Victor Forge
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a triangular 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 role in facial expressions. The DAO muscle is often targeted by Botox injections to reduce signs of ageing, such as marionette lines and wrinkles, and to achieve a more youthful and vibrant appearance. This procedure involves injecting botulinum toxin into specific sites along the DAO muscle to temporarily stop its movement, resulting in uplifted corners of the mouth and a reduced appearance of lines and wrinkles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Depressor Anguli Oris |
| Location | Lower area of the face |
| Shape | Triangular |
| Function | Controls facial movement around the corners of the mouth |
| Botox Dose | 2-6 units per side |
| Botox Results Duration | 3-6 months |
| Botox Side Effects | Pain, tenderness, mild swelling, minor bleeding, redness |
| Filler Results | More prominent lifting effect |
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What You'll Learn
DAO Botox injections
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a muscle of facial expression found in the lower face. It is responsible for depressing the corner of the mouth, which is associated with frowning. Overuse of the DAO muscle can cause wrinkles at the corner of the mouth and emphasise marionette lines that extend down the chin.
DAO Botox targets the DAO muscle, temporarily relaxing and inhibiting its movement, and allowing the face to achieve a natural lift. It can help to restore balance, redefine contours, and enhance overall facial harmony. The procedure is performed by administering small amounts of Botox into the DAO muscle with a fine needle. The injections are precise and typically well-tolerated by most patients.
The exact dosage and number of injection points vary based on the patient’s facial structure and the extent of correction needed. The injector should be positioned on the treatment side and the patient should be treated with their head resting back against the headrest of the chair and eyes closed. The patient should be advised on aftercare, including potential side effects such as redness, swelling, or bruising.
DAO Botox is an off-label use of Botox injections, so it is important to seek treatment from an expert injector. It is also important to note that mistakes can occur when treating this area, such as using too much Botox or injecting the wrong location, which can affect unintended muscles and alter facial expressions.
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DAO muscle fillers
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a muscle of facial expression that depresses the corners of the mouth, which is associated with frowning. As we age, the DAO muscle can weaken and contract, resulting in a downward turn of the mouth, leaving patients with a perpetual frown. This can make individuals look unhappy or tired even when they are not.
The advantage of using fillers is their ability to produce a more prominent lifting effect for the corners of the mouth. Individuals with a more significant downturned mouth appearance can enjoy a more dramatic enhancement with fillers. Fillers can also provide longer-lasting results than Botox, with an average duration of up to a year, while Botox treatments last for several months.
It is important to note that the choice between Botox and fillers for the DAO muscle depends on various factors. These include the severity of the DAO muscle pull and individual preferences for the desired outcome. While fillers offer a more pronounced enhancement, Botox provides a refined and subtle approach.
When considering DAO muscle fillers, it is crucial to consult with a qualified and experienced provider to ensure safe and effective treatment.
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DAO muscle and ageing
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a muscle of facial expression. It is attached to the corners of the mouth and the lower jaw (mandible) and works in tandem with other mimetic muscles, including the mentalis in the lower lip, masseter in the jaw, the platysmal bands in the neck, and the orbicularis oris that surrounds the mouth.
The DAO muscle is responsible for depressing the corners of the mouth, which is associated with frowning. As people age, the over-activity of these muscles causes them to weaken and pull down the corners of the mouth, creating a pervasive frown that can make patients look perpetually tired or upset. This process is exacerbated by the shrinking of the underlying bone, which means the muscle can contract more readily due to a lack of resistance. This results in a downturned face.
The DAO muscle can be treated with Botox, which blocks neurotransmitters and relaxes the muscle, creating a lift at the corners of the mouth and resulting in a more youthful appearance. This treatment is possible because the DAO muscle is not a significant component of facial expression in older children and adults, and its absence is difficult to notice.
There are also some face posture tips that can help relax the DAO muscle and prevent the ageing symptoms associated with its overworking. These include keeping good tongue posture by touching the tongue to the palate, and keeping the corners of the mouth turned up slightly.
