Treatment
DAO Treatment
Gently lift mouth corners — for a friendlier expression.
Duration
3-6 months
Results visible
After 7-14 days
Maintenance
Every 3-6 months
Price
from 199 EUR
Medically reviewed by
Aesthetic Medicine Physician · Last reviewed: May 2026
Drooping mouth corners can make the face look sad or dissatisfied — even when you feel quite the opposite. The cause is often the Musculus Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO), a muscle that actively pulls the mouth corners downward. At minimal med, we specifically relax this muscle so that the mouth corners return to a neutral or slightly elevated position. Combined with a hyaluronic acid treatment of marionette lines, the result is a harmonious overall appearance in the lower facial third.
Your Benefits
- Mouth corners are gently lifted
- Friendlier, more open facial expression
- Natural smile remains fully preserved
- Ideally combined with filler for marionette lines
- Quick treatment with no downtime
- Result visible after 7-14 days
How the treatment works
1
Consultation: Analysis of mouth corner position and muscle activity.
2
Preparation: Cleansing and light numbing if needed.
3
Precise injection: A few injection points into the DAO muscle — takes just minutes.
4
Aftercare: Care instructions and immediate return to your day.
Muscle relaxant meets filler
The DAO treatment and marionette line treatment complement each other perfectly: the muscle relaxant lifts the mouth corners, the filler fills the resulting folds. Together, the result looks far more natural than either treatment alone.
The underestimated treatment
Many patients don't realise that their drooping mouth corners are muscle-related. Whether speaking or laughing — dominance of this muscle gradually leads to literally unhappy-looking lines. Once the effect sets in, you notice just how involved this muscle was — and many patients feel the positive impact on their mood!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DAO muscle?
The Musculus Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) is a facial muscle that actively pulls the mouth corners downward. In some people it is overactive, leading to permanently drooping mouth corners — regardless of actual mood.
What is the difference to marionette lines?
Marionette lines are folds caused by volume loss, typically treated with hyaluronic acid filler. The DAO treatment, on the other hand, relaxes the muscle that pulls the mouth corners down. Both treatments complement each other beautifully and are frequently combined.
Can I still smile normally afterwards?
Yes, absolutely. The treatment only reduces the excessive downward pull of the mouth corners. Your natural smile remains fully intact — it may even feel easier because the muscle is no longer working against it.
Is the DAO treatment often combined with filler?
Yes, this is one of my most common combinations. First the DAO is relaxed so the mouth corners are no longer actively pulled down. Then, if needed, marionette lines can be filled with hyaluronic acid — for a harmonious overall result.
What does the DAO treatment cost?
Treatment starts from 199 EUR. The exact price depends on the individually required amount and is discussed during the consultation.
Interested in DAO Treatment?
In a personal consultation, we discuss your wishes and find the optimal treatment for you.
Book a consultationScientific Evidence
- [1] Moradi A, Shirazi A. A Retrospective and Anatomical Study Describing the Injection of Botulinum Neurotoxins in the Depressor Anguli Oris. Plast Reconstr Surg (2022).
- [2] Yi KH et al.. Novel anatomical proposal for botulinum neurotoxin injection targeting depressor anguli oris for treating drooping mouth corner. Anat Cell Biol (2023).
Linked studies serve as scientific context and do not constitute treatment guarantees.
