DAO Botox: 5 Essential Facts for Natural-Looking Results
DAO Botox may help lift downturned mouth corners by relaxing the muscles that pull them down. It can soften your resting expression without changing your whole face. But the result depends on what is causing your mouth corners to turn down.
Perhaps you look at a photo and notice that your mouth seems sad, even though you felt perfectly happy. Or the corners have started to turn down more as you get older. It is a small detail, but once you notice it, you may find yourself looking at it more often. At Plump It Upp, our nurse-led clinic in Etobicoke takes a careful approach to cosmetic injections. We offer Botox and Dysport and focus on results that still look like you. Before you book a treatment for your mouth corners, here is what you should know.
DAO Botox at a Glance
| Question | What to know |
|---|---|
| What does it treat? | Downturned mouth corners caused by muscle pull |
| When will I see results? | Usually within 14 days |
| How long does it last? | Often around 3–4 months |
| Will it change my smile? | It can affect smile movement, so careful placement matters |
| Does it help marionette lines? | Sometimes, if muscle pull contributes to them |
| Is it suitable for everyone? | No. Some people need a different approach |
1. DAO Botox Works Best When Muscle Pull Is the Problem
DAO stands for depressor anguli oris. It is a small muscle on each side of your lower face that pulls your mouth corners down. Some people have more activity in these muscles than others. Their mouth corners may turn down even when their face is relaxed. Small amounts of botulinum toxin can reduce that downward pull.
But not every downturned mouth needs Botox. As we age, we may also lose volume around the mouth. The skin can become less firm, too. These changes may make the corners look lower or create deeper lines.
Here are three things an injector should check:
Muscle movement: Do your mouth corners pull down strongly when you make certain expressions?
Volume loss: Has the area beside your mouth become hollow or less supported?
Facial balance: How do your lips and mouth corners move when you talk and smile?
You may have more than one of these concerns. That is why a photo alone cannot tell you which treatment you need. At Plump It Upp, we prefer to look at your whole face before discussing injections. Sometimes a small treatment is enough. Sometimes the better advice is to consider another option.
2. DAO Botox Before and After Results Should Look Natural
You probably do not want anyone to notice that you have had injections. You just want your mouth corners to look a little less downturned. That is a reasonable goal, but DAO Botox has its limits. It may soften the downward pull of the muscles. It will not remove every line around your mouth or create a permanent smile.
What Should You Look for in Before-and-After Photos?
Look for photos that show the person's face at rest. Compare the mouth corners, not just the overall expression.
A useful set of photos should show:
The same lighting and camera angle
A relaxed face in both photos
How the mouth looks when smiling
When the after photo was taken
Whether filler or another treatment was also used
Someone may have received both Botox and filler, making the change look greater than Botox alone could achieve. If you have seen a result you like, save the photo. You can show it to your injector and explain what appeals to you. Remember that your facial structure will affect your result. The aim is to soften the feature that bothers you while keeping your natural expressions.
3. DAO Botox and Filler Do Different Jobs
Imagine that the corners of your mouth have started to turn down. You may assume that Botox is the answer because you have seen it mentioned online. But what if the main problem is volume loss? Botox relaxes muscles. Filler adds volume and can support areas that have lost fullness. They are not interchangeable treatments.
| DAO Botox | Dermal filler |
|---|---|
| Reduces downward muscle pull | Restores volume or adds support |
| May soften muscle-related downturn | May help folds linked to volume loss |
| Does not add fullness | Adds fullness to the treated area |
| Gradually wears off | Duration varies by product and area |
Can DAO Botox Help Marionette Lines?
Marionette lines run from the corners of your mouth toward your chin. Strong DAO muscles may make the area look more downturned. Relaxing those muscles can sometimes help soften the appearance. But deep folds caused by volume loss may need a different approach.
You do not automatically need both treatments. A careful assessment can help you avoid paying for injections that do not address your main concern. Our Botox and Dysport services are part of our broader approach to natural facial rejuvenation. We can discuss your concerns and help you understand the available options.
