Downturned Mouth Treatment with Anti-Wrinkle Treatments

This information page is intended to give honest and clear advice to readers and does not promote a prescription product.

Sad looking mouths on our ‘resting-faces’ occur when the corners turn downwards. DAO treatment with anti-wrinkle injections can help to improve the appearance of downturned corners and possibly delay the onset of deep marionette lines.

Marionette lines are grooves that run from the corner of your mouth down to your jawline. Most of us begin to notice their appearance in the lower part of our faces around age 40.

Can you fix a Downturned mouth with Anti-Wrinkle Treatments?

YES. This condition can be effectively treated by injecting into the muscle that pulls the corners of the mouth down.

Where do you inject Anti-Wrinkle Injections for a Downturned mouth?

Anti-Wrinkle Injections are injected directly into the DAO (depressor anguli oris muscle) which runs from the corners of your mouth to your jawline. The goal is to relax this muscle as strong muscle tone will pull the corners of your mouth downwards.

For optimal results, the DAO procedure is often performed in combination with dermal filler. But it can be done alone & still look great.

Anti-Wrinkle Treatments or Filler for Downturned mouth-which is best ?

DAO injections with Anti-Wrinkle Injections give a 3-4 month improvement of a sad smile. This treatment may also slow down the appearance of marionette lines by lifting the corners of the mouth. This a lovely non-invasive & less expensive option for patients who not yet ready to try dermal fillers.

Dermal filler injections will lift drooping mouth corners and give longer lasting results than the DAO injections, up to 9-12 months, depending on your lifestyle.

Dr. Mark routinely treats his patients who have deep marionette lines + downturned mouth corners with 1 ml of Restylane LYFT.

Do DAO Anti-Wrinkle Treatments lift jowls?

While this treatment can dramatically improve your facial appearance by providing a subtle lift to your mouth and chin. To lift your jowls, you will need an additional treatment such as a Nefertiti Lift or Jawline slimming Anti-Wrinkle Treatments.

Are DAO Anti-Wrinkle Treatments worth it?

YES for most patients under the age of 40-45 years. This age group love the subtle lift at the corners of their mouth. Our slim-faced and more mature patients, usually require 1 or 2 mls dermal filler (Restylane LYFT) to improve the appearance of their downturned corners and marionette lines.

Can DAO injections go wrong?

DAO injections can occasionally spread into the muscles in the lower face, resulting in a slightly wonky smile. The results are temporary and will subside after a few weeks without any intervention.

Recommended Dosage & Injection Points:

The number of neurotoxin units required for DAO treatment depends on each patient’s muscle strength and anatomy.

• Females: 2-5 units per side

• Males: 4-10 units per side

The injection point is approximately 1.0 cm above the angle of the jaw, in line with the Depressor Anguli Oris muscle. Care is taken not to inject too close to the chin to avoid weakening the Depressor Labii Inferioris muscle.

How soon will it work?

The effect of your injections will start to work after 2-8 days

How long do results last?

DAO Injections results typically last between 3-4 months. Dermal Fillers last 9-12 months.

Prices of DAO Injections:

Dublin & Galway Clinics : €80 as an add on with all anti-wrinkle treatments.

Belfast Clinic : £60 as an add on with all anti-wrinkle treatments.

Learn More about a Nefertiti Lift.