ligaments
- ultra-violet rays
- dryness
- bad posture
- smoking habit
- stress
Weakening of the facial muscles
The muscles around the mouth have various functions such as raising the corners of the mouth, chewing food, and opening and closing the mouth.
The muscles that raise the corners of the mouth weaken or are out of balance with the muscles that lower the corners of the mouth, leading to sagging around the mouth. In addition to the mouth, stiffness and pulling of the surrounding muscles leading to the mouth can also lead to sagging.
One factor behind the increase in the number of people who are concerned about sagging around the mouth due to mask life is thought to be the fact that expressionless faces reduce opportunities to use facial muscles, resulting in a weakening of these muscles.
- orbicularis oris muscle
The muscles that surround the mouth and are used for closing and squeezing. As it weakens, the corners of the mouth droop and the mouth sags. - levator muscle of the upper lip
Muscles that raise the upper lip. As it weakens, the upper lip falls, leading to sagging of the mouth. - zygomatic muscle
This muscle runs from the cheekbone to the corner of the mouth and raises the corner of the mouth when smiling. When weakened, it affects the sagging of the cheeks to the mouth and marionette lines. - buccinator muscle
Located above the zygomaticus major, this muscle raises the upper lip. When weakened, it causes the upper lip and corners of the mouth to droop, leading to sagging of the mouth. - smile lines
Located on the outer side of the cheek, this muscle pulls the corners of the mouth outward. As it weakens, the corners of the mouth fall and sag. - orbicularis oris muscle
This muscle extends from both ends of the lower lip to the lower jaw and pulls the corners of the mouth downward. When stiffened more than by clenching the teeth, the corners of the mouth fall down and sagging around the mouth becomes more noticeable. - sternocleidomastoid muscle
Located in the neck, these muscles are used in movements such as turning and bending the head. It is surrounded by lymph nodes such as the clavicle and below the ear, so if it becomes stiff, blood circulation and lymph flow will be impaired, leading to sagging of the neck and mouth.
Lack of skin elasticity and firmness
As collagen and elastin in the skin decrease, firmness and elasticity are lost, leading to drooping and sagging skin.
Because the main cause of skin firmness and lack of elasticity is aging, it is difficult to avoid 100%.
swelling
Swelling, which is caused by stagnation of blood and lymphatic fluid flow, contributes to sagging.
Blood delivers necessary oxygen and blood to the skin, while lymphatic fluid helps to eliminate waste products from the cells. When the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid is sluggish, the skin not only swells, but also deteriorates and loses its firmness and elasticity, leading to sagging.
Fat gain and bulging
Fat near the mouth can cause sagging.
Although the number of fat cells remains basically the same in adulthood, the volume of fat cells increases as one gains weight. When fat volume increases and the skin of the cheeks is unable to support the fat, it will droop and sag around the mouth.
Buckfat."is the mass of fat that gives roundness to the cheeks,Jor Fat."is a mass of fat located from the lower cheeks to the jawline. Drooping due to aging or gravity can accentuate lines and marionette lines, and lead to sagging around the mouth and loosening of the facial lines.
Stiffness of ligaments
Ligaments are tissues that secure muscle, fat, and skin to bone.
The most well-known ligament is probably the Achilles tendon. Ligaments are inherently flexible, but if they are not used, they become stiff and their movement is restricted. You have probably seen people who have ruptured their tendon as a result of sudden stretching and are unable to walk.
In the face, too, when the ligaments are stiff, movement is restricted and the skin, fat, and other tissues cannot be supported, leading to sagging around the mouth.
ultra-violet rays
Some of the ultraviolet rays that fall from the sun have been shown to reach deep into the skin and destroy collagen and elastin. In addition, even if you are indoors, you may be exposed to ultraviolet rays without realizing it, as they pass through window glass.
When UV rays cause loss of elasticity, the skin sags.
dryness
When the skin's moisture level decreases due to dryness, it leads to sagging.
When the skin is deprived of moisture due to lack of hydration or dry air, it is more susceptible to external damage such as UV rays and infection. In addition, collagen and elastin easily lose their elasticity. The area around the mouth is more prone to dryness than other parts of the body.
bad posture
What posture is bad for the mouth?
