Logan Steele
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a thin, triangular muscle located in the lower area of the face, extending from the corner of the mouth down to the lower jaw. It is responsible for controlling the downward movement of the corners of the mouth and plays an important role in facial expressions. As people age, the overuse and weakening of the DAO muscle can result in a perpetual frown, contributing to the formation of marionette lines and jowls. Treatments such as Botox injections aim to relax and lift the DAO muscle, reducing wrinkles and improving facial symmetry. However, it is important to carefully administer these injections to avoid undesirable side effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full form | Depressor Anguli Oris |
| Location | Below the corner of the mouth and the lower jaw (mandible) |
| Appearance | Triangular |
| Depth | 0.25 to 0.4 cm from the skin surface |
| Width | 3.6 cm |
| Function | Controls the movement of the corners of the mouth |
| Botox treatment | Requires injecting neurotoxin into specific sites along the muscle |
| Filler treatment | Requires injecting fillers into specific points around the mouth |
| Botox side effects | Over-injection can restrict facial movements |
| Filler side effects | Over-injection can create an unnatural, disproportionate appearance |
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What You'll Learn
The DAO muscle is located in the lower face
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is located in the lower face. It is a thin, triangular muscle that sits below the corner of the mouth and extends to the lower jaw. The DAO muscle is responsible for controlling the downward movement of the corners of the mouth, and it works in tandem with other mimetic muscles, including the mentalis in the lower lip, the masseter in the jaw, the platysmal bands in the neck, and the orbicularis oris that surrounds the mouth.
As we age, the DAO muscle can weaken and atrophy, resulting in a downward turn of the mouth, giving patients a perpetual frown or an angry appearance when the face is at rest. This can be further exacerbated by the deepening of marionette lines, which are dynamic wrinkles that run from the corners of the mouth down the chin towards the jawline.
Overuse of the DAO muscle can also contribute to the formation of these marionette lines, as the repeated contraction of the muscle etches creases into the skin around the mouth. Some people may subconsciously activate this muscle, especially during times of concentration or stress, further contributing to its overuse.
Botox injections are a safe and effective non-surgical option to relax and lift the DAO muscle, thereby restoring a more youthful and cheerful appearance. By injecting botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin, into specific sites along the DAO muscle, its movement is temporarily stopped, softening the downturned mouth. This allows the corners of the mouth to uplift, creating a more relaxed and rejuvenated look.
It is important to note that the injection of the DAO muscle can be complex due to its proximity to other muscles, and it should always remain lateral to avoid significant lip dysfunction. As such, it is crucial to seek treatment from an expert injector to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of adverse events.
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DAO Botox is an off-label use of Botox injections
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a thin, triangular-shaped facial expression muscle located in the lower face, below the corner of the mouth. It extends from the corner of the mouth down to the lower jaw (mandible) and is responsible for facial expressions such as frowning. With age, the DAO muscle can weaken, resulting in a downward turn of the mouth, leaving patients with a perpetual frown. This can also contribute to the deepening of marionette lines and the formation of jowls along the jawline.
When injecting the DAO muscle, it is important to inject the mid-belly of the muscle. The depth of the injection should be around 5mm, and the optimal dose is 2 to 4 units per side of the mouth. It is crucial to avoid injecting the depressor labii muscle to prevent lip asymmetry. The injector must have a good understanding of facial anatomy to ensure the treatment is effective and to reduce potential side effects and complications.
Side effects of DAO Botox injections are typically mild and temporary, but the DAO muscle's proximity to other important muscle groups heightens the risk of adverse events. Lip asymmetry and a "frozen smile" can occur if the injections are improperly placed. Other possible side effects include pain, tenderness, mild swelling, and minor bleeding. It is important to note that the effects of DAO Botox injections are temporary, typically lasting three to six months.
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DAO fillers can provide a more noticeable improvement in correcting marionette lines
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a thin, triangular-shaped facial expression muscle located below the corner of the mouth. It is responsible for the downturn of the mouth, which can result in a perpetual frown and contribute to the deepening of marionette lines. Marionette lines are the vertical wrinkle lines that extend from the corners of the mouth, often curving downwards towards the chin, resembling the lines seen on marionette puppets.
