Mouth-Corner and Nostril Botox: Why Is It Used to Adjust Facial Impression?
Botox for the mouth corners and nostrils is used to adjust an impression that looks stiff or unintentionally heavy because of muscle tension or imbalance. It relies on the principle that botulinum toxin temporarily relaxes the contraction of specific muscles, so its mechanism is fundamentally different from filler, which adds volume. The direction of the result changes depending on which area is injected and how many units are used, so it helps to understand the characteristics of each area before the procedure.
Comparing the Characteristics of Each Area
The muscles involved and the correction goals differ between the mouth corners and the nostrils. The table below summarizes the main differences between the two areas.
| Item | Mouth-corner Botox | Nostril Botox |
|---|---|---|
| Main target muscle | Depressor anguli oris (the muscle that pulls the mouth corners down) | Nasalis and the nostril-lifting muscle (the muscles that make the nostrils flare) |
| Correction goal | Softening downturned mouth corners and a tight-lipped look | Reducing excessive nostril flaring when smiling |
| Duration (general) | 3 to 6 months (individual differences apply) | 3 to 4 months (individual differences apply) |
| Muscles to be careful with | Adjacent to the orbicularis oris (the muscle that moves the lips) | Adjacent to the levator labii superioris; too much may affect the smile |
| Price at Repic Clinic in Gangnam | Explained at consultation | |
Structurally, the two areas sit next to adjacent muscle groups. If the amount is excessive or the placement is not appropriate, it can affect smiling movements or speech, so a pre-procedure consultation is needed to check the muscle distribution and movement patterns.
How It Is Designed When Combined with Filler
Mouth-corner Botox is often planned together with lip filler. Repic Clinic in Gangnam offers a package that bundles lip filler and mouth-corner Botox. It combines two different mechanisms: Botox relaxes muscle, while filler improves volume and contour.
It is known that having Botox first and adding filler seven to 14 days later is favorable for predicting the result. If time is tight, doing both on the same day is also possible, and the order is designed differently depending on the area and amount. Because the tissue layer where filler is distributed differs from the muscle layer where Botox acts, there is no conflict in terms of mechanism, but applying both to the same zone at the same time can affect filler distribution, so it needs to be checked at the planning stage.
How It Differs from Skin Botox and Wrinkle Botox
Mouth-corner and nostril Botox target specific expression muscles, while skin Botox is injected in small amounts into the superficial layers of the skin to help manage pores, sebum and fine lines. Botox for forehead, glabella and eye-area wrinkles is intended to soften expression lines, which is a different design intent from the mouth-corner and nostril procedures aimed at adjusting impression. When treating several areas on the same day, the role of each area and the combined total amount are reviewed at the consultation.
FAQ
Can I get mouth-corner Botox and nostril Botox on the same day?
The two areas act on separate muscle groups, so they can be done on the same day. However, both areas are adjacent to muscles linked to smiling movements, so the injection position and dose are designed separately for each area. Avoiding exaggerated facial expressions for one to two weeks after the procedure is a general precaution.
How long does the effect of mouth-corner Botox last?
It is generally reported to last three to six months, and it varies with individual factors such as metabolic rate, how often the muscle is used and the amount injected. Many people plan a maintenance session when the effect starts to fade gradually. Duration may differ from person to person, so it is a good idea to check it through a consultation.
Will nostril Botox make my smile look awkward?
Nostril Botox aims to reduce the movement in which the nostrils flare too much when smiling. If the amount is excessive or the placement is not appropriate, it can affect the smile pattern, so designing an appropriate dose is important. At the pre-procedure consultation, your usual smiling habits and muscle movement are checked together.
Related official information
You can find more details on the official website.
Repic Clinic official website →
The procedure may be restricted if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a neuromuscular disease.
※ This content is for general information only and does not replace a medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before any procedure. Results, downtime and side effects vary from person to person.
