Losing weight can result in a health boosting confidence surge and has the potential to change your entire life, physically (of course) as well as emotionally—but there might be some surprising effects on others parts of your body, too. Among those whose skin is sagging after losing weight, the unsightly drooping of the corners of the mouth can often be a concern. This can inadvertently cause the face to appear sad, tired or older.
There are numerous cosmetic procedures with DAO Botox being among the most commonly requested to lift a smile and reboot the ‘perk’ in your facial expression. Though does it work the way you think it does, especially when you have a droop that’s cropping up after weight loss? Let’s explore this in detail.
Why the Mouth Sags With Weight Loss
When you lose a ton of weight, the fat pads in the face deflate. This diminishes the natural support in and around your mouth and cheeks. So the muscles tug in different directions, and eventually you might see:
- Downward-turning mouth corners
- Deepening of marionette lines
- A tired or “sad-looking” expression
Large role is played by DAO (Depressor Anguli Oris) muscle here. This tiny muscle drags the mouth’s corners down and out whenever you frown or look sad. As weight loss causes decrease in volume and structural support, the action of the DAO muscle can emerge—increasing hanging.
What Is DAO Botox?
How does DAO Botox work? DAO Botox is a targeted treatment that involves administering minute amounts of Botulinum Toxin to the Depressor Anguli Oris muscles.
The aim is straightforward: to loosen the muscle that pulls down so other muscles that pull up can lift the mouth corners naturally.
It’s low-dose, highly accurate treatment requiring 2-4 units per side on average, depending on the person’s muscle activity.
Can DAO Botox fix drooping mouth after weight loss?
Yes—DAO Botox can certainly help lift drooping mouth corners due to weight loss.
Here’s why:
It Reduces the Downward Pull
Facial and muscle supportWhenthe facial structures become flaccid after adipose tissue loss, the muscles that help keep skin taut continue to exert force on the skinwithout any resistance Source 12. The DAO muscle might go into overdrive, accentuating droopiness. Botox calms this overactive pull, allowing the corners of the mouth to turn up subtly.
It Restores a Balanced Expression
Rather than appearing tired or downcast, patients often report that their resting expression is softer, more neutral — and sometimes even a bit perkier.
It Works Great with Post-Weight-Loss Differences
Unlike fillers, which are designed to replace lost volume, DAO Botox addresses muscle movement. This makes it particularly interesting when the sagging is more due to a muscular imbalance than fat reduction alone.
What Botox by DAO Can and Cannot Do
What It Can Improve
- Downturned mouth corners
- Painful or sad look within the face
- Light marionette line heaviness (if from muscle pull)
- Aversion to treatment with minimum or no invasiveness
What It Cannot Fix Alone
- If the issue is largely volume loss
- Skin laxity
- Deep marionette folds and lines
In these patients, it should be used hand in hand with dermal fillers, collagen stimulators or skin-tightening procedures to get a journey.
How Long Do Results Last?
DAO Botox is usually effective for 3–4 months, although this may be longer or shorter depending on muscle strength, metabolism and lifestyle. Most patients see a more contoured appearance within 5–10 days.
Is the Treatment Painful or Dangerous?
This is a relatively safe and quick procedure when done by an experienced injector. The injections are all superficial and often feel like little pinches.
There is very little risk, though possible side effects include:
- Temporary tenderness
- Mild swelling
- Slight asymmetry (rare and correctable)
One important point: you do not want to overdose the DAO, as too much relaxation in an area can cause lip distortion. That’s why the selection of a braider matters.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
DAO Botox is suitable for:
- Men and women with downturned corners of the mouth
- Those who look sad or unhappy while relaxed
- Those with facial changes due to weight loss
- Anyone in search of subtle, natural facial balancing
- Patients who want to avoid quick non-surgical treatment
If you developed the droopy oral corners from saggy skin or significant volume loss, then your provider will most likely recommend pairing DAO Botox with filler around the marionette area or chin for even better lifting.
Pairing DAO Botox with Other Treatments for Enhanced Efficacy
After Weight Loss Facial Rejuvenation When it comes to post weight loss facial rejuvenation many providers combine their DAO Botox with treatments such as:
- Dermal Fillers — restore lost volume around the mouth, chin and lower face.
- Profhilo or Skin Boosters — enhance skin elasticity and hydration, decrease skin sag.
- Collagen Stimulators — long-term volume and firmness (Radiesse or Sculptra).
- Microneedling or Laser Treatments — improve skin texture and support overall.
Combined, the treatments uplift and rejuvenate your appearance without sacrificing facial expression.
Final Thoughts
DAO Botox is a very effective mild procedure for droopy corners of the mouth—especially when the problem is exacerbated by weight loss. By softening this muscle that pulls down, it will rejuvenate your face and put balance back without volume or changing how you look naturally.
For an optimal result, you should talk to the licensed aesthetic practitioner who can determine if DAO Botox alone is suitable for your case or whether a combined approach would be more appropriate for you.