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DAO muscle and nerve damage
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a muscle located in the face that originates at the mandibular border and inserts into the modiolus at the oral commissure. It is responsible for depressing and pulling the corner of the mouth laterally, which is associated with frowning.
The DAO muscle is supplied by the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. This nerve sends precise signals to the DAO muscle, enabling the fine-tuned movements necessary for nuanced expressions. Dysfunction or anomalies in the DAO muscle can lead to facial asymmetry, impacting non-verbal communication and aesthetic appearance.
Damage to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve may cause paralysis of the DAO muscle, resulting in an asymmetrical smile. Isolated unilateral weakness of the DAO muscle is the most common cause of facial asymmetry at birth, with one corner of the mouth failing to move downward when the child cries. All other facial movements are typically symmetrical, and the condition becomes less prominent with age as episodes of crying are reduced.
In addition to congenital causes, damage to the DAO muscle can also occur through traumatic lesions of the facial nerve. However, traumatic lesions would not selectively injure nerve fibers to the DAO muscle while sparing all other facial muscles. Electrodiagnostic studies can aid in differentiating aplasia of the DAO muscle from traumatic injury. In cases of aplasia, the conduction velocity and latency of the facial nerve are normal, and motor unit potentials are absent or decreased in number. No treatment is available or necessary for DAO muscle aplasia, as it is not a significant component of facial expression in older children and adults, and the absence of the muscle is usually difficult to notice.
In some cases, intentional relaxation of the DAO muscle through injection of Botox may be used to mitigate the effects of nerve damage or post-stroke facial weakness on the other side of the face. By relaxing the normal side, the differential is reduced, and animation usually returns by the time the Botox wears off.
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DAO muscle and facial asymmetry
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a thin, superficial muscle located below the corner of the mouth. It is responsible for depressing the corner of the mouth, which is associated with frowning. Isolated unilateral weakness of the DAO muscle is the most common cause of facial asymmetry at birth, affecting approximately 0.5% to 1.0% of newborn infants. In such cases, one corner of the mouth fails to move downward when the child cries, resulting in an asymmetrical crying face.
The DAO muscle can also contribute to facial asymmetry in adults. Hyperactivity or overactivity of the DAO muscle can lead to a downturned mouth, creating a perpetual frown or "sad smile". This can be effectively treated with botulinum toxin (BoNT) or Botox injections, which relax the muscle and lift the corners of the mouth, improving facial symmetry.
When injecting the DAO muscle, it is important to consider its anatomical borders and depth as it overlaps with nearby muscles such as the depressor labii inferioris (DLI), risorius, zygomaticus major, and platysma. Injections should be performed by a skilled and experienced practitioner with a thorough understanding of facial anatomy to avoid side effects such as asymmetrical smiles.
The injection technique involves using a fine needle to administer small amounts of Botox into the DAO muscle, targeting the downturned corners of the mouth. The recommended dose for the DAO muscle is 2.5-5 units, and the injection site is typically about 2 cm above the mandibular margin. Post-treatment instructions may include avoiding strenuous exercise, refraining from touching or massaging the treated area, and applying ice packs to reduce potential swelling or bruising.
DAO Botox treatments can provide a more youthful and vibrant appearance by reducing marionette lines, enhancing the jawline, and improving overall facial harmony. Results typically last several months, and follow-up appointments can be scheduled to assess the outcome and determine if additional treatments are desired.
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Frequently asked questions
DAO stands for Depressor Anguli Oris. It is a triangular muscle located in the lower area of the face.
The DAO muscle controls facial movement around the corners of the mouth. It is mainly active during facial expressions such as frowning or pouting, helping to lower the corners of the mouth.
DAO Botox involves injecting Botox into the DAO muscle to strategically target the downturned corners of the mouth. This relaxes the muscle, resulting in a lifted and more youthful appearance.
A specialist will use a fine needle to administer small amounts of Botox into the DAO muscle. The injections are precise and typically well-tolerated by patients. The treatment requires no downtime, but some individuals may experience redness or swelling at the injection sites.
Lip asymmetry and a "frozen smile" can occur after improperly placed injections. Other possible side effects include pain, tenderness, mild swelling, minor bleeding, and bruising.
