What does Botox do to the corners of the mouth?

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

DAO muscles

• turn 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 pull the facial features upward take over, the corners of the mouth lift 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 small but often very significant.

When is Botox not enough to lift the corners of the mouth?

This is a key clinical point. There are many causes of aesthetic problems in the corner-of-the-mouth area.

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

1. DAO muscle activity
2. loss of volume
3. sagging skin

Botox affects only the first of these.

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

Fillers (usually hyaluronic acid in practice) work differently than Botox.
They do not relax the muscle but instead lift the corners of the mouth.

The filler can

• restore the tissue's fullness
• support drooping corners 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 puppet strings run deep
• There is a shortage of volume in the area
• the skin has become saggy

Learn more about the treatment of marionette lines.

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 marionette lines.

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

Botox for lifting 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 available?

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.