DAO Botox for Downturned Mouth Corners

Botulinum toxin injection into the depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscles—commonly called DAO Botox—has become a targeted option for lifting downturned mouth corners and softening lower-face expressions. This article reviews the anatomical basis, clinical effectiveness, safety, and when DAO Botox is a suitable choice.

DAO Botox: Mechanism & Anatomy

The DAO Botox approach focuses on the depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle, which pulls the mouth corners downward, creating a “sad” or fatigued appearance

• The muscle lies superficially along the lower jaw, spanning from the mandible to the modiolus.

• Hyperactivity results in a downturned mouth at rest and aggravated downturn during expression.

• Precise injection relies on anatomical landmarks, guided by ultrasound or palpation.

How DAO Botox works:

1. A small dose of botulinum toxin type A is injected directly into the DAO.

2. The toxin blocks acetylcholine release, relaxing the muscle.

3. The downward pull is reduced, allowing elevators like the levator anguli oris to slightly elevate the mouth corners.

Optimal Injection Technique

A 2024 ultrasound study mapped injection zones:

• Injection at zones 2 and 3 (mid to lower thirds of the DAO) showed up to 88% improvement in neutral mouth position

• Recommended approach: one-point injection bilaterally, 2–3 units per side, 4–5 mm deep(pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

DAO Botox: Clinical Results & Evidence

A systematic review examined multiple studies involving DAO Botox, surgical techniques, and fillers

Takeaways:

• DAO Botox does produce a measurable lift—especially in neutral expression—with effects lasting 3–6 months.

• Adding dermal fillers enhances aesthetic outcome, though may not elevate corners further.

• Most success reported when performed by practitioners trained in lower‑face anatomy

DAO Botox vs Other Lower-Face Treatments

Summary: DAO Botox is minimally invasive, selective, and reversible—making it a popular alternative to surgery or fillers when addressing mild to moderate downturn.

DAO Botox: Candidacy, Risks & Aftercare

Ideal Candidates

• Individuals with mild to moderate mouth corner depressions

• Patients seeking non-surgical, subtle facial uplift

• Good general health and realistic expectations

Contraindications

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Neuromuscular disorders

• Allergy to botulinum toxin

• Severe sagging or advanced skin laxity (may benefit more from surgery)

Safety Profile & Side Effects

• Typically mild and transient: slight bruising, temporary smile asymmetry

• Avoid diffusion into muscles like depressor labii inferioris—this can lead to drooping or speech changes

• Proper dilution, placement, and anatomy knowledge minimizes risks

Aftercare Tips

• Avoid rubbing area for 24 hours

• Stay upright for 4 hours

• No strenuous activity for 24 hours

• Full results in 7–14 days; follow-up injections every 3–4 months

DAO Botox: Pros & Cons

Pros ✔️

• Quick, in-office procedure (5–10 minutes)

• No downtime or recovery

• Natural subtle results

• Lasts 3–6 months

Cons ⚠️

• Results are temporary—require maintenance

• Precise technique needed to avoid unnatural effects

• Best suited for mild depressions—not replacements for surgeries

DAO Botox – Does It Work?

Yes. The evidence supports DAO Botox as a safe, effective, and minimally invasive way to counteract a downturned mouth corner. Though not a permanent solution, it offers quick and satisfying results for the right candidate. Satisfaction rates are high when administered by experienced injectors following proper technique

Enhancing Your Results

• Combine DAO Botox with dermal fillers to address volume loss and marionette lines

• Consider non-injectable support: skin treatments with recombinant collagen to reinforce dermal structure—like post-procedure rebuilding using collagen-based protocols from medical aesthetics clinics

• Learn more about Botox treatments at Neesoon Clinic: Botox Singapore – Lower Face Services

Final Takeaway

DAO Botox is a credible, evidence-based option to gently uplift mouth corners and improve lower-face harmony. Backed by anatomical studies and clinical trials, it delivers natural-looking results with minimal downtime—ideal for patients aiming to soften their expression.

For those exploring cosmetic enhancements, it’s essential to consult a qualified injector with expertise in facial muscle anatomy. Combined proper technique and patient selection ensure DAO Botox can help lift your expression—no surgery required.

For general botulinum toxin science and safety, visit this overview by the National Library of Medicine: Recombinant collagen skin applications (MDPI) (serves as analogous professional reference).

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The content is not intended to be a comprehensive source of information and should not be relied upon as such. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk. The authors and the publisher do not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in the article. Any reliance on the information in this article is solely at the reader's own risk.