As we age, our skin and muscles lose their elasticity and strength. The constant pull of gravity also makes the skin droop and sag over time, impacting the appearance of your face.
The area around the mouth, chin, and jaw can be particularly susceptible to the downward pull of gravity. Deep lines can form around your mouth as the area loses its firmness, leading to a slightly downturned look. Injectable treatments like Botox can reverse some of the effects of aging and gravity around the lower half of the face.
What is the DAO Muscle?
The depressor anguli oris muscle, also called the DAO muscle, is a pair of muscles on either side of the mouth. The DAO muscle extends from the corners of the mouth to the lower jaw. This muscle is responsible for the downward movements of the lower lip, so it’s important for making many facial expressions.1
Over time, the muscle can weaken from frequent use. It starts to sag and draw the corners of the mouth into a permanent frown. The changes to the underlying muscle can emphasize the appearance of marionette lines extending downward from the corners of the mouth.2
Many people find that this facial change makes them look stern or angry, even when that’s not how they feel. It can also contribute to an overall appearance of aging that you may not like.
What Does DAO Muscle Botox Do?
Botulinum toxin is an injectable neuromodulator that temporarily immobilizes muscles. It’s commonly known by brand names like Botox or Dysport. When Botox or a similar product is injected into the facial muscles, it prevents muscle movements and gives the area a smoother, unlined appearance.
Injecting a few DAO Botox units causes the muscle to lift slightly and reduces the downward pull at the corners of the mouth. This reverses the frown-like look that comes with a sagging DAO muscle. You’ll look less serious or angry when your face is at rest.3
The effects of DAO Botox typically last about three months. You can have the injections refreshed when they wear off.
Is Botox Better than Filler for the DAO Muscle?
Botox and fillers will create different effects on the lower face. Botox can relax the DAO muscle and give a subtle lift to the area around the mouth. However, it will not reverse deep lines such as marionette wrinkles or nasolabial folds. It also won’t create more volume in the lips.
Dermal fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane can increase volume underneath the skin and fill in wrinkles. Fillers are also frequently used to plump lips for a fuller appearance. They can last up to two years, depending on the type used.
A combination of Botox and dermal fillers in the DAO muscle can refresh and improve the appearance of the lower face.
Talk to your dermatologist if you are considering Botox for your DAO muscle. They can help you choose the right treatments to meet your goals. You can learn more about Botox on My Filler Treatment.
SOURCES:
- Medical News Today: “What is the depressor anguli oris?”
- Aesthetic Surgery Journal (Open forum): “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): “Creating Lift in the Lower Face With Botulinum Toxin A Treatment: An Anatomical Overview With Videos and Case Studies Illustrating Patient Evaluation and Treatment.”