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The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a triangular muscle located in the lower area of the face. It is responsible for the downturn of the mouth or a frown. 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 rests. This can be corrected with Botox or filler treatments. Botox is made of 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. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, provide volume and lift to the corners of the mouth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) |
| Type | Triangular muscle |
| Location | Lower face, near the mouth area |
| Function | Controls facial movement around the corners of the mouth |
| Botox Injection Sites | Midpoint of the DAO border, distal (outer) section of the muscle on each side, base or middle of marionette lines |
| Botox Dose | 2-4 units per side |
| Botox Injection Depth | 5mm |
| Botox Results Duration | 3-6 months |
| Filler Treatment | Dermal fillers can be used to add volume and lift to the corners of the mouth |
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What You'll Learn
Botox injections
It is important to note that the DAO muscle's location among other important muscle groups heightens the risk of side effects. Lip asymmetry and a "frozen smile" can occur if injections are improperly placed. To avoid these complications, it is recommended to work with a qualified and experienced provider who has completed advanced Botox and dermal filler training.
The standard dose for Botox injections in the DAO muscle is 2 to 4 units per side of the mouth, with a recommended injection depth of around 5 mm. The provider may reduce the risk of complications by injecting into the distal (outer) section of the muscle, close to the motor end plate. It is also crucial to avoid injecting Botox into the depressor labii muscle to prevent lip asymmetry.
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Dermal fillers
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a triangular muscle located in the lower area of the face. It is responsible for the downturn of the mouth or a frown. As we age, the DAO muscle weakens and contracts, contributing to the deepening of marionette lines and wrinkles around the mouth.
The injection process for dermal fillers is quick and simple, and no anaesthesia is required. A skilled injector will strategically inject fillers into specific points around the mouth. It is important to seek treatment from a qualified provider who knows how to inject fillers into the DAO muscle to avoid any complications.
In some cases, dermal fillers may be used in combination with Botox to enhance the results. Fillers can add volume and youthfulness to the area, complementing the uplifting effect of Botox.
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Avoiding complications
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 the downturn of the mouth or a frown, and its weakening can result in a perpetual frown or sad smile.
DAO muscle injections with Botox or fillers are a minimally invasive way to correct the appearance of a downturned mouth. Botox injections use a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin type A, which "freezes" the muscle by blocking neurotransmitters, relaxing the muscle and smoothing out wrinkles. Filler injections, on the other hand, do not relax the muscle but provide volume and lift to the corners of the mouth.
To avoid complications with DAO muscle injections, it is important to seek treatment from a qualified and experienced provider who knows how to inject the DAO muscle safely and effectively. Here are some key considerations for avoiding complications:
- Precision and meticulous placement of injections: The injector must be skilled in strategically injecting the neurotoxin into specific spots along the DAO muscle. Injections should be placed precisely to avoid affecting other muscle groups and compromising facial expressions.
- Avoid over-injection: The provider should be careful not to over-inject the DAO muscle to preserve the natural movement of the mouth.
- Optimal injection depth: The optimal injection depth is typically around 5 mm, but this may vary depending on the patient. Injections that are too superficial or too deep can affect the desired results and cause the Botox to spread to other muscle groups.
- Avoid lip asymmetry: Injections should not be placed in the depressor labii muscle to avoid causing lip asymmetry or a "frozen smile."
- Standard dose: A standard dose of 2 to 4 units per side of the mouth is recommended.
- Injection points: Injection into a minimum of three points is recommended to maximize the effects of the treatment and minimize adverse events.
- Anatomical considerations: The DAO muscle's location near other important muscle groups heightens the risk of side effects. Knowledge of the anatomy of the DAO muscle and the properties of the injected substance (e.g., Botox or fillers) is crucial to avoid side effects like asymmetrical smiles.
- Post-procedure care: Patients should take it easy for at least 24 hours following the procedure and follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by their healthcare professional.
