Botox Units for DAO Muscle to Correct Droopy Mouth Corners?

Question

How many Botox units would you suggest putting in the DAO muscle to corrct droopy mouth corners? Will it affect my smile or speech?

Amir M. Karam, MD · Answer

A few units of botox into the DAO muscle can help raise the corners of the mouth.  This is often subtle when done alone.  If combined with a filler to the corner of the mouth, it will have a more dramatic effect.  I agree with the other comments, this something you want to have done by a board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist.  Good Luck.

Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS · Answer

To improve the drooping mouth corners, I commonly use both of the following techniques -- (1) injecting filler into the mouth corner, and (2) injecting 2.5 to 5 Units of Botox into the muscle that normally depresses the corner of the mouth, the Depressor Anguli Oris.Be sure to seek the services of an experienced physician injector. I think the key with Botox lies in truly understanding the anatomy of the injected area, and more importantly the variability in the anatomy between patients -- for brows, the forehead, and anywhere else you plan on receiving a Botox injection. This includes having a firm understanding of the origin, insertion, and action of each muscle that will be injected, the thickness of each muscle targeted, and the patient variability therein. As an aesthetic-trained plastic surgeon, I am intrinsically biased since I operate in the area for browlifts and facelifts, and have a unique perspective to the muscle anatomy since I commonly dissect under the skin and see the actual muscles themselves. For me, this helps guide where to inject and where not to. However, with that said, I know many Dermatologists who know the anatomy well despite not operating in that area, and get great results.Good luck.Dr Markarian

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

The droopy corners of  the mouth respond well to about 5units of Botox in each DAO. You can also use 10-15 unis of Dysport in each DAO.
It is better to start with a smaller dose for the first time. This minimizes the chance of any effects on speech or smile.
Regards

Wayne F. Larrabee, MD · Answer

One must asses whether the problem is a volume problem or one caused by muscle action. This can be relatively easily determined on physical exam. For a downward pull cause by an active muscle Botox in small doses is usually effective. Volume problems of course require fillers.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Two to 4 units per DAO muscle is a typical starting dose.
In 15% of people this can be due to hyperactivity of the platysma muscle.
Fillers are a reasonable alternative or supplement to help correct a downturned mouth.
Surgical options include a corner lift or facelift

Botox Units for DAO Muscle to Correct Droopy Mouth Corners?

Answers (10)

Answer: Botox units vary for volume problem or muscle problem, or a combination

Answer: Botox units vary for volume problem or muscle problem, or a combination

Answer: Options for a droopy or downturned mouth

Answer: Options for a droopy or downturned mouth

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Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Botox Units for DAO Muscle to Correct Droopy Mouth Corners?

Answers (10)

Answer: Botox units vary for volume problem or muscle problem, or a combination

Answer: Botox units vary for volume problem or muscle problem, or a combination

Answer: Options for a droopy or downturned mouth

Answer: Options for a droopy or downturned mouth

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.