Botox on the Depressor Anguli Oris Muscle?

First, this is an advanced injection so please seek an experienced injector. Injection in the wrong area can give you a highly asymmetric smile. Usually the treatment requires 3-5 units of Botox per side. Whether you are a good candidate would require an examination to determine if your concerns result from excessive muscle activity in that area. I hope this information is helpful. Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Thank you for your question. Botox and fillers can help minimize the appearance of marionette lines. It is a common area to be treated with Botox and fillers and side effects usually is bruising, swelling etc. I would recommend being treated under the supervision of a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon for safest and best treatment option. I hope this helps.

Botox works by weakening the muscle that pulls down the corner of the mouth. To demonstrate this, look in the mirror and grimace and at the same time pull down your lower lip with your teeth. Relaxing this muscle softens this area. Using a small amount of filler such as Restylane or Juvederm helps get an even better result.


 

You are correct, a small amount of Botox into the DAO muscle can diminish the downward pull on the corners of the mouth and allow the muscles that elevate the corners to take over. I would suggest trying that first and waiting about 2 weeks to assess the results. If more correction is needed, you can have filler like Restylane  placed. The risk of incorrect placement of Botox is an irregular smile or even oral incompetence. Therefore, it is crucial that you are injected by a well-trained individual.

Be sure to discuss your treatment with a well-trained and reputable provider for best results. Treating the DAO's will relax the muscles and won't allow you to purposefully make the down-turn of the corners of your mouth. Treatment is typically conservative. If the injections are not in the proper muscle or too aggressive, you'll have issues with your bottom lip and could have an unnatural look and feel until the product wears off.