The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscles pull down the mouth corners, contributing to a downturned mouth as we age.
As we age, the depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscles pull down the corners of the mouth. This creates a downturned or tired look.
To fix this, providers can inject anti-wrinkle toxin into the DAO muscles. This helps lift the mouth corners and gives a more youthful appearance.
When the DAO muscle is overactive, it can also deepen marionette lines—creases that run from the mouth corners down to the chin, similar to a puppet’s lines. Treating this area can soften those lines and improve facial balance.
Anti-wrinkle injections provide a non-surgical way to refresh the mouth area. They lift the corners of the mouth, creating a more youthful look.
This treatment works well and usually comes with minimal side effects.
The DAO muscle plays an important role in eating, drinking, and making facial expressions. To lift downturned mouth corners and improve appearance, providers often use low-dose neurotoxin injections. This treatment gives a subtle lift without affecting how the mouth or jaw works.
In addition, DAO Botox can smooth out fine lines, wrinkles, and dimples around the area.
For safe and accurate results, injectors must fully understand facial anatomy. Proper injection technique is key to avoid spreading the toxin to nearby muscles, which could affect natural movements. The risk of side effects is much higher when treated by an inexperienced injector, especially since DAO Botox is an off-label use.
During the procedure, the provider injects small amounts of neurotoxin into the DAO muscles. This lowers muscle activity and lifts the mouth corners. The results usually last between 8 to 12 weeks.
Patients should follow their provider’s aftercare instructions. It’s best to avoid any lower face procedures for at least two weeks after the injections.
Due to the complexity of this area and the advanced skill required to perform the procedure safely, costs may vary and are often charged by area rather than by units.
The number of units of Botox needed for DAO Botox varies depending on each individual’s facial anatomy and the degree of mouth drooping. Generally, 2-4 units per side of the mouth are administered, with some degree of asymmetry between the two sides of the face being normal.
