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The Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle is a triangular-shaped muscle located in the lower area of the face. It is responsible for controlling the movement of the corners of the mouth and plays a significant role in our facial expressions. As we age, the repetitive contraction of the DAO muscle can lead to the formation of deep-set lines and wrinkles around the mouth, commonly known as marionette lines. Some people opt for aesthetic treatments like Botox or fillers to relax the DAO muscle and reduce the appearance of these lines and wrinkles, creating a more youthful and uplifted appearance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) |
| Shape | Triangular |
| Location | Lower face |
| Function | Controls the movement of the corners of the mouth |
| Expression | Active during expressions like frowning or pouting |
| Ageing | Repetitive contraction can lead to deep-set lines and wrinkles around the mouth |
| Treatment | Botox injections, dermal fillers |
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What You'll Learn
DAO muscle and ageing
The Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle is responsible for lowering the corners of the mouth and is often used to express displeasure or repulsion. As we age, the DAO muscle weakens, resulting in a downward turn of the mouth, leaving some with a perpetual frown when their face is at rest. This can make individuals look unhappy or tired, even when they are not. The DAO muscle also contracts with age, contributing to the deepening of marionette lines, which are the dynamic wrinkles that extend from the corners of the mouth down to the chin, creating a marionette-like appearance.
The over-activity of the DAO muscle with age causes it to weaken and pull down the corners of the mouth, creating a pervasive frown. This can be frustrating for patients, and many believe that plastic surgery is the only solution. However, Botox injections offer a safe and effective non-surgical option to lift the DAO muscles and restore a youthful appearance. Botox is made of a neurotoxin that, when injected into a muscle, will "freeze" the muscle by blocking the neurotransmitters, relaxing the muscle and smoothing out wrinkles.
There are also some face posture tips that can help relax the DAO muscle. For example, maintaining good tongue posture by placing the tongue on the palate and sucking up can help reduce tension from the DAO. Additionally, keeping the corners of the mouth turned up slightly can help move the attention from the bottom up. It is also recommended to avoid moving the chin muscle, as this can activate the DAO muscle.
Furthermore, some individuals opt for dermal fillers to treat deeper lines and wrinkles in the DAO area. While Botox injections can be effective in relaxing the DAO muscle, it is important to seek treatment from an expert injector, as there are potential risks and side effects associated with the procedure.
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DAO muscle and facial expressions
The Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle is responsible for lowering the corners of the lips and mouth, often used when we express displeasure or repulsion. We have one DAO muscle on each side of the mouth, which is triangular-shaped with an anchor at the corner of the mouth and a flat side along the chin.
As we age, the DAO muscle can weaken, resulting in a downward turn of the mouth, leaving some with a perpetual frown when their face is at rest. This can also contribute to the formation of jowls along the jawline. Overusing the DAO muscle can also emphasise marionette lines, which are the dynamic wrinkles that extend down the chin from the corners of the mouth.
Botox injections can be used to lift DAO muscles and restore a youthful appearance. Botox is a neurotoxin that, when injected into a muscle, will "freeze" the muscle by blocking the neurotransmitters there. This relaxes the muscle, smoothing out dynamic wrinkles such as those found around the mouth and extending down the chin.
DAO Botox is an off-label use of Botox injections, so it is essential to seek treatment from an expert injector. Injectors performing DAO Botox must have a high understanding of facial anatomy to inject it into the right place so that it will not spread to other muscles and affect the workings of the lower face.
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DAO muscle and Botox
The Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle is responsible for lowering the corners of the lips and mouth, often used when we express displeasure or repulsion. We have one DAO muscle on each side of the mouth. As we age, the DAO muscle weakens and can result in a perpetual frown when the face is at rest. This can make people look unhappy or tired even when they are not. The DAO muscle is also responsible for the deepening of marionette lines, which are wrinkles that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin.
Botox injections are a safe and effective non-surgical option to lift DAO muscles and restore a youthful appearance. Botox is made of a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin type A that, when injected into a muscle, will "freeze" the muscle by blocking the neurotransmitters there. This relaxes the muscle, smoothing out dynamic wrinkles. Botox is FDA-approved to treat a variety of cosmetic and medical concerns, including wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and at the corners of the eyes, muscle spasms, and excessive sweating.
