Do you find that your face appears frowning, even when you are not sad? Have you noticed an increase in deep lines and wrinkles around your mouth, causing you to look more aged and worn down?
If these changes are beginning to impact your overall facial balance, a DAO Botox or fillers treatment may be just the solution you are looking for. Both cosmetic treatments offer a minimally invasive way to refine your features by targeting the DAO muscle and correcting the appearance of a downturned mouth. In this article, we will explore the significance of the DAO muscle and its overall impact on the anatomy and harmony of the face. We will also break down how each injectable can enhance your mouth corners while restoring a refreshed and youthful expression.
If you are contemplating whether or not you should address your DAO muscle with Botox or fillers, keep reading to learn more about these options, as well as the pros and cons of both, so you can make a more informed decision that best suits your facial rejuvenation journey.
How DAO Muscle Impacts Facial Expressions
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) is a triangular muscle located in the lower area of the face. It is responsible for controlling the movement of the corners of the mouth. The DAO muscle plays an important role in our facial expressions and contributes to the dynamic and static characteristics of our appearance.
The DAO muscle is in a resting state of partial contraction. This muscle exerts a downward pull on the corners of the mouth. This muscle is mainly active during facial expressions such as frowning or pouting, helping to lower the corners of the mouth. As we age, the repetitive contraction of the DAO muscle can lead to the formation of deep-set lines and wrinkles around the mouth area. Also known as frown lines or marionette lines, these wrinkles can make us look more aged and tired.
Botox Injections to Target the DAO Muscle
Relaxing the DAO muscle with an aesthetic treatment like Botox is a viable and effective option to smooth away these marionette lines and achieve a more uplifted appearance. If you are wondering, “What is DAO Botox?”, the procedure is fairly simple. By precisely injecting the neurotoxin into specific sites along the DAO muscle, it temporarily stops its movement and softens the appearance of a downturned mouth. This relaxation effect allows the corners of the mouth to uplift, creating a more relaxed and rejuvenated appearance.
The injection process is quick and simple. Using a fine needle, a skilled injector will strategically inject Botox into specific spots along the DAO muscle. This minimally invasive procedure requires no anesthesia, and discomfort is minimal. You may wonder how much Botox for DAO is necessary to achieve the desired results. How many units will be needed for DAO Botox, and will the placement be tailored to your unique facial anatomy? Throughout the injection process, the provider will be careful not to over-inject the DAO muscle to preserve the natural movement of your mouth.
Meticulous placement of Botox allows for just the right amount of muscle relaxation so you do not compromise your facial expressions. Therefore, you must seek treatment from a qualified and experienced provider who knows how to inject DAO with Botox to avoid any DAO Botox complications.
Filler Injections to Uplift the Corners of the Mouth
Botox offers individuals a targeted yet subtle approach to uplifting the corners of the mouth. However, dermal filler injections are an alternative treatment option that can also correct a strong DAO muscle pull. Fillers provide a different approach to enhancing the smile and softening frown lines and wrinkles around the mouth. Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based injectables, help restore volume loss, smooth lines, and wrinkles, and improve facial contours.
With filler, the DAO muscle movement is not relaxed like with Botox. Instead, filler injections focus on supporting the corners of the mouth by providing volume and lift. Dermal filler injections are also particularly effective for minimizing static wrinkles when the face is at rest. Using filler to reduce the downward pull of DAO muscle involves precisely injecting fillers into specific points around the mouth. Placing filler around the corners of the mouth reduces the pull of the DAO muscle and can subtly lift the corners of the mouth. Filler can also provide a more noticeable improvement in correcting more severe marionette lines and wrinkles visible when the face rests.
A huge advantage of using filler to tackle a strong DAO muscle pull is its ability to produce a more prominent lifting effect for the corners of the mouth. Individuals with a more significant downturned mouth appearance can enjoy a more dramatic enhancement with filler. Additionally, filler can provide longer-lasting results than Botox DAO. On average, results can last up to a year, depending on the filler used and individual lifestyle factors. It is important to follow proper filler aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and results.
DAO Botox vs. Filler Results
Both a DAO injection Botox treatment and a DAO filler treatment are convenient and straightforward approaches to correcting a downturned frown and improving an expression of sadness. However, the extent of your results and how soon you will be able to notice the outcomes of your treatment will vary for every patient.
In general, DAO Botox results are noticeable within a few days. Some individuals may notice a subtle improvement immediately after treatment. The corners of the mouth will be more uplifted, and frown lines will appear softer and less visible. By the second week, a more significant wrinkle reduction will be visible. On the other hand, the lifting effect from DAO filler treatment is visible almost immediately.
Factors like the number of units of filler or Botox for DAO and the severity of your DAO muscle pull will impact the effects of either treatment. For example, over-injecting the muscle with Botox can contribute to over-relaxation of the muscle, producing an unnatural-looking outcome that may restrict facial movements. Over-injecting the mouth with fillers can also impact facial harmony and create an unnatural, disproportionate appearance.
You might be wondering how long a DAO Botox injection lasts. Similar to other Botox treatments, the effects of this treatment are temporary, lasting up to several months. When compared to longevity, the effects of fillers are longer-lasting, with patients enjoying results for up to a year after treatment. Routine touch-up Botox or filler treatments can help maintain your refreshed, cheerful smile.
Botox vs. Filler: Which One Is Right For You?
The choice between Botox and fillers when targeting the DAO muscle is multi-faceted. Each treatment has its own advantages and drawbacks. Understanding these factors is important when determining your treatment plan. A consultation with a qualified provider will help you make an informed decision by considering your unique anatomy, specific needs, and aesthetic goals.
Fillers may be a better option for individuals with a more pronounced, downturned frown. Fillers may offer more noticeable results than Botox due to their ability to add volume and support to lift the mouth corners. Additionally, fillers deliver more instant results than Botox, with effects visible immediately after treatment.
On the other hand, fillers may be unnecessary for individuals seeking a smaller, less extreme enhancement. A Botox DAO muscle treatment is perfect for those with a minor to moderate DAO muscle pull. By subtly relaxing the muscles, this neuromodulator can lift the downward pull on the corners of the mouth and soften the frown expression. The results are significant yet far less dramatic than the lifting effects of fillers. Additionally, downtime after DAO Botox is slightly less than that after filler. This makes Botox for DAO a more convenient treatment for individuals looking to refresh their appearance and return to their everyday routine.
Each fast-acting solution offers a minimally invasive way to achieve a more relaxed and youthful appearance. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle choices, as well as your unique facial anatomy, the extent of DAO muscle pull, and your desired look.
Experience DAO Botox and Filler Treatments in McLean, Virginia
Whether you prefer the subtle effects of Botox or the more dramatic effects of fillers, correcting the appearance of an overactive DAO muscle can significantly enhance your smile and impact your overall appearance. Some individuals may benefit from a combination approach, using both injectables to achieve stunning results. At Evexia Medspa, our experienced medical professionals are committed to delivering results that enhance your natural beauty and exceed your expectations.
If you are curious about how our minimally invasive procedure can transform your appearance and boost your self-esteem, call 571-556-4841 to schedule your personalized consultation. At Evexia Medspa, our aesthetic experts are dedicated to providing patients in McLean, Virginia, with custom Botox treatment plans or top-rated filler injections tailored to their unique needs, ensuring they receive the highest quality facial rejuvenation experience.
