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Botox for Droopy Mouth?

asked 2 years ago by fanny123 in USA
Latest answer by Robert F. Gray, MD
Question viewed 2,031 times
Tags: age 18-24, mouth, droopy

The reason my mouth droops is because of a hyperactive DAO. Unlike most other people who have this problem, I'm very young (18) so while my mouth droops, I don't have a volume problem. I've so far heard of Botox only. Is there any way to permanently take care of this?

12 answers to Botox for Droopy Mouth?

Botox or Dysport not the only answers for a droopy mouth

Good question. As you can see from many of the earlier answers that Botox/Dysport can be used to relax the muscles that pull the corners of the lip downward. This is an easy treatment to try and perhaps the first that I might suggest. Another option is to use a filler in the marionette lines which can be used to lift the corners of the lip as well. This is also easy and can accomplish more that just lifting the corners of the mouth(can also fill the marionette lines). Another... more

Robert F. Gray, MD
Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

Botox for a droopy mouth

Is it your entire lower lip that curls forward and hangs down? Or is it the corners of the mouth that have fallen down making it look like you're sad? This is an important distinction. If it is the latter, then you may be quite correct and the DAO can be treated well with Botox. If you don't have a significant fold then fillers may not be a good substitute. It is possible that surgical cutting of the muscle might not prevent it from reattaching itself. Botox may need to be retreated every... more

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Surgical release of DAO as alternative to Botox for permanent protection

Although surgical release of the DAO could be performed technically, it is rarely performed due to the proximity of the muscle to nerves in the region and the diffficulty with guaging precise release or a graded release.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Botox, facial contouring, Dysport, droopy corner of Mouth

Dear Fanny, I would try the Botox first to weaken the muscle pulling down on the corner of the mouth- this may be the depressor angulii oris or the quadratus or a combo of both. The treatment with Botox will helo with the diagnosis and then you can decide if there is a more reasonable long term solution such as surgery or selective denervation. With Warm Regards, Trevor M Born MD

Trevor M. Born, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon

Botox for droopy mouth?

DOA (Depressor Anguli Oris) muscles can be easily treated with Botox. Botox injections into your DOA muscles consistently (every 2-3 months) for two years can help permanently weaken the muscle. Using a filler will also help lift the mouth and will last between 9-12 months. These are the two non-surgical ways to treat this issue. Being that you are 18 I would start with Botox to see what kind of results you get, then opt for a filler if your looking for more improvement. I would consider... more

Nissan Pilest, MD
Irvine Dermatologic Surgeon

You need a caring doctor for droopy mouth

Dear Fanny It is a shame that we make people practice medicine on themselves. It is certainly possible that you issue is an over active depressor angulii oris muscle. Or not. A photo would be helpful. Given your age, you should be very careful with "permanent" solutions. Beware that quite commonly when someone enters a plastic surgeon's office with a diagnosis in hand and a desired treatment, they often get that service right or wrong. Unfortunately, the cure can be worse than... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Botox for hyperactive DAO caused droopy mouth?

Titrated Botox treatment into the Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscles is CLEARLY THE way to reduce their pull on the corners and elevate the corners of the mouth. This is frequently combined with either Restylane or Juvederm placement. Injury to the marginal mandibular nerve is associated with paralysis of the DAO muscle but I know of no surgeons who intentionally paralyze these muscles or attempt to excise them. Peter A Aldea, MD

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Botox for Hyperactive Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) Muscles

Hi Fanny, Get your Botox injections into your DAO muscles frequently (every 2 to 3 months) for 2 years. If you can keep the muscles from moving for 2 years, studies have shown that muscle permanently weakens (atrophy). Good luck and be well. Dr. P

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

You have three options, Botox, fillers, surgery

The drooping corners of the mouth are usually from activity of the depressor anguli oris muscle, or DAO. When Botox or Dysport is injected into the muscle, it allows the muscle that elevates the corner to take over and cause elevation. This may last about 4 months. Another way to elevate the corner is with fillers, injected in an X-like fashion will also elevate the corners. The fillers last longer, maybe 9 months, or so. Sometimes I perform both Botox and fillers, when people have a very... more

Theda C. Kontis, MD
Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon

facialplasticsurgerymd.com

DAO overactivity

Overactive depressor anguli oris muscles can be easily treated with Botox. It is a lot safer to try this rather then dissecting out the muscle and excising it.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Droopy mouth

Correction of the droopy mouth from an overactive DAO (depressor anguli oris) muscle is best treated with botox. With time you may get some prolonged weakening and not require as much botox. Even though you have sufficient volume another option would be to place filler in the labial commissures and right at the edges of the upper lip. This would draw up the upper lips and ameliorate a lot of the downward effect of the depressor muscles. You can have a small amount placed in without... more

Scott Trimas, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

Permanent solution for droopy mouth

People who have an over active DAO muscle could have a portion of it cut. However, most people would instead opt for periodic Botox or Dysport injections as they have very little downside and virtually no recovery.