Could releasing the DAO muscle (in order to fix downturned mouth corners) cause any problem in the future?

Question

I am a 19 year old male looking for safe and permanent ways to improve the appearance of my lips which are somewhat droopy at the corners. I know that there are other ways to achieve such results, like with Botox, fillers or just a skin approach. However the muscular approach seems to have more long-lasting, effective (correct me if I am wrong) and more appealing results. But I wonder if there could be any future complication due to the DAO release. Thank you.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

Every treatment (medication, procedure) has risk, and is associated with potential complications.  Whether or not you’ll have a problem cannot be accurately predicted.  However, DAO muscle can be safely divided (or removed) without expected problem.  Corner of lip lift, in my experience with hundreds of those procedures, offers more reliable and gratifying long term results, also without complication(s).

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

The idea of a permanent treatment often sounds appealing or smart, yet in reality it may not be the best choice. An exam, or at the very least, a photo, would be necessary to determine what you are a candidate for. It sounds like you have done your research and understand there are different options to correct a downturned mouth. I would not recommend DAO release as the first treatment to try. Every procedure, whether small or large, comes with risks and potential complications, and choosing a more permanent option does not give you the flexibility of changing your mind. If you try Botox to the area first, you at least get to see what the results would be like, and see if you even like it. What if you don't like your lip shape with the DAO released (or temporarily paralyzed as with Botox)? What if you don't like the way the lips move when you speak? Patient expectations are key in whether or not someone is satisfied with any given procedure, so trying a non-permanent method first is useful.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear GabrielSecundo,If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

There are both surgical and non-surgical muscular approaches to releasing the DAO muscles. I recommend that you first try botox injections directly into the DAO muscles to see if the changes are to your liking over a period of time. The botox will mimic what a muscle release can do and the botox can be repeated over time to maintain the appearance. The DAOs help you frown so your abillity to frown and make a full range of facial expressions may be altered. Surgical release is permanent so it is best to only release the muscle once you are sure you want the permanent change to both your smile, resting face, and frowns. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD 
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG: @drjohnsonlee

Could releasing the DAO muscle (in order to fix downturned mouth corners) cause any problem in the future?

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