The depressor anguli oris, known as the DAO, is the muscle responsible for pulling the corners of the mouth downwards. With age and repeated muscle activity, the corners of the mouth can begin to turn down even at rest, giving the face a tired or unhappy expression.
DAO treatment uses a small, precise amount of anti-wrinkle injection to relax this muscle on both sides of the mouth, allowing the corners to lift slightly for a more natural, rested appearance.
Treatment areas: Depressor anguli oris muscle, corners of the mouth
Your treatment begins with a consultation where your doctor will assess the muscles around the mouth, discuss your concerns and confirm suitability. DAO treatment is suitable for most adults, except those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor will explain how the treatment works and what outcome is realistic before anything proceeds.
A local anaesthetic is applied before treatment begins. Small quantities of anti-wrinkle solution are then injected into the DAO muscle on either side of the mouth. The session takes around 15 minutes. Results begin to appear within a few days, with the full effect visible within two weeks. A follow-up review is offered two weeks after treatment. Results typically last 3 to 4 months, after which a maintenance session sustains the improvement.
Relaxes the muscle pulling the corners down, allowing them to sit in a more neutral position
Lifting the mouth corners indirectly reduces the shadow and depth of marionette lines
A small, precise dose delivers a subtle improvement that looks entirely like your own face
Resume normal activities straight away with only minor precautions for the first 24 hours
From €160
Doctor: €160
Senior Doctor: €175
Consultant: €190
£150
All pricing is available here.
Lifting the mouth corners creates a calmer, more approachable look without appearing treated
Balances the lower face by addressing the asymmetry caused by persistent downward muscle pull
Regularly relaxing the DAO can slow the deepening of marionette lines over time
The DAO muscle is small but has a disproportionate effect on the resting expression of the face. When it is consistently overactive, it pulls the corners of the mouth into a downturned position that gives the impression of sadness or dissatisfaction even when the face is completely relaxed. This becomes more pronounced with age as the surrounding tissue loses its support.
DAO treatment addresses the root cause directly by relaxing the muscle itself rather than adding volume or masking the concern. The result is subtle, natural and consistent with how the face is supposed to look at rest. It is worth noting that DAO treatment and marionette line filler serve different purposes. DAO targets muscle activity, while filler addresses the lines themselves. Your doctor will advise on which approach, or combination of both, is right for you.
Following treatment, some care in the first week helps protect the result and support recovery. Your doctor will go through this in full before you leave.
DAO treatment is well tolerated by most patients. Side effects are mild and typically resolve on their own within a few days.
Common temporary side effects include:
These effects generally resolve within 2 to 7 days. All potential side effects will be discussed in full during your consultation.
DAO is one of those treatments where the change is subtle but immediately noticed by others. Patients frequently report that friends and colleagues comment they look happier or less tired, without being able to identify exactly why.
Depressor anguli oris (DAO) Botox treatment, also commonly known as DAO treatment, is a cosmetic procedure that involves the injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) into the depressor anguli oris muscle. The depressor anguli oris muscle is responsible for pulling the corners of the mouth downward, contributing to a downward turn of the lips and an appearance of a frown or sadness.
By injecting Botox into the DAO muscle, the muscle’s activity is temporarily reduced or paralyzed. This helps to relax and weaken the muscle, preventing it from pulling the corners of the mouth downward. As a result, the procedure can create a subtle lifting effect on the mouth, giving the appearance of a more lifted and cheerful smile.
DAO treatment is commonly sought by individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of downturned corners of the mouth, often referred to as “marionette lines” or a “sad mouth.” It is a non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure that can be performed by a qualified healthcare professional.
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) and marionette lines are related but distinct facial features.
The DAO refers to a specific muscle located around the corners of the mouth. It is responsible for pulling the corners downward, which can give the appearance of a frown or a downturned mouth. When this muscle is overactive or overly prominent, it can contribute to an overall sad or unhappy expression.
On the other hand, marionette lines are facial wrinkles or folds that extend vertically from the corners of the mouth downward towards the jawline. These lines get their name from the resemblance to the strings that control marionette puppets. Marionette lines can develop due to various factors, including natural aging, loss of skin elasticity, gravity, and repetitive muscle movements.
While the DAO muscle can contribute to the formation of marionette lines, they are not the same thing.Â
DAO treatment with Botox can help improve the appearance of downturned corners of the mouth. This can indirectly reduce the prominence of marionette lines by lifting the corners of the mouth. However, treating marionette lines typically involves the use of dermal fillers to fill the lines.
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