With the aging process, our skin experiences a loss of collagen and elastin, along with an increased deposition of melanin. Our facial bone structure also endures shifts and loss of bone. To make matters even worse, we also tend to experience muscle and fat atrophy of the face as well. This results in the descent of facial skin, causing nasolabial folds (smile lines) to become more prominent, and this also aids in the formation of jowls in the lower face, causing an uneven jawline. Our once youthful mouth/smile, also becomes downturned, giving us the appearance of a sad face. Many individuals refer to this appearance as “RBF.” So, what is our solution for this RBF? For starters, it is imperative to understand that before ever augmenting the lower-third of the face, we must first restore any lost volume in the mid-face area, as augmenting this area first will automatically help to tighten and lift the lower one-third of the face. Once the mid-face area has been addressed an augmented (as needed), we can then re-asses the lower-third of the face, and then treat it accordingly.
While every patient is different, typically when trying to fix a downturned mouth, a combination of both neurotoxin (Botox®) and dermal filler is used. Neurotoxin is typically injected into the depressor anguli oris muscles (DAOs), thus decreasing the pull of the mouth in the downward direction. Then, dermal filler is injected in a specific manner near the oral commissures (corners of mouth), to give this area support and a stronger foundation. One of the biggest telltale signs of aging is a downturned mouth. By turning this frown upside down, a youthful appearance to the face can be restored. To learn more about this procedure, or any other injectable procedures, contact us today and set up your free consultation with our Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner who specializes in all things injectables!