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DAO Botox NYC

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Downturned Mouth Corners Are Often Muscle-Driven

If the corners of your mouth naturally pull downward, you can look tired, tense, or unhappy even when your face is at rest. In many patients, that expression is caused by overactivity of the depressor anguli oris, or DAO muscle.

At Skinly Aesthetics in Manhattan, Dr. Schwarzburg uses DAO Botox to reduce that downward pull in a controlled way. The goal is not to freeze the mouth, but to soften a heavy or sad expression while preserving normal movement and facial balance.

For patients with broader lower-face concerns, DAO Botox is often combined with Masseter Botox, TMJ Botox, or structural treatments like chin filler and jawline filler.

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    Quick Facts: DAO Botox

    • Treatment Type: Neuromodulator injection (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify)
    • Best For: Downturned mouth corners, sad expression, lower face imbalance
    • Treatment Time: 10–15 minutes
    • Downtime: Minimal
    • Results Timeline: 3–10 days, with full effect by 2 weeks
    • Duration: 3–4 months
    • Performed By: Dr. Schwarzburg, cosmetic physician with 10+ years of experience in injectable treatments
    • Location: Upper East Side, NYC

    What Is DAO Botox?

    DAO Botox is a targeted treatment that relaxes the DAO muscle, which pulls the corners of the mouth downward.

    When that muscle is overactive, it can create a persistent downturned expression. By reducing its pull, Botox allows the mouth to rest in a more neutral position.

    This can help:

    • soften a sad or tense resting expression
    • reduce downward pull at the mouth corners
    • improve lower face balance
    • create a more relaxed appearance without surgery

    What Causes Downturned Mouth Corners?

    Downturned mouth corners are not always caused by aging alone.

    Common contributors include:

    • overactive DAO muscles
    • loss of structural support around the mouth
    • lower-face imbalance
    • skin laxity and volume loss over time

    What Does DAO Botox Help With?

    DAO Botox is used to improve:

    • downturned mouth corners
    • “resting sad face” appearance
    • lower-face tension
    • imbalance between the mouth and jawline

    In the right patient, it creates a subtle but noticeable softening of expression.

    Who Is a Candidate?

    You may be a good candidate for DAO Botox if you:

    • notice your mouth corners pull downward at rest
    • feel your expression looks sad, tense, or stern
    • want a subtle, non-surgical correction
    • want improvement without adding too much filler

    Patients with significant volume loss or deeper marionette lines may also benefit from chin filler or other structural support.

    Why Dr. Schwarzburg for DAO Botox

    DAO Botox is a small treatment, but not a simple one.

    The DAO sits in a highly expressive part of the face. Poor placement or excessive dosing can affect smile dynamics and create an unnatural result.

    Dr. Schwarzburg approaches DAO Botox conservatively, adjusting dose and placement based on lower-face movement, mouth position, and overall balance. The goal is refinement – not stiffness.

    What Happens During Treatment

    • Consultation: Evaluate mouth position, lower-face movement, and overall balance
    • Mapping: Identify precise injection points
    • Injection: Botox placed into the DAO muscles
    • Time: 10–15 minutes

    Patients return to normal activity immediately.

    Recovery and Downtime

    Downtime is minimal.

    Most patients return to normal activity the same day. Mild swelling, pinpoint redness, or occasional bruising can occur and usually resolve quickly.

    Normal expression is preserved. The goal is to reduce downward pull, not interfere with speech or smiling.

    When Will I See Results?

    Initial changes usually begin within 3–10 days, with full effect visible by about 2 weeks.

    The change is subtle. Most patients notice that their resting expression looks less heavy or pulled down.

    How Long Does It Last?

    Typically 3–4 months.

    As with other neuromodulator treatments, longevity depends on muscle strength, movement, and consistency of treatment.

    DAO Botox vs Filler

    These treatments do different things.

    • DAO Botox reduces downward muscle pull
    • Chin filler or filler around the mouth adds support and structure

    In many patients, the best result comes from combining both rather than relying on one treatment alone.

    Can It Be Combined with Other Treatments?

    Yes — and often should be.

