Logan Steele
Do you suffer from 'resting sad face'? The Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle could be the culprit. Located at the jawline, this muscle is responsible for pulling down the corners of the mouth, creating an unintentional frown. Treatments such as dermal fillers and botulinum toxin injections can relax the DAO, turning that frown upside down. However, it's important to consult an experienced professional like Dr Harry Singh, as incorrect placement of injections can lead to complications with basic functions such as biting, chewing, and speaking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| DAO Muscle | Depressor Anguli Oris |
| Reason for Frown Face | The constriction of the DAO muscle at the jawline pulls down the corners of the mouth |
| Treatment | Dermal fillers or botulinum toxin injections |
| Side Effects | Incorrect placement can affect the positioning of the mouth, lips, and teeth, and impact biting, chewing, sucking, or talking |
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What You'll Learn
DAO muscle and its impact on your smile
The Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle is a relatively obscure yet pivotal player in our facial expressions. Often going unnoticed, this muscle plays a significant role in shaping the corners of our mouths and, by extension, our smiles. When the DAO muscle is overactive, it can tug down on the mouth's corners, creating a "frowny face" appearance even when we are not expressing displeasure or repulsion. This repeated action can lead to the formation of marionette lines—deep folds or wrinkles that start from the corners of the mouth and extend downwards towards the chin.
The impact of the DAO muscle on our smile has led to the development of various treatments aimed at refining and rejuvenating facial features. Botox and dermal fillers are two popular options for enhancing the mouth's corners and improving overall facial expressions. Botox offers a subtle and refined approach to uplifting the mouth corners, softening the appearance of a frown. However, the results may vary depending on the natural vigour of the DAO muscle and the extent of its downward pull. For those with a strong DAO muscle action, fillers provide a more visible improvement and longer-lasting results, but they may require a slightly longer recovery period.
When considering treatments for the DAO muscle, it is essential to recognise individual variations. The success of the treatment hinges on personal traits, such as the natural strength of the DAO muscle and the severity of the downward pull. By understanding these factors, realistic goals can be set, and results can be achieved that enhance one's natural beauty. A comprehensive consultation with a qualified practitioner is crucial in making an informed decision about the most suitable treatment option.
In addition to cosmetic procedures, the DAO muscle also has functional implications. A co-contraction between the DAO and zygomatic muscles can obstruct a patient's smile and affect facial symmetry, particularly after facial paralysis recovery. In such cases, a diagnostic test with a lidocaine injection into the DAO can be performed, followed by treatment options such as botulinum toxin injections or surgical myectomy. Speech therapy is also recommended as part of the complete treatment plan.
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DAO muscle relaxation with botulinum toxin
DAO muscle, or Depressor Anguli Oris muscle, is responsible for specific facial expressions, including frowns. It extends from the corner of the mouth down to the lower jaw and pulls the corners of the mouth downwards, creating a perpetual frown or a "sad smile". Over time, overuse and weakening of the DAO muscle can deepen the downturns at the corners of the mouth, unintentionally suggesting a permanent air of sadness or fatigue.
The procedure for DAO Botox typically begins with a consultation appointment, where a qualified cosmetic specialist or a board-certified injector will discuss personal data, including medical history and aesthetic goals. They will also evaluate your facial anatomy, as precise injections based on individual face structure are crucial for effective and safe DAO Botox treatment. The injector must have a high understanding of facial anatomy to ensure the Botox does not spread to other muscles and affect the functioning of the lower face.
DAO Botox is considered a safe and highly effective non-surgical option for treating a downturned mouth and enhancing facial aesthetics. The results are typically noticeable over several days or weeks and can last for several months. However, it is important to note that DAO Botox is an off-label use of Botox and has not yet received FDA approval.
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Dermal fillers for deeper lines and wrinkles
Dermal fillers are injections that can help smooth out deeper lines and wrinkles by restoring volume to sagging skin. They are a popular, non-surgical cosmetic procedure, often used to reduce the signs of ageing.
