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A naturally upturned smile can make the face look more youthful, approachable, and refreshed. However, some people have naturally downturned corners of the mouth, while others notice this change developing over time due to aging and loss of skin elasticity. A corner lip lift is a subtle surgical procedure designed to elevate the outer corners of the mouth, helping create a more positive, balanced expression.

At her Beverly Hills practice, Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh offers advanced lip lift techniques that enhance the lips while preserving natural facial harmony. With a highly specialized focus on facial aesthetics, she carefully customizes every procedure to complement each patient’s features.

Patient Testimonial

Deep Plane Facelift

I cannot recommend Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh, MD, enough. She performed my lip lift, facelift, blepharoplasty, and Erbium laser treatment, and the entire experience—from pre-care to aftercare—was outstanding.

I have never felt so cared for by a doctor in my life. Dr. Hassanzadeh is incredibly hands-on, attentive, and compassionate. She patiently answered all of my countless questions (and I had a lot!) faster than you can say Jiminy Cricket.

Her skill, precision, and genuine care gave me complete confidence at every stage of the process. If you are looking for a doctor who delivers exceptional results while making you feel safe and supported, Dr. Hassanzadeh is truly one of a kind.

What is a Corner Lip Lift?

A corner lip lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that raises the outer edges of the mouth. This procedure is specifically designed to address lips that appear downturned, which can sometimes create a tired, sad, or stern facial expression—even when you feel perfectly happy.

During the procedure, a small amount of skin is removed just above the corners of the mouth. The corners are then gently lifted and repositioned, creating a more naturally uplifted appearance. The incisions are extremely small and placed along the natural contours of the lips to minimize visible scarring.

Unlike treatments that add volume to the lips, a corner lip lift focuses on improving lip position and facial expression.

What are the Benefits?

A corner lip lift offers several aesthetic benefits, especially for patients who feel their lips are downturned and create an unintended expression.

Benefits may include:

  • Lifting the corners of the mouth for a more positive, relaxed appearance
  • Reducing the appearance of a sad or tired facial expression
  • Creating a more balanced lip shape
  • Enhancing overall facial harmony
  • Providing long-lasting results compared to temporary fillers

Because the procedure focuses on repositioning the lip corners rather than adding volume, it can create a subtle but meaningful improvement in overall facial expression.

The Corner Lip Lift Procedure

A corner lip lift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure at Dr. Hassanzadeh’s Beverly Hills office.

The treatment usually takes less than an hour and is performed using local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. During the procedure, Dr. Hassanzadeh carefully removes a small triangular segment of skin near the outer corners of the mouth. The lip corners are then gently elevated and secured with precise sutures.

Her meticulous surgical technique helps ensure:

  • Natural-looking results
  • Minimal scarring
  • Proper symmetry between both sides of the mouth

Because the incisions are small and strategically placed, they typically heal very well and become difficult to notice once fully recovered.

Corner Lip Lift Recovery

Recovery after a corner lip lift is typically straightforward and relatively quick compared to many other facial procedures.

Patients may experience mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising around the mouth during the first few days. These effects are temporary and gradually improve as healing progresses.

Most patients can expect:

  • Sutures removed within about 5–7 days
  • Mild swelling for the first 1–2 weeks
  • Return to normal activities within a few days

Dr. Hassanzadeh provides detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure smooth healing and optimal results. As swelling resolves, the lifted corners of the mouth begin to reveal a more refreshed and naturally pleasant expression.

Am I A Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for a corner lip lift if you:

  • Feel the corners of your mouth naturally turn downward
  • Notice a sad or tired appearance even when your face is relaxed
  • Want a permanent solution rather than temporary fillers
  • Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations

A consultation with Dr. Hassanzadeh is the best way to determine whether a corner lip lift is the right option for your goals. She carefully evaluates your facial anatomy and discusses the most effective approach for achieving balanced, natural-looking results.

Pairs Well With These Procedures

A corner lip lift is often combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures to enhance overall results.

Common complementary treatments include:

During your consultation, Dr. Hassanzadeh can recommend a personalized treatment plan designed to achieve the most natural and harmonious outcome.

Schedule a Consultation in Beverly Hills, CA

If you’re interested in enhancing your smile and creating a more uplifted, youthful expression, a corner lip lift may be an excellent option.

Schedule your lip lift consultation online today! Dr. Hassanzadeh and her team will guide you through every step of the process and help you explore the best options for achieving your ideal look.

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FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh

Tania Hassanzadeh, MD, is a fellowship-trained Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in Beverly Hills, CA. She graduated with honors in Neuroscience from Duke University in Durham, NC and completed her medical degree at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, where she was one of few graduates inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society for top academic performance.

MEET DR. H

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be visible scarring after a corner lip lift?

Dr. Hassanzadeh places incisions carefully at the corners of the mouth within the junction of the pink and white lip, where natural skin folds and shadows help conceal any marks. With proper healing and scar care, scars become very faint and difficult to notice over time.

Can a corner lip lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. It pairs beautifully with a central lip lift, lip augmentation, Botox for perioral lines, or a facelift for a comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Dr. Hassanzadeh will discuss combination options during your consultation.

Will a corner lip lift make me look like I’m always smiling?

No. The goal is not to create a permanent smile but rather to restore a neutral or slightly uplifted resting expression. When performed conservatively by an experienced facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Hassanzadeh, the result looks natural and simply softens a downturned appearance.

How is a corner lip lift performed?

A corner lip lift is typically performed in the office using local anesthesia. Dr. Hassanzadeh removes a tiny wedge of skin near each mouth corner and carefully repositions the tissue so the corners sit slightly higher. The procedure usually takes about 30–45 minutes, and patients return home the same day.

How soon will I see results after a corner lip lift?

The improvement is visible immediately after surgery, although swelling may temporarily affect the appearance. As healing progresses over the following weeks, the final, more refined results become clearer.

How long does recovery take after a corner lip lift?

Most patients experience mild swelling or bruising around the mouth corners for about a week. Sutures are usually removed within 5–7 days, and many patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within that time.

Will a corner lip lift affect how I speak or eat?

No. Once the initial healing period is complete, patients typically experience no changes in normal mouth function. Speaking, eating, and facial expressions should feel natural.

At what age do people typically consider a corner lip lift?

Patients often consider a corner lip lift in their 40s, 50s, or beyond when aging causes the mouth corners to turn downward. However, younger patients with naturally downturned lips may also benefit from the procedure.

How do I maintain my results after a corner lip lift?

Maintaining healthy skin, protecting the area from sun exposure, and following Dr. Hassanzadeh’s post-operative care instructions can help ensure optimal healing and long-lasting results.

Who is a good candidate for a corner lip lift?

Ideal candidates are patients whose mouth corners naturally turn downward or who feel their resting expression looks unhappy or fatigued. This procedure can also benefit individuals experiencing age-related sagging around the mouth or asymmetry between the corners of the lips.

Schedule a Consultation

Discover an even better you with the help of Dr. Hassanzadeh! Schedule a consultation today and start your journey toward looking and feeling your absolute best.  

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