4. DAO Botox Results Take Time, and They Are Not Permanent
You may notice a change within a few days, but do not judge your result too soon. Neurotoxin injections can take up to two weeks to show their full effect. At Plump It Upp, we advise allowing up to 14 days for our general Botox and Dysport treatments. Results commonly last three to four months, although the duration varies. If you are happy with your result, you can discuss maintenance appointments. If you decide not to continue, the effects gradually wear off.
How Much Does DAO Botox Cost in Toronto?
The cost of DAO Botox depends on the product used and the amount needed. Botox and Dysport have different dosing systems, so comparing their prices per unit can be misleading. At Plump It Upp, we recommend discussing your goals with an injector before deciding on treatment. This helps you understand the proposed cost and whether treatment is suitable for your mouth corners.
You can view our booking options or call 289-834-9248 to ask about current pricing.
5. DAO Botox Requires Careful Placement
Your mouth does quite a lot throughout the day. You use it to talk, eat, drink, laugh, and smile. Several small muscles work together to make those movements possible. That is why the placement of injections matters so much.
If the toxin affects a nearby muscle, you could notice an uneven smile or changes in lower-lip movement. Bruising, swelling, and tenderness can also occur. DAO injections are an off-label cosmetic use of botulinum toxin in Canada, so informed consent is important. An experienced injector should explain these risks before treatment. They should also assess your smile, not just your face at rest.
What Should You Do After Treatment?
Follow the aftercare instructions your injector gives you. Plump It Upp’s general neurotoxin guidance includes:
Stay upright for four hours after your appointment.
Avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours.
Avoid alcohol, smoking, and makeup for 24 hours.
Do not rub or massage the treated area.
Use intermittent ice if you experience mild swelling or bruising.
Tell your injector about any medication you take. Never stop prescribed blood thinners without speaking to your prescribing clinician. If you have an important event coming up, leave time for the treatment to work and any bruising to fade.
Considering DAO Botox in Etobicoke?
A slightly downturned mouth does not always need treatment. But if it bothers you, you deserve clear advice about what may help and what will not. At Plump It Upp, Nurse Reeya, RN, leads our approach to conservative facial aesthetics. We want you to understand your options and feel comfortable with your decision.
If you are considering treatment for downturned mouth corners, book a consultation at Plump It Upp. We can assess your concerns, explain our Botox and Dysport options, and confirm whether DAO treatment is available and suitable for you. The goal is not to give you a different smile. It is to find out whether a small, carefully planned change is right for your face.
Frequently Asked Questions About DAO Botox
How many units of Botox are needed for DAO muscles?
The amount depends on your muscle strength, facial structure, and treatment goals. Your injector will assess how your mouth moves before choosing a dose. Typically your practitioner will use between 4-8 Botox units for your DAO treatment. However, dosing is patient dependent and can vary depending on anatomy.
What happens if your smile looks uneven after DAO Botox?
Contact your injector if your smile looks uneven after treatment. They can assess your facial movement and advise you on the next steps. Avoid rushing into additional injections, especially during the first two weeks. Unwanted muscle relaxation generally fades as the treatment wears off.
Can you get DAO Botox and lip filler together?
Yes, some people can receive both treatments. DAO Botox relaxes the muscles that pull your mouth corners down, while lip filler adds volume. However, you may only need one treatment. Your injector should assess your lips, mouth corners, and smile before recommending a combination.
Can DAO Botox be reversed if you don't like the results?
No. Botox cannot be dissolved like hyaluronic acid filler. If you are unhappy with your results, contact your injector for an assessment. The effects usually fade gradually over several months, although the exact duration varies.
Is DAO Botox suitable for everyone?
No. DAO Botox works best when strong muscles pull your mouth corners downward. If volume loss or loose skin is the main concern, another treatment may be more suitable. Your injector should assess your facial structure and smile before recommending treatment.