Anti-Wrinkle treatment
Mouth Corners
Lift the corners of the mouth for a more positive resting expression.
- Treatment time
- Around 10–15 minutes
- Results
- First changes in 2–3 days; full effect by about 2 weeks
- Longevity
- Typically 3–4 months
- Downtime
- None
- From
- £130
About Mouth Corners
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) is the muscle that pulls the corners of the mouth downwards. When it's overactive, the mouth can look sad or stern even when you're perfectly content, and the downward pull deepens marionette lines over time.
A small injection either side relaxes the DAO so the corners of the mouth lift very slightly to a neutral position. It's one of the most subtle treatments we do, and one of the most effective at changing how an expression reads.
Key Benefits
- 01Lifts downturned mouth corners to a more neutral, pleasant resting expression
- 02Softens the pull that deepens marionette lines
- 03Very small doses and a quick appointment
- 04No downtime
- 05Natural — your smile is unaffected
- 06Pairs well with chin relaxing or marionette-line filler
Is this treatment right for me?
This suits people who feel their resting expression looks sad, tired or stern because the corners of the mouth turn down. Precise placement matters here, so the consultation looks carefully at how the muscles around your mouth interact.
You may be suitable if…
- The corners of your mouth turn down at rest
- You're told you look sad or cross when you aren't
- You'd like a subtle change to your resting expression
- You're not pregnant or breastfeeding
Your consultation will consider…
- How the DAO interacts with the muscles that lift the mouth and the chin
- Whether marionette lines are mainly muscle-driven or need volume support
- Any asymmetry in your smile
- Your medical history and expectations
What to expect
Before treatment
Every course of treatment starts with a face-to-face consultation with John. He'll look at how your face moves, talk through what's bothering you and what a natural result would look like for you, and check your medical history. Because this is a prescription-only treatment, it is only offered after that assessment. There's nothing special to do beforehand, though it helps to arrive without heavy make-up on the area.
During treatment
The treatment itself is quick. John marks the points to be treated, then places a series of very small injections with a fine needle into the targeted muscle. Most people describe a brief pinch or sting rather than pain, and no anaesthetic is normally needed. The whole appointment, including a chat about aftercare, usually takes around 15–20 minutes.
After treatment
You can leave straight away and carry on with your day. There may be small raised bumps at the injection points for 15–20 minutes and occasionally a little redness or a tiny bruise. The muscle starts to relax gradually over the following days, so you won't see a change immediately.
Watch
Results & longevity
You'll usually notice the muscle beginning to relax two to three days after treatment, with the full effect visible at around two weeks — this is when we assess the result and make any small adjustment. Results typically last three to four months before movement gradually returns. How long they last depends on the area, the dose, how strong the muscle is and your own metabolism; regular exercisers sometimes find results wear off a little sooner. Further treatment can be planned once movement returns, and with repeated treatment some people find lines soften over time.
Recovery, side effects & aftercare
Anti-wrinkle injections are one of the gentlest treatments we offer in terms of recovery. There is no real downtime, and most people go straight back to work or their normal routine.
Side effects
Common temporary effects are a little redness, tenderness or a small bruise where the needle went in, and occasionally a mild headache in the first day or two. Less commonly the treatment can affect a nearby muscle — for example a temporarily heavier brow or, rarely, a drooping eyelid — which wears off as the product does. Very rarely people experience flu-like symptoms. Results are also temporary and can be slightly uneven at first; a review at two weeks lets us fine-tune if needed.
Aftercare
Stay upright and avoid lying down for around four hours after treatment. Don't rub, massage or apply pressure to the treated area for 24 hours, and skip make-up on the injection points for the rest of the day. Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot baths and alcohol for 24 hours, as these can increase bruising. You can gently cleanse the skin as normal.
Please contact the clinic if you notice a drooping eyelid, significant asymmetry, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or anything that worries you — we'd always rather hear from you.
- Downtime
- None
- Redness
- Mild, usually gone within an hour
- Swelling
- Small bumps for 15–20 minutes
- Bruising
- Occasional small bruise, fades within a few days
- Normal activities
- Immediately; avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it change my smile?
No. The muscle treated pulls the corners down; the muscles that lift your smile aren't affected. The change is to your resting expression, which looks more neutral and relaxed.
Can it be combined with filler for marionette lines?
Yes, and the two often work best together — relaxing the downward pull while filler supports the crease. John can plan the order and spacing.
When will I see results?
The muscle relaxes gradually. Most people notice the first change after two to three days, with the full effect visible at around two weeks. We offer a review at that point if anything needs adjusting.
How long do results last?
Typically three to four months, after which movement gradually returns. Longevity varies with the area, the dose and your own metabolism; repeat treatment can be planned at consultation.
Does it hurt?
Most people describe a quick pinch. The needle is very fine and each injection takes a second or two, so it's over quickly. No anaesthetic is normally needed.
Is there any downtime?
No. You can return to work or your normal day straight away. We just ask you to avoid strenuous exercise, lying down and touching the area for the first few hours.
What happens at the consultation?
John assesses how your face moves, discusses what you'd like to change and checks your medical history. Because this is a prescription-only treatment, it is only offered after that face-to-face assessment. You'll leave with a clear plan and price before anything is booked.
Your Practitioner
John Dixon
Founder & Aesthetician
John founded Trusted Touch Aesthetics in Fulham and specialises in facial balancing, wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation. He is CPD-regulated and fully insured, and is known for taking the time to assess your face properly, explaining every option honestly and never over-treating — the aim is always a natural result that still looks like you. Clients regularly mention his calm manner, attention to detail and the aftercare follow-up that checks in on how you're healing.