Computers, smartphones, stooping, and long hours at a desk cause the tissues around the mouth to drop according to gravity. In addition, if the neck area is not moved, even the muscles around the jaw decrease in movement and become stiff.
smoking habit
Smoking interferes with blood flow, so the skin does not receive adequate nutrients and oxygen.
Smoking also results in the loss of much vitamin C. Since vitamin C supports collagen production, a lack of it causes the skin to lose elasticity, leading to sagging.
stress
Stress causes the secretion of a hormone called "cortisol," which leads to collagen breakdown and sagging.
Stress also interferes with blood circulation and decreases skin metabolism, which also leads to sagging.
Stress consumes vitamin C. Since vitamin C is also necessary for collagen production, a lack of vitamin C may make it difficult to maintain skin elasticity.
Relationship between sagging around the mouth and laugh lines and marionette lines
Sagging around the mouth can lead to conditions such as a flat mouth, laugh lines, marionette lines, bulldog face, and loose facial lines.
[Effects of sagging around the mouth.
- mouth shaped like a kana "he" character
- laugh lines
- marionette line
- bulldog face
- Loosening of the face line
As the bones and muscles that form the foundation of the skin deteriorate, the skin and fat of the face drop down. In addition, as collagen and elastin, which kept the skin firm and elastic, decrease, lines and marionette lines begin to become more noticeable. Gradually, as the sagging around the mouth becomes stronger, the facial lines loosen and even the neck sags.
The loose lines and marionette lines around the mouth are first noticed in one's thirties, but it is in one's forties that the lines and marionette lines begin to become noticeable.
To learn more about marionette lines, click here.
*Related link URL (this marionette line article)
Self-care to improve sagging around the mouth
If the sagging around the mouth is very mild, self-care may help improve or prevent it.
Facial Muscle Training
- First, maintain correct posture with pelvis erect and shoulder blades pulled together.
When posture is out of balance, the muscles connected to the mouth become unbalanced, leading to sagging around the mouth. - Look in the mirror and move your mouth.
Move your mouth wide and vocalize "aiueo". Since the voice is produced even if the mouth remains down, you may not be moving the muscles that raise the corners of your mouth without realizing it. - I also recommend the movement of turning the face up and sticking out the lips.
Since books and videos abound on how to train facial muscles, it is best to work with something that is supervised by an expert and easy to follow.
scalp massage
This massage lifts the scalp and improves sagging facial lines and wrinkles.
The face is connected to the scalp by a single piece of skin. By lifting the upper half of the face, this approach improves sagging around the mouth. Relaxes the forehead and temple area.
lymphatic care
This method approaches sagging of the entire face by regulating the flow of lymph, known as the body's sewer system.
Relax the muscles around the shoulder blades and the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the so-called neck muscles, and gently rub around the face.
facial care or treatment
Many facial care devices are designed for "lift care". Typical examples are those that use EMS, RF, and ultrasound.
- EMS: A function that uses a low-frequency electric current to stimulate muscles to contract. Used for facial expression muscle training.
- RF: The ability to heat the skin deeply using radiofrequency energy. Skin brightness and firmness are expected.
- Ultrasonic wave: A function that transmits high-frequency sound waves to the skin to produce minute vibrations. works on the skin and muscles.
Rubbing the skin too hard risks sagging and dullness, while overworking the mouth area risks causing gills and a gorilla face. Follow the instruction manual for proper use.
Treatments to eliminate sagging around the mouth
The following is a list of treatments to eliminate sagging around the mouth.