DAO Botox is an off-label use of Botox injections, so it is important to seek treatment from an expert injector. Side effects of Botox are typically mild and temporary, but the DAO muscle's location among other important muscle groups does heighten the risk of certain side effects, such as lip asymmetry and "frozen smile". For best results, providers should inject Botox on both sides of the mouth, in a distal (outer) section of the muscle close to the motor endplate.
DAO Botox injections are a popular treatment for people who are self-conscious about their "sad smile" or "upside-down smile" and want to appear more cheerful and youthful.
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DAO muscle and filler treatments
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a triangular muscle located in the lower area of the face. It is responsible for lowering the corners of the lips and mouth, often used when we express displeasure or repulsion. As we age, the DAO muscle can weaken and result in a perpetual frown, even when we are not expressing displeasure. This can make individuals look unhappy or tired even when they are not.
Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based injectables, are an alternative treatment option that can also correct a strong DAO muscle pull. Fillers provide a different approach to enhancing the smile and softening frown lines and wrinkles around the mouth. When injected into the area around the muscle, fillers can add volume and contour to the face, reducing the appearance of the muscle's pull on the mouth corners. Fillers offer a more pronounced correction by physically adding volume and support to lift the mouth corners. One of the key advantages of fillers over Botox is their ability to offer a more significant correction and longer-lasting results. Results from fillers are immediate and can last several months to a year, depending on the type of filler used and individual factors such as metabolism and lifestyle.
It is important to note that choosing between Botox and fillers for enhancing the mouth corners and addressing DAO muscle concerns requires understanding the strengths and limitations of each treatment. Botox is ideal for those seeking subtle enhancements, while fillers are better suited for those desiring more dramatic results. Additionally, the choice of treatment depends on individual traits, particularly the natural vigour of the DAO muscle and the extent of its downward pull. It is crucial to seek treatment from a qualified and experienced provider who can assess your individual needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
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DAO muscle and facial paralysis
The Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle is one of the muscles in the lower face that helps make a frown. It attaches to the corners of the mouth and the bottom of the mandible (lower jaw), just to the side of the chin. When we wish to express displeasure or repulsion, the DAO muscle is responsible for lowering the corners of the mouth. We have a DAO muscle on each side of the mouth, and it is triangular-shaped with an anchor at the corner of the mouth and a flat side along the chin.
As we age, the DAO muscle can weaken, resulting in a downward turn of the mouth, leaving patients with a perpetual frown when the face is at rest. For some patients, this weakening of the DAO muscle leaves them looking unhappy or tired even when they feel no such thing. The DAO muscle will also contract with age, contributing to the deepening of marionette lines, which are the dynamic wrinkles characterised by lines running from the corners of the mouth down the chin towards the jawline.
The weakening of the DAO muscle can be caused by traumatic lesions of the facial nerve, which can injure nerve fibres and cause facial asymmetry. This can result in one corner of the mouth failing to move downward, even when the child cries. Marginal mandibular nerve paresis is a common post-cosmetic surgery complication that can also cause temporary facial asymmetry and skew lip animation.
In the case of chronic facial paralysis caused by Bell's palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, acoustic neuroma surgery, or trauma, there can be too much activity in the DAO muscle on the affected side of the face. This increased DAO strength restricts the smile and can cause a feeling of tightness in the cheek. DAO excision is a small surgical procedure that can permanently improve smile symmetry in patients with facial paralysis. The procedure is usually performed in a clinic and takes about 30 minutes. Local anaesthesia is provided to numb the area, and then a small incision is made inside the mouth to identify and remove the DAO muscle fibres.
Botox injections offer a safe and highly effective non-surgical option to lift DAO muscles and restore a youthful appearance. Botox is made of a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin type A that, when injected into a muscle, will essentially “freeze” the muscle by blocking the neurotransmitters there. That relaxes the muscle, smoothing out dynamic wrinkles such as those found around the mouth and extending down the chin.
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Frequently asked questions
The Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle is a triangular-shaped muscle located in the lower area of the face. It is responsible for controlling the movement of the corners of the mouth and plays an important role in our facial expressions.
The DAO muscle helps to form a variety of facial expressions, including frowning and pouting, by lowering the corners of the mouth. Over time, the repetitive contraction of this muscle can lead to the formation of deep-set lines and wrinkles around the mouth, commonly known as marionette lines.
There are several treatment options available to address an overactive DAO muscle, including Botox injections, dermal fillers, and DAO resection surgery. Botox and dermal fillers can help relax the muscle and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while DAO resection involves surgically removing the muscle through a small incision inside the cheek.
