Botox & the corners of the mouth – what does the treatment do, and when does it work?

What does Botox for the corners of the mouth mean?

Botox for the corners of the mouth involves injecting botulinum toxin into the depressor anguli oris muscle (DAO muscle).

DAO muscles

• pull the corners of their mouths downward
• can give the lower face a sad or tense expression

When the muscles relax, the downward pull on the facial features decreases. When the muscles that lift the facial features take over, the corners of the mouth rise slightly.

It's not about filling or reshaping, but about correcting muscle imbalance.

What does the final result look like?

Botox does not lift the corners of the mouth in the same way as surgery. The typical effect is subtle.

The end result often looks like this:

• An angry or sad expression becomes more neutral
• The corners of my mouth don't droop as much as they used to when I'm at rest
• The lower part of the face looks rested and more youthful than before

The change is often small but significant.

When is Botox for the corners of the mouth not enough?

This is a key clinical point. Problems in the corner of the mouth are not always caused solely by the muscle.

Changes in the area around the mouth may be related to, for example

1. muscle activity (DAO muscle)
2. volume loss
3. sagging skin

Botox affects only the first of these.

Filling material at the corners of the mouth – a different mechanism

Fillers, which are usually hyaluronic acid, work differently than Botox.
They do not relax the muscle but instead support the tissue.

The filler can

• restore the tissue's fullness
• support the structure of the corner of the mouth
• smooths and reduces marionette lines

The filler therefore does not affect the direction of muscle contraction, but rather the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and the skin’s supporting structure.

Botox or fillers for the corners of the mouth?

Botox is a better option when

• the corners of the mouth turn downward when smiling or at rest
• Muscle activity is a clear cause of the change in facial expression
• We want a subtle change without adding volume

The filler works better when

• the lines are deep
• There is a shortage of volume in the area
• the skin has become saggy

Combination therapy: often the best outcome

In many cases, the best results are achieved by combining Botox and fillers.

• Botox reduces the downward pulling force of the muscles.
• The filler supports the corners of the mouth and reduces fine lines.

The combination of fillers and Botox is often beneficial, especially when the area around the corners of the mouth exhibits both excessive activity of the downward-pulling muscles and a loss of tissue firmness and fullness.

Botox for the corners of the mouth, price

The final treatment decision is made on an individual basis during the consultation, taking into account the client’s wishes and their current condition.

When will the results be visible?

The first effects are usually noticeable within 3 to 7 days. The full effect is typically observed after about two weeks.

How long does the effect last?

Botox in the corners of the mouth usually lasts 3 months. Fillers in the corners of the mouth last 6–12 months. The duration varies from person to person.