Would a DAO Release help both my resting smile as well as my active smile when used for a downturned mouth? (Photo)

Question

I am a 45 year old female and I have always hated my smile. My mouth downturns significantly while at rest and my smile goes almost completely horizontal when actively smiling. Which procedure would most effectively give me a pleasant, natural, upturned smile? Are there other muscles besides the DAO that would need to be addressed? I understand that botox is a great first step, but would the results from botox give me the same effect that surgery would accomplish?

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @Guess1975. Botox in the DAO muscle is a temporary fix. The results last about 3-4 months. The injections stop the DAO muscle pulling down the corners of the mouth. Treatment will cause the corners of the mouth to be slightly lifted, giving the mouth a more relaxed, happy, youthful and pleasing appearance. If you are looking for a more permanent solution, I recommend an in person consultation. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Botox can be used to weaken the DAO.  However, it is not a permanent result.  Your corners are depressed and the technique I recommend is an extended lip lift.  A lip lift does 4 things: shortens the distance between your nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners.  The procedures takes less than 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $3,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Gurkan Kayabasoglu, MD · Answer

Hello, Thanks for your photo and question.If you want to get what you want with a simple method, a very carefully made botox can give you some benefit. However, the biggest and lasting obtainable result can be achived by facelift surgery performed with deep plan technique. Because the main problem is  the side parts of your mouth corners droops and collaps.You need to have a detailed examination and face analyse to get customised treatment plan, be sure that your surgeon is professional board certified facial plastic surgeon. Best Regards,

Would a DAO Release help both my resting smile as well as my active smile when used for a downturned mouth? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Would a DAO Release help both my resting smile as well as my active smile when used for a downturned mouth? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Lip Surgery

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