Treatment Area Guide
Mouth Corner (DAO) Botox: Downturned Corners, Dose Logic, and Realistic Expectations
In some people the corners of the mouth point slightly downward at rest, even when there is no sadness behind the expression. This look is often linked to a strong depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle, which pulls the mouth corner down. The goal of mouth corner Botox is not to freeze the face, but to soften that downward pull in a measured way so the resting expression looks more relaxed.
Quick Answer
- DAO Botox aims to relax the muscle that pulls the mouth corners down, softening a downturned, sad-looking resting expression.
- The area sits close to the lower-lip and smile muscles, so dose and injection points are individual; candidacy must be assessed during an examination.
- The effect is temporary; permanent rejuvenation or a guaranteed result is not a fair claim. Deep static marionette folds may not respond to Botox alone.
Managed and medically reviewed by Dr. Hamza Gemici and Dr. Murat Toktamışoğlu. This content is for general information and does not replace diagnosis, treatment, or personal pricing.
Physician Assessment
Clarify Botox decisions with an examination
This guide gives a safer decision framework; candidacy, area choice, dose logic, and follow-up should be reviewed by a physician.
Editorial Standard
Editorial and medical review team
This guide is prepared in a physician-led workflow. Source review, indication limits, patient safety language, and realistic expectation framing are checked before publication.
Dr. Hamza Gemici
Medical content manager
Dr. Murat Toktamışoğlu
Co-author and medical aesthetics contributor
What Is Mouth Corner (DAO) Botox?
The depressor anguli oris is a small expression muscle that runs from the jaw area up to the corner of the mouth. When it contracts, it pulls the mouth corner downward. In people where this muscle is dominant, the corners can point down even at rest, which may give the face a tired, stern, or unhappy look.
Mouth corner Botox aims to reduce that downward pull in a measured way. When the muscle balance shifts, the muscles that lift the corner can work with relatively less opposition, and the expression can move toward a more neutral position. The goal is not an exaggerated upward curl, but a more balanced and rested appearance.
Why Do Mouth Corners Look Downturned?
A downturned mouth corner is not caused by a single factor. Expression habits, muscle strength, skin quality, volume changes in the lower face, and natural age-related processes all play a role. Some people notice it early, while others see it later.
A clinically important distinction is whether the look is dynamic or static. A downturn driven mainly by DAO pull (dynamic) may respond better to a botulinum toxin approach. Deep marionette folds that run from the mouth corner toward the chin and remain at rest (static) may not be fully addressed by Botox alone, and these cases are reviewed separately during examination. You can see how neighboring areas are planned in the chin Botox guide.
How Is Botox Assessed in This Area?
The area around the mouth is small, mobile, and closely related to neighboring muscles. Treatment is therefore planned by evaluating each person's expression pattern, muscle strength, and balance, rather than by applying a fixed dose. Specific points near the jawline, below the mouth corner, are usually targeted, and keeping the dose measured is essential. The aim is to soften the downward pull, not to limit natural movement.
Injection point selection is especially important here. A poorly planned treatment can unintentionally affect the muscles that move the lower lip and lead to temporary unwanted results such as smile asymmetry. This risk is reduced when a physician who understands the anatomy selects the appropriate muscle and dose. In Türkiye, only CE and TİTCK approved botulinum toxin products are expected to be used in suitable clinical conditions by an authorized physician.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Candidacy is not defined by age or by the presence of a downturn alone. Muscle strength, whether the look is dynamic or static, the balance created during smiling, prior aesthetic procedures, medications, and the person's expectations are all reviewed together.
If deep static folds or marked volume loss dominate, botulinum toxin alone may not be enough, and a different or combined approach can be discussed. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, a known botulinum toxin allergy, certain neuromuscular conditions, and active infection at the treatment site may make the procedure unsuitable or require postponement.
When Results Start and How Long They Last
Most people begin to notice changes within several days, and the result is usually assessed more meaningfully around 10-14 days. Duration varies with metabolism, muscle strength, dose, treatment area, and individual factors, so a fixed timeframe cannot be promised for everyone. You can review a fuller timeline in the Botox onset and duration guide.
A review appointment is important to evaluate symmetry and smile balance. Rather than unnecessary frequent retreatment, a follow-up planned according to individual response is a safer approach.
First-Day Aftercare
Aftercare instructions may vary by patient and treatment area. Common guidance includes avoiding pressure or massage on the treated area for the first hours, delaying intense exercise, avoiding excessive heat, and following the clinic schedule for review.
Urgent symptoms such as widespread rash, breathing difficulty, swallowing difficulty, marked muscle weakness, or vision changes require prompt medical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mouth corner (DAO) Botox?
It is a botulinum toxin application that aims to relax, in a measured way, the depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle that pulls the mouth corners downward. The goal is to soften a downturned, sad-looking resting expression rather than to freeze the face.
Does DAO Botox change the smile?
When the correct muscle and points are selected, the goal is to preserve the smile. Because the area is close to the lower-lip muscles, poor planning can cause temporary smile asymmetry, which is why an examination by a physician familiar with the anatomy matters.
Is the effect of DAO Botox permanent?
No. The effect of botulinum toxin is temporary and duration varies from person to person. Any retreatment plan is decided through individual assessment.