As the face ages, the DAO muscle can weaken and contract, pulling the corners of the mouth down and emphasising marionette lines. Additionally, fat loss under the skin around the mouth and a decrease in jawbone density can contribute to the formation of marionette lines. Individuals seeking to correct marionette lines may consider treatments such as Botox injections or dermal fillers.
Botox injections involve administering botulinum toxin type A into the DAO muscle to "freeze" and relax the muscle, thereby reducing dynamic wrinkles and softening marionette lines. While Botox can effectively prevent marionette lines from worsening, it may not provide immediate visible results. Additionally, Botox may cause a slight change in the way one smiles, potentially leading to a temporary reduction in the ability to frown or smile broadly.
On the other hand, dermal fillers focus on supporting the corners of the mouth by adding volume and lift. Fillers are injected into specific points around the mouth to counter the downward pull of the DAO muscle. Fillers can provide a more noticeable improvement in correcting more severe marionette lines, offering a more dramatic enhancement for individuals with a significant downturned mouth appearance. The amount of filler required depends on the individual's unique facial anatomy and the depth of the lines.
When deciding between Botox and fillers, it is essential to consider factors such as the severity of the DAO muscle pull, the desired level of enhancement, and the expected timeline for results. Fillers may be more suitable for individuals with a more pronounced downturned frown seeking more noticeable and instant results. In contrast, Botox may be ideal for those with minor to moderate DAO muscle pull who prefer a subtle and preventative treatment. Consulting with a qualified provider is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual needs and goals.
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DAO muscle overuse can cause a perpetual frown
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a thin, triangular-shaped muscle located in the lower face, on either side of the mouth. It is responsible for lowering the corners of the mouth and is often used to express displeasure or repulsion.
As we age, the DAO muscle can weaken and sag due to overuse and the pull of gravity, resulting in a perpetual frown or "sad smile," even when the person is not expressing displeasure. This occurs when the DAO muscle pulls the corners of the mouth downward, creating a resting frown. Overuse of the DAO muscle can also emphasise marionette lines, which are the dynamic wrinkles that extend from the corners of the mouth down towards the chin, creating a marionette-like or puppet-like appearance.
The natural ageing process can also cause creases from repeated facial expressions to become etched into the skin, particularly around the mouth. The skin in this area becomes thinner and loses volume, which can contribute to the appearance of a perpetual frown.
DAO Botox injections are a popular treatment option for weakening DAO muscles. Botox is a neurotoxin that, when injected into the DAO muscle, will "freeze" and relax the muscle, smoothing out wrinkles and lifting the corners of the mouth. It is important to note that injecting Botox into the DAO muscle is an advanced technique that should only be performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner.
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DAO muscle injections should be done by an expert injector
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a thin, triangular-shaped facial expression muscle located in the lower area of the face, below the corner of the mouth. It extends from the corner of the mouth down to the lower jaw (mandible). It is responsible for facial expressions such as frowning and is one of the muscles that can cause marionette lines, which are the dynamic wrinkles that run from the corners of the mouth down the chin towards the jawline.
As people 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. This can make patients look unhappy, tired, or angry even when they are not. The DAO muscle will also contract with age, contributing to the deepening of marionette lines. The downward pull of the DAO muscles can also contribute to the formation of jowls along the jawline.
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.
DAO Botox is an off-label use of Botox injections, so it is essential to seek treatment from an expert injector. The DAO muscle's location among other important muscle groups does heighten the risk of side effects a bit. Lip asymmetry and a "frozen smile" can occur after improperly placed injections, along with "standard" Botox side effects like pain, tenderness, mild swelling, and minor bleeding. A skilled injector will be able to strategically inject Botox into specific spots along the DAO muscle to avoid these complications.
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Frequently asked questions
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a thin, triangular-shaped facial expression muscle located in the lower area of the face. It is attached to the corners of the mouth and the lower jaw (mandible).
The DAO muscle controls the movement of the corners of the mouth. It is responsible for the downturn of the mouth, which can give the face a tired, sad, or stern appearance. Overuse of the DAO muscle can also emphasise marionette lines, which are the dynamic wrinkles that run from the corners of the mouth down the chin towards the jawline.
There are a few treatment options available to address the DAO muscle, including Botox and fillers. Botox involves injecting a neurotoxin into specific sites along the DAO muscle to temporarily stop its movement and soften the appearance of a downturned mouth. Fillers, on the other hand, provide volume and lift to the corners of the mouth, reducing the pull of the DAO muscle.