There are several types of dermal fillers available, and a healthcare provider will be able to advise on the best option for you. The most common category of dermal filler is hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural component of the skin's connective tissue. HA is a naturally occurring acid in the skin that gives it volume and keeps it hydrated. As we age, our bodies stop producing HA, and so an injection of HA can help to restore fullness to the skin and soften fine lines and creases. HA injections usually last from six months to a year, but some research shows that repeated injections may help stimulate the body's own natural production of collagen, helping to reduce lines and wrinkles.
Another type of filler used for deeper wrinkles is calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), a substance found in your bones. CaHA fillers can help to contour the jawline and restore volume in and around the cheeks. These injections typically last up to three years when used to fill wrinkles and up to one year when used for contouring.
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is another type of filler used to treat deeper facial wrinkles. PLLA is a biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic substance that has been used in medical devices for many years. PLLA fillers help the skin rebuild natural collagen, and results can last more than two years.
It is important to note that, as with any cosmetic procedure, there are risks involved with dermal fillers, such as swelling, bruising, and bleeding. Some people may also experience an allergic reaction, and the formation of tiny bumps under the skin, which can sometimes be permanent. The safe use of dermal fillers in combination with Botox and other treatments has not been evaluated in clinical studies. Therefore, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider and choose a skilled and experienced practitioner.
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Complications from incorrect treatment
- Lip asymmetry: This can occur when the injections are not placed properly, leading to an uneven smile or lip position.
- Frozen smile: Injections that are too deep or improperly placed can cause a "frozen smile" or affect the ability to bite, chew, suck, or talk.
- Standard side effects: These include pain, tenderness, mild swelling, minor bleeding, and temporary bruising.
- Overcorrection: Adjusting the treatment too early can lead to overcorrection, requiring further treatment to enhance the results.
- Longevity: The results of the treatment may vary depending on individual factors such as metabolism, activity level, and dose.
- Scarring: While rare, some people may experience scarring at the injection sites.
It is important to seek treatment from a qualified and experienced provider to avoid these complications and ensure effective treatment.
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DAO muscle and its relation to the mouth, lips and teeth
The Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle is one of the muscles we use to move our mouths so we can speak, eat, and make facial expressions. We have one DAO muscle on each side of the mouth. It is triangular-shaped with an anchor at the corner of the mouth and a flat side along the chin. The name "depressor" comes from the muscle's function of lowering the corners of the lips and mouth, which we often do when expressing displeasure or repulsion.
Overactivity in the DAO muscle can cause the corners of the mouth to point downwards even when the person is not moving their mouth or lips. This can create an "unhappy look", leading to people frequently asking if "everything is alright" or telling the person to "cheer up". This overactivity can also lead to the formation of marionette lines—lines, folds, or wrinkles that start from the corners of the mouth and head in a downwards direction towards the chin. These lines get their name from the mouth shape of marionettes or ventriloquist's dummies.
The DAO muscle can be relaxed with botulinum toxin injections, which can turn a person's frown into a smile. This procedure must be performed by someone with significant training and experience, as complications can arise through incorrect placement of the injections in the muscles. Such complications could affect the positioning of the mouth, lips, and teeth, and even impact a person's ability to bite, chew, suck, or talk.
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Frequently asked questions
The Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle is responsible for a 'frowny face'. It is located at the jawline and can be observed when one tries to make a sad face.
If people often ask if "everything is alright" or tell you to "cheer up", it could be a sign that you have a reverse or 'upside-down' smile due to an overactive DAO muscle.
The DAO muscle can be relaxed with botulinum toxin injections, which can turn your smile from 'upside down' to 'happy clown'.
Yes, treating the DAO muscle is an advanced technique that must be performed by a qualified professional with significant training and experience. Complications can arise from incorrect placement, affecting the positioning of the mouth, lips, and teeth, and even impairing functions like biting, chewing, sucking, or talking.