| (data) item | Jubeluk Volume (Renishna) Injection | shopping lift | GOURI Injection | profilo injection | Incision lift (facelift) |
| Treatment Description | Injection of a formulation containing non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid and polylactic acid | Insertion of ultrafine, dissolvable threads made primarily of PDO (polydioxane-on) | PCL (polycaprolactone) liquefied formulation injected | Injection of a formulation containing high molecular weight and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid | Skin incision is made and excess skin is removed |
| Effect | Promotes collagen production and improves firmness and luster | Promotes collagen and elastin production, natural lifting, and improvement of skin elasticity and luster | Promotes collagen production | Moisturizing, improved firmness and elasticity, natural volume increase | Lifting and rejuvenation of the entire face, including sagging around the mouth |
| Time of onset of effect | 2 to 3 weeks later | Gradually, immediately after the treatment. | Gradually after a few days | Days to weeks later, peak in a month. | Immediately after treatment |
| Duration of effect | 1-2 years | 1 to 1.5 years | 6 months to 1 year | 6 months to 1 year | 5 to 10 years |
| Down time | 24 hours / Pain, redness, swelling, internal bleeding | A few days / mild swelling, redness, internal bleeding | 24 hours / Redness, bumps, internal bleeding | 24 hours / Puffiness, redness, swelling, internal bleeding | 2-3 weeks / swelling, internal bleeding, sticking sensation |
Jubeluk Volume (Renishna) Injection
JUVELUX Volume (RENISNA) is an injectable drug that combines non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid with polylactic acid (PDLLA).
Compared to JUVELUX, its particles are larger and work deeper into the skin to increase its volume. It promotes the production of collagen and elastin, and is effective for deep wrinkles such as marionette lines.
shopping lift
The Shopping Lift is a non-invasive treatment that inserts dissolvable threads into the skin.
Collagen is produced during the absorption process of the threads, which improves sagging in the long term.
GOURI Injection
Gowrie injections are liquefied injectable preparations containing PCL (polycaprolactone) that are effective for lifting and improving sagging skin. PCL is used as a medical thread and is gradually broken down in the body to promote collagen production over time and tighten sagging areas.
It is especially effective in improving marionette lines.
profilo injection
High concentrations of high molecular weight and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid are blended to work deep into the skin to restore elasticity and tighten sagging skin.
Plumping of the skin, especially around the mouth, is expected to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, sagging and marionette lines.
Incision lift (facelift)
A surgical incision is made in the skin to lift sagging skin. Excess skin is removed and the skin and muscles are tightened, resulting in long-lasting improvement of sagging skin. It is especially suited for severe sagging.
To enhance the effectiveness of sagging mouth treatmentindicates such things as location of person or thing, location of short-term action, etc.
To enhance the effectiveness of sagging mouth treatment, review and improve diet, posture, and lifestyle.
Examples include.
- Adjust your posture and create an axis in the center of your face, avoid hunching over and slouching, be aware of your posture when looking at your phone, and look in the mirror.
- Get dental care if you have a bad bite.
- Smile more and use facial muscles to prevent muscle weakness
- UV protection such as sunscreen application and parasols
- Moisturizing measures according to season and skin condition
- Use mouth muscles, chew more often, chew hard foods
- List of nutritionally balanced meals including protein and vitamins
Makeup techniques to camouflage sagging mouth area
To make the sagging mouth look a little better, you can use makeup that makes the corners of the mouth look lifted.
- Lip line with upward angle of mouth
- Concealer outside the lip line
- Upper-crease blush/highlight
When applying lipstick, draw the lip line slightly upward at the corners of the mouth. The shadow outside the lip line should be edged with concealer to make sagging less noticeable. Apply blush higher than usual and highlight slightly higher than the blush to draw the eye to the upper part of the face and away from the mouth.
Although the effects of makeup are temporary, psychological benefits can also be expected. If you feel more confident about your mouth, the corners of your mouth will naturally turn up more easily, which will help prevent sagging around the mouth from worsening.
FAQ
- Will it eliminate sagging around the mouth and lines?
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Improvement can be expected through cosmetic medicine.Continued self-care is also important to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
- When I am expressionless, I am seen as angry. Why is this?
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When the mouth is expressionless, the mouth area sags, resulting in a slanted mouth, laugh lines, and marionette lines. Sagging and looseness around the mouth can give the appearance of being grumpy.
If you suffer from sagging around the mouth, go to Smart Skin Clinic.
Sagging around the mouth is caused by a combination of various factors including bone, muscle, and skin. To improve sagging, it is important to first understand the condition and main causes of sagging.
Please feel free to consult with our specialists first to ensure that your condition is cared for. There is no forced solicitation.
By eliminating the waste of rent and advertising costs, we are able to offer our special formulations at a reduced cost.