    DAO Botox reduces downward pull, but it does not replace volume or create structure. For that reason, it is often combined with Masseter Botox for lower-face balance, TMJ Botox when clenching is also present, and structural treatments like chin filler or jawline filler.

    The best outcomes usually come from treating the lower face as a system, not as isolated parts.

    Cost of DAO Botox in NYC

    DAO Botox is priced per unit, with most treatments ranging from $200–$500.

    The total depends on muscle strength and the number of areas treated. Because this is often part of a broader lower-face plan, dosing is adjusted to maintain balance rather than using a fixed amount.

    FAQs

    What is DAO Botox?

    DAO Botox is a neuromodulator treatment used to reduce the downward pull of the depressor anguli oris muscle. It helps soften a sad or tense resting expression.

    Can DAO Botox lift the corners of the mouth?

    It does not “lift” the mouth like surgery, but it can reduce the downward pull enough to create a more neutral and relaxed appearance

    How many units are needed for DAO Botox?

    Most patients require 6–14 units, depending on the strength of the DAO muscle. Dosing is adjusted to reduce downward pull while preserving natural movement and expression.

    How long does DAO Botox last?

    Most results last around 2-3 months.

    When will I see results from DAO Botox?

    You may begin noticing improvement within several days, with full effect usually visible by 8-10 days.

    Can DAO Botox affect my smile?

    It can if poorly placed or overdone. Proper technique and conservative dosing are critical.

    Is DAO Botox better than filler?

    They address different issues. DAO Botox reduces muscle pull, while filler restores support and structure.

    Who is a good candidate for DAO Botox?

    Patients with downturned mouth corners, a tense resting expression, or lower-face imbalance are often good candidates.

    Is there downtime after DAO Botox?

    Downtime is minimal. Most patients resume normal activity the same day.

    Schedule Your Consultation

    If the corners of your mouth pull downward or your lower face looks heavier than you’d like, DAO Botox can be an effective non-surgical option.

    Dr. Schwarzburg evaluates how your lower face actually moves — not just where a line sits — to determine the right dosing and whether DAO Botox alone or in combination with other treatments will give the best result.

    Book your consultation with Dr. Schwarzburg at Skinly Aesthetics in NYC to find out if DAO Botox is right for you.

    Explore treatment options tailored just for you. Schedule your consultation right now.

    Consult with Dr. Schwarzburg
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    Client Testimonials

    • Went to Skinly Aesthetics on the upper east side for my Botox treatment and loved my results. Friendly and professional staff, clean facility, and Dr. Schwarzburg is truly an artist!… read more

      Steph F Avatar Steph F

      Great place! Nice salon and friendly staff. It’s my first time getting Botox and she was really helpful and honest about how many units and where is needed. Will definitely… read more

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    • Came to Skinly aesthetics for my Botox treatment on the upper East side and couldn’t be happier! The staff was professional, facility clean, and Dr. Schwarzburg was very knowledgeable and… read more

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      Skinly Aesthetics was amazing. The Facility is beautiful, reception was ON top of things, and the medi- spa Dr made things quick and painless. Loved my results, will definitely be… read more

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      Zee Portugal Avatar Zee Portugal

      I’ve been Dr. Schwarzburg’s returning patient for over a year! I love how he has improved my body, he is committed and perfectionist! The facility is sparkling clean and modern!! I… read more

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    • Dr. Schwarzburg is a very polite and knowledgeable doctor. He had done my tear trough and check filler. He also does my sisters as well. She swears by him, and… read more

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    • I’m new to medical aesthetics, and it was long overdue. I was always scared of needles and any change to my face, but the time has finally arrived, when I… read more

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      This place is the best! The staff is super nice and my lips look amazing! Will definitely be back!

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    • Incredibly pleasant office and staff. Cannot recommend the doctor enough. He is super knowledgeable, honest, kind and most importantly, talented!

      taylor segal Avatar taylor segal

      This is one and only place I would ever go to for any injectables. Dr. Schwarzburg was very thorough with his assessment and had fully explained to me what I… read more

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      My thin lips always made me feel insecure, but I was scared of injections as I thought they were painful and would look unnatural. I came along MiracleFace as I… read more

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