What should you know about the Botox DAO muscle?
Short answer
The DAO muscle pulls the mouth corner downward, and Botox may reduce that action when assessment supports treatment.
This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.
At a glance
- Meaning
- DAO is the depressor anguli oris muscle.
- Action
- It contributes to downward mouth-corner movement.
- Treatment
- Botox temporarily reduces selected muscle activity.
The muscle and the treatment
DAO is short for depressor anguli oris. It sits near the corner of the mouth and contributes to downward pulling during expression. A clinician examines your face at rest and while moving before deciding whether this muscle is a meaningful treatment target.
Botulinum toxin weakens the selected muscle temporarily rather than removing it. A result can be subtle and may affect expression if too much product reaches nearby muscles. It is different from treating [Crow's Feet](/conditions/crows-feet/), which involves muscles around the eyes.
Making a sensible plan
Choose a licensed injector who understands lower-face anatomy. Explain your desired change in plain language and disclose prior toxin, filler, dental, or facial procedures. Ask about the product, injection points, signs of an unwanted effect, and the timing of review. Read about [Botulinum Toxin Type A](/materials/botulinum-toxin-type-a/) and [Botox](/treatments/injectables/botulinum-toxin-injection/) to prepare.
When to seek care
Arrange clinical advice for persistent tenderness, increasing redness, drainage, or a change that concerns you. Emergency care is appropriate for difficulty breathing or swallowing, widespread muscle weakness, double vision, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Questions for your doctor
What other muscles influence my mouth corner, and what change would you consider a reasonable outcome for my facial movement?
Find care
General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi
That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.
27 Ar Ruwwad St - Shakhbout City - MSH4 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, MetLife +20 more
Al Ruwais, Al Dhafrah
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +16 more
Al Bahyah - Al Bahyah Old - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, Allianz Care +18 more
Abu Dhabi
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +27 more
Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.
A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.
Questions people ask
Will DAO Botox stop me smiling?
The goal is to preserve natural movement, but nearby muscle effects are possible and should be discussed.
Is the DAO muscle the same as a wrinkle?
No. The DAO is an anatomical muscle; a wrinkle is a visible skin line that may have several contributors.
Related
Related reading
Keep reading
Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.