Want to treat droopy mouth corners? Wrinkling around the mouth and sagging of the lip corners or downturned mouth corners can contribute to an aging appearance. In addition to reducing facial wrinkles with forehead injections, BOTOX®, or onabotulinumtoxinA, can create a more youthful appearance without the need for plastic surgery. DAO muscle BOTOX® at Long Island’s VITRA Aesthetics Clinic, also known as BOTOX® for downturned mouth, is an injectable treatment that helps to lift those droopy mouth corners for a rejuvenated look!
Searching for “BOTOX® Near Me?” If you would like to discover more about DAO muscle BOTOX®, contact Long Island′s VITRA Aesthetics Clinic for more advice. Call us at 631-662-7880 or send us a message online to request a consultation.
The “DAO” muscle, or Depressor Anguli Oris muscle, is a facial muscle located at the corners of the mouth. It plays a pivotal role in facial expressions by pulling the corners of the mouth downward — something we do when frowning or making similar expressions.
BOTOX® is a well-known brand name for a purified neurotoxin ingredient, botulinum toxin type A, commonly used in cosmetic procedures. When injected into the DAO muscle, BOTOX® temporarily inhibits muscle contractions, causing relaxation. This results in an uplifting effect on the corners of the mouth, reducing the appearance of a constant downturned or frowning expression. The DAO muscle BOTOX® treatment is often sought after to achieve a more natural-looking and pleasant smile.
Our experienced team will explain more about what to expect from BOTOX® treatments and the cost of BOTOX® when you meet with us.
BOTOX® is often injected into the base or middle of marionette lines, which are wrinkles that extend from the sides of the mouth to the chin. The treatment is injected into both sides of the mouth in order to maintain symmetrical facial anatomy.
Ready for a confidence-boosting aesthetic change? The first step is sharing your personal cosmetic goals with a member of the VITRA Aesthetics team in Long Island, NY, led by accomplished Physician Assistant Joanne Vitale. Our medical professionals are all licensed, and each has a history of specialized training, high-quality results, an eye for exquisite detail, and the warmth of the human touch.
Many types of facial fillers are injectable gels with a hyaluronic acid base that add temporary volume to enhance facial contours or reduce wrinkles. Sculptra® and Radiesse® are collagen stimulators that encourage collagen regeneration in the skin.
While fillers are great for adding volume, they don’t address the muscle movement that can pull the corners of your mouth down. That’s where neuromodulators like BOTOX®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® come in. These treatments temporarily relax the DAO muscles that tug the mouth downward, helping lift the corners for a more refreshed and balanced look.
To request your consultation to find out more about what to expect from DAO muscle BOTOX®, contact Long Island′s VITRA Aesthetics Clinic. Call 631-662-7880 or send a message online to get started.
Besides DAO (depressor anguli oris) muscle BOTOX®, here are other BOTOX® injection sites to consider for facial contouring and wrinkle reduction:
- Procerus Muscle BOTOX®: Smooths vertical lines between the eyebrows (often called “frown lines”) by relaxing the small muscle at the top of your nose.
- Corrugator Muscle BOTOX®: Targets the muscles responsible for deep scowl lines between the brows, helping to soften a tense or tired look.
- Risorius Muscle BOTOX®: Helps prevent a “joker smile” by relaxing the muscles that pull the corners of the mouth outward excessively.
- Crow’s Feet BOTOX®: Softens the fine lines that form around the outer corners of the eyes, commonly caused by smiling or squinting.
- BOTOX® Lip Flip: Relaxes the muscles above the upper lip, allowing it to subtly “flip” outward for a fuller look and to minimize a gummy smile.
- Bunny Lines BOTOX®: Smooths the small diagonal wrinkles that appear on the sides of the nose when you scrunch or smile.
- Mentalis Muscle BOTOX®: Reduces the appearance of chin dimpling or a “pebbled” chin by relaxing the muscle at the tip of the chin.
- Masseter or Jawline BOTOX®: Slims and contours the lower face by reducing the size of the masseter muscles, which can become enlarged from jaw-clenching or teeth grinding.
- Chest (Décolletage) BOTOX®: Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that form on the upper chest, often due to sun damage or aging.
- BOTOX® for Hyperhidrosis: Treats excessive sweating by targeting overactive sweat glands, commonly used under the arms, on the palms, or soles of the feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DAO Muscle BOTOX®?
