Botox for Downturned Mouth Corners (DAO)

When the corners of the mouth turn downward at rest, it can make the face look tired or unhappy even when you feel fine. Botox can soften this by relaxing the depressor anguli oris (DAO) — the small muscles that pull the mouth corners down — so the corners can lift slightly. The effect is subtle, and suitability is determined at consultation.

What the DAO muscle does

The depressor anguli oris runs downward from each corner of the mouth toward the jaw. Its job is to pull the mouth corners down, as in a frown. When it is overactive, or when age-related changes let the corners droop, the mouth can settle into a slight downturn at rest. By gently relaxing the DAO, Botox allows the opposing muscles to lift the corners a little, easing that downturned appearance. The change is best thought of as a softening of a resting frown rather than a dramatic reshaping of the smile.

How the treatment works

This is a precise, conservative treatment. The goal is balance, not dramatic change. A typical approach involves:

- Small, carefully placed injections into the DAO on each side - Attention to symmetry so both corners respond evenly - A light touch to preserve natural movement when you smile - A two-week follow-up to assess and refine the result

Because the lower face is closely connected to speech and smiling, careful placement and dosing matter a great deal. Results vary from person to person.

Why physician assessment is essential

The muscles around the mouth coordinate to let you talk, eat, and express emotion. Treating the DAO well means respecting that coordination. A physician evaluates how your mouth moves, how your corners sit at rest, and whether DAO treatment alone is the right approach or whether it pairs with other treatments such as a small amount of filler. This judgment is why the lower face is best handled by an experienced injector, not a fixed formula. Misplaced product here can affect the smile, so precision is not optional.

Who considers DAO Botox

People often raise this when they feel they look stern or sad in photos despite feeling content. Common goals include:

- Easing a resting frown at the mouth corners - A softer, more approachable resting expression - A natural result that still allows a full smile - Coordination with other facial-harmonization goals

Whether this treatment suits you, and how conservative to be, is decided in person.

Care in Manhattan's Flatiron District

At Captivate Medical Wellness in the Flatiron District of New York City, Dr. Marcelo Taborga, MD, a board-certified internist with facial-harmonization training, performs this nuanced lower-face treatment personally, in English and Spanish. The central Manhattan location, within New York County and near Union Square and NoMad, makes follow-up visits straightforward.

Pricing note

Botox is typically priced per unit, and DAO treatment generally uses a small, focused amount per side. Your specifics are confirmed at consultation; we do not quote prices online.

Book a consultation

If your mouth corners turn down at rest and you would like a softer, more rested look, schedule a consultation with Captivate Medical Wellness in the Flatiron District of Manhattan. Call (332) 237-3661 to discuss your goals in English or Spanish and learn whether treatment is right for you.