Injectables

Treating Drooping Mouth Corners (AKA DAO) with Botox

DAO Botox for Downturned Mouth Corners 

DAO Botox is a quick, in-office treatment that targets droopy or downturned mouth corners, a common concern that can make you look tired or less approachable, even when you’re not. By softening the expression that pulls the corners of the mouth downward, DAO Botox helps restore balance to your look, giving you a more refreshed and relaxed appearance. It’s one of the most subtle ways to elevate your smile with no surgery or downtime.

How does DAO Botox Work? 

DAO Botox works by gently relaxing the depressor anguli oris muscle, which is responsible for pulling the corners of the mouth downward during facial expression. By injecting a neuromodulator into this targeted area, it blocks the nerve signals that trigger muscle contraction. This reduces the muscle’s downward pull, allowing the mouth to settle into a more neutral or subtly uplifted position. As Dr. Will Kirby, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer at LaserAway, explains, “The way Botox works is that it simply temporarily prevents the communication between nerves and muscles. When the nerves can’t tell the muscles what to do, the muscles relax and wrinkles disappear.”

Benefits of DAO Botox

DAO Botox is a simple, highly targeted treatment that can make a big difference in how your lower face looks, and how you feel when you look in the mirror. It’s ideal for patients who want to soften a tense or tired appearance without changing the natural shape of their face.

  • Lifts downturned mouth corners: Helps create a more uplifted, neutral expression by reducing the downward pull of the DAO muscle.
  • Softens a “sad” or “grumpy” look: Restores facial balance so your natural expression better reflects how you actually feel.
  • Subtle, natural-looking results: Doesn’t freeze your smile, just gently softens the muscle for a refreshed, approachable look.
  • Non-surgical with no downtime: Quick in-office treatment that fits into your day with no recovery needed.
  • Pairs well with other lower-face treatments: Complements dermal fillers or lip treatments for a more comprehensive facial refresh.

What to Expect During DAO Treatment

DAO Botox is a fast, virtually painless treatment that takes just a few minutes and fits easily into your day. Most patients describe it as a quick pinch, and you’ll be able to return to your normal routine right after your appointment. 

Before Treatment

  • Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications (like aspirin or ibuprofen) 24–48 hours before your appointment to minimize the risk of bruising.
  • Come in with clean skin, free of makeup, lotion, or SPF, especially around the lower face.
  • Stay hydrated and get a good night’s sleep before your visit.

After Treatment

  • Keep your head upright and avoid lying flat for 4 hours after your appointment.
  • Skip workouts, facial massages, and any treatments that apply pressure to the face for at least 24 hours.
  • Avoid touching or rubbing the injection area to prevent the product from moving.
  • Results will gradually appear over 2–14 days, with full effects around the 2-week mark.

How Long Does It Take to See Results from DAO?

You’ll start to see results from DAO Botox within 2 to 3 days, with full effects typically visible at the 14-day mark. The treatment lasts about 3 to 4 months, depending on your metabolism and dosage. For best results, touch-ups can be done after the two-week peak. 

According to Dr. Will Kirby, “If you have an important event in exactly two weeks, maybe reschedule your Botox. If you have an important event in exactly six weeks, that’s the time to get it.”

DAO vs. Marionette Lines: Key Differences & Treatment Options

It’s easy to confuse DAO lines with marionette lines, but they come from different causes and require different treatments. Here’s how they compare:

Causes

  • DAO Lines are caused by overactivity in the depressor anguli oris muscle, which pulls the mouth corners downward. Best treated with Botox to relax muscle movement.
  • Marionette Lines Develop due to a combination of aging, collagen loss, and gravity. These vertical creases run from the corners of the mouth to the chin and are related to skin laxity and volume loss, not muscle activity.

Treatment Options

  • DAO Lines are best treated with Botox to relax the DAO muscle and reduce its downward pull, resulting in a more lifted, balanced look.
  • Marionette Lines are best treated with dermal fillers to restore lost volume, fill deeper creases, and re-contour the area around the mouth and jawline.

Who Should Get DAO Botox?

DAO Botox is ideal for anyone who feels their mouth corners naturally turn downward, even when their face is at rest, and wants a subtle, non-surgical lift. It’s a great option for patients who want to soften a tense or tired-looking expression without affecting their natural smile.

You may be a good candidate if you: 

  • Notice you have developed drooping or downturned mouth corners
  • Want a non-invasive treatment with little to no downtime
  • Have good overall health and no contraindications to neuromodulators
  • Prefer natural-looking results that enhance facial balance

Why Choose LaserAway for DAO Botox?

Ready to smooth drooping mouth corners? Find out how DAO Botox at LaserAway can subtly lift your expression and restore facial balance with no downtime. Our licensed medical team customizes every treatment, so you get natural-looking results that reflect how you really feel.

Book your free consultation today and take the first step toward a more refreshed, relaxed you.

References

  1. “Creating Lift in the Lower Face With Botulinum Toxin A Treatment: An Anatomical Overview With Videos and Case Studies Illustrating Patient Evaluation and Treatment,” Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, May 2, 2022.
  2. “Sustainability of Preventative Botox for the Anti-Aging Process,” International Journal of Medical Science and Research, November 23, 2023.