DAO stands for Depressor Anguli Oris, a muscle responsible for pulling down the corners of your mouth. Over time, this constant downward pull can create a perpetually sad or tired expression. DAO BOTOX® is a non-surgical treatment option that relaxes this muscle to gently lift the corners of the mouth, restoring a more balanced and relaxed appearance.
What can I expect before, during, and after the procedure?
You’ll begin with a personalized consultation at VITRA Aesthetics, where your expert injector will assess your facial anatomy, review your medical history, and discuss your specific aesthetic goals. During this consultation, we’ll also evaluate the strength and activity of your DAO muscles to determine the number of units you’ll need. Dosage can vary from person to person, but DAO treatments typically require a precise, moderate amount — often around 2 to 5 units per side. If you’re a good candidate and ready to move forward, treatment can often be performed during the same visit, making it a convenient and seamless experience.
The whole process takes only 10–15 minutes. A few small injections are placed near the corners of the mouth using a fine needle. Most clients describe it as a quick pinch, and many say their discomfort is minimal.
The best part about it? There’s little to no downtime! You may have slight redness or swelling at the injection points, which typically resolve within a few hours. You’ll begin to see results in about 3–5 days, with full effects in 10–14 days.
How long do the results last?
DAO BOTOX® typically lasts between 3 and 4 months. You may choose to schedule maintenance treatments a few times per year to maintain your desired look.
Will I still be able to smile and eat normally?
Yes! DAO BOTOX® is expertly placed to preserve your natural facial movement. You’ll still be able to smile, eat, and speak as usual — just with a more lifted, refreshed appearance.
Who is a good candidate for DAO BOTOX®?
You may be a great candidate for DAO BOTOX® if you’ve noticed that the corners of your mouth naturally turn downward, giving off a tired, sad, or even stern expression, even when you’re feeling perfectly fine. This downturned appearance often becomes more noticeable with age, as facial muscles become stronger in some areas and weaker in others.
DAO BOTOX® is ideal for individuals who want a subtle, non-surgical lift to the corners of the mouth for a more approachable, refreshed look. It’s a great option if you’re not quite ready for dermal fillers or surgery, or if you prefer a more targeted, temporary solution. The treatment is quick, with little to no downtime, making it appealing to busy professionals and anyone seeking low-maintenance aesthetic enhancements.
Who is NOT a good candidate for DAO BOTOX®?
On the other hand, DAO BOTOX® is not recommended for individuals who:
- Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a neuromuscular disorder (such as ALS or Myasthenia Gravis)
- Are allergic to any ingredients in BOTOX®
- Have overly thin skin or minimal muscle activity in the lower face, which may not benefit from treatment
We will go over your medical history to make sure BOTOX® is safe and right for you.
Are there any risks or side effects?
While side effects are generally mild and temporary, some may include:
- Redness, bruising, or swelling at the injection site
- Mild asymmetry or temporary weakness in nearby muscles
- Rarely, difficulty with full mouth movement if the product spreads beyond the treatment area
What should I do for aftercare?
After your DAO BOTOX® treatment at VITRA Aesthetics, there’s little to no downtime, but a few simple aftercare steps can help make sure you get the results you’re looking for:
- Stay upright for 4–6 hours after your treatment. Avoid lying down or bending over for extended periods, as this can affect how the product settles.
- Avoid rubbing, massaging, or applying pressure to the treated area for at least 24 hours.
- Skip high-intensity workouts, saunas, and hot showers for 24 hours, as heat and sweat can interfere with the absorption of the product.
- Hold off on facials or facial treatments for about one week to allow the BOTOX® to fully take effect.
- Stay well-hydrated and follow your normal skincare routine—just be gentle around the injection sites.
Can DAO BOTOX® be combined with other treatments?
Yes! Many of our clients combine their DAO treatment with BOTOX® in other areas, like the forehead or crow’s feet, for a more all-around facial rejuvenation. It also pairs well with dermal fillers to enhance volume around the mouth and cheeks.
VITRA Aesthetics Clinic — Our Long Island Medical Spa Locations
Call, book online, or get directions in a tap.
Islip, NY
469 Main St, Islip, NY 11751- Tue: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wed–Thu: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sat: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sun–Mon: Closed
Huntington, NY
192 E Main St, Huntington, NY 11743- Tue: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wed–Thu: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sat: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sun–Mon: Closed
Smithtown, NY
87 NY-111, Smithtown, NY 11787- Tue: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wed–Thu: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sat: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sun–Mon: Closed
Massapequa, NY
20 Hicksville Rd, Massapequa, NY 11758- Tue: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wed: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thu: Closed
- Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sat: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sun–Mon: Closed