By following these considerations and working with a qualified and experienced provider, the risk of complications associated with DAO muscle injections can be significantly reduced.
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Injection sites
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a triangular muscle located in the lower area of the face. It is responsible for the downturn of the mouth or a frown. The DAO muscle is attached to the corners of the mouth and the lower jaw (mandible). It 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.
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 rests. Overusing the DAO muscle can also emphasize marionette lines that extend down the chin from the corners of the mouth.
Botox injections offer a safe and highly effective non-surgical option to lift the DAO muscle 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.
When injecting the DAO muscle with Botox, it is important to be precise to avoid complications such as lip asymmetry and a "frozen smile". The injection process should be carried out by a skilled injector who will strategically inject Botox into specific spots along the DAO muscle. The provider may reduce the risk of complications by injecting into the distal (outer) section of the muscle on each side, close to the motor end plate. The optimal injection depth is in the range of 5 mm, though this can vary from patient to patient.
Dermal fillers are another treatment option for the DAO muscle. Unlike Botox, fillers do not relax the muscles. Instead, fillers focus on supporting the corners of the mouth by providing volume and lift.
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Results and effects
Injecting the DAO muscle with Botox or fillers can lead to various results and effects. The DAO muscle, or depressor anguli oris muscle, is responsible for the downturn of the mouth or a perpetual frown. Overuse of this muscle can emphasise marionette lines that extend down the chin from the corners of the mouth. Botox injections can safely and effectively lift the DAO muscles and restore a youthful appearance. The neurotoxin "freezes" the muscle by blocking neurotransmitters, relaxing the muscle and smoothing out dynamic wrinkles.
The results of Botox injections in the DAO muscle are noticeable within a few days, with some individuals seeing subtle improvements immediately. The corners of the mouth will be more uplifted, and frown lines will be softened. By the second week, significant wrinkle reduction will be visible. The effects of Botox injections typically last up to several months.
Dermal filler injections, on the other hand, do not relax the DAO muscle movement like Botox. Instead, fillers provide volume and lift to the corners of the mouth, reducing the downward pull of the DAO muscle. Fillers can also provide a more noticeable improvement in correcting severe marionette lines and wrinkles when the face is at rest. Fillers typically provide longer-lasting results than Botox, with effects lasting up to a year.
It is important to note that over-injecting the DAO muscle with Botox can lead to over-relaxation, resulting in an unnatural appearance and restricted facial movements. Similarly, over-injecting the mouth with fillers can impact facial harmony and create a disproportionate look. Therefore, it is crucial to seek treatment from a qualified and experienced provider to avoid complications and ensure effective treatment.
Overall, the choice between Botox and fillers depends on individual preferences, lifestyle choices, facial anatomy, the extent of DAO muscle pull, and the desired outcome.
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Frequently asked questions
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is a triangular muscle located in the lower area of the face. It helps control facial movement around the corners of the mouth.
As people age, the DAO muscle can weaken and turn down the corners of the mouth, resulting in a perpetual frown. Injecting the DAO muscle can relax this muscle, uplifting the corners of the mouth and creating a more relaxed and youthful appearance.
Botox and dermal fillers are two common injectable treatments used to target the DAO muscle. Botox is a well-known brand name for a purified form of botulinum toxin that temporarily inhibits muscle contractions, causing relaxation. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, add volume and lift to the corners of the mouth.
The injection points for the DAO muscle are along the DAO muscle itself, specifically at the base or middle of marionette lines, which are wrinkles extending from the sides of the mouth to the chin. It is important to inject Botox on both sides of the mouth to maintain symmetry and avoid complications like lip asymmetry.
Side effects of Botox injections in the DAO muscle are typically mild and temporary, including pain, tenderness, mild swelling, and minor bleeding. However, due to the DAO muscle's location near other important muscle groups, there is a heightened risk of more serious side effects such as lip asymmetry and a "frozen smile" if the injections are not properly administered.
