SOFTEN DOWNWARD PULL AT THE MOUTH CORNERS
Downturned Smile Treatment in Leytonstone
If the corners of your mouth naturally pull downwards, you may look sad, tired or unhappy even when you feel absolutely fine. This is often caused by the small muscles that pull the mouth corners down. By carefully relaxing these muscles, we can soften that downward pull and help the mouth sit in a slightly more neutral position. It’s a subtle treatment—not an attempt to change your smile or create an exaggerated lift.
Appointments available in Leytonstone, East London.
TREATMENT COST
From £350 as part of our Lower Face Anti-Wrinkle Treatment (other areas included)
SESSIONS NEEDED
Usually one treatment session, with a review if needed.
RESULTS
A softer mouth position develops gradually over two weeks.
What is a Downturned Smile treatment?
A downturned smile is often linked to two small muscles called the depressor anguli oris, usually shortened to the DAOs. These muscles run between the lower jaw and the corners of the mouth, pulling the mouth down when they contract.
In some people, the DAOs are naturally quite strong or active. This can make the mouth corners appear turned down even when the face is completely relaxed.
Downturned smile treatment uses carefully placed muscle-relaxing injections to reduce some of this downward pull. This allows the muscles that lift the mouth to work with less resistance, helping the corners rest in a softer, more neutral position.
The result should be subtle. It won’t create a permanently raised smile, but it will help you look less sad, stern or tired when your face is at rest.
What can our Downturned Smile treatment help with?
This treatment may be suitable when active DAO muscles are pulling down the corners of your mouth. It can help with: • Mouth corners that naturally turn downwards • A sad or unhappy-looking resting expression • Strong downward movement when speaking or making expressions • Slight imbalance between the two sides of the mouth • Early creasing caused partly by repeated muscle movement • Creating a softer, more relaxed-looking lower face • Improving balance through the mouth, chin and jawline area Not every downturned mouth is caused by muscle movement. Volume loss, deeper marionette lines, skin laxity and the natural structure of your lower face can all play a part. We’ll assess the area properly before recommending the most appropriate option.
What to expect from your Downturned Smile appointment
Your appointment will always start with a consultation so we can chat through your concerns, take a look at the treatment area and understand what you’d like to achieve. We will take time to understand what has been bothering you, explain what this treatment can realistically do for you, and answer any questions you have.
Everything is tailored 100% to you, and your unique goals. If you decide to go ahead, we'll apply a numbing cream, if appropriate, and begin the treatment. We won't start until you're 100% happy. At the end of the appointment you’ll also be given clear aftercare advice so you know exactly what to do afterwards and how to get the best from your results.
RESULTS
A softer mouth position develops gradually over two weeks.
SESSIONS
Usually one treatment session, with a review if needed.
DOWNTIME
Minimal; small bumps, redness or bruising may briefly appear.
PAIN
Brief pinpricks; most clients find the treatment easily tolerated.
Why Choose Facebox London?
Aesthetic and skin treatments can feel daunting when you have never visited a clinic before. At Facebox London, you will not be expected to know any terminology or make a decision before you feel ready. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible. We pride ourselves on this in our friendly East London clinic.
At Facebox London, you can expect:
Who will carry out your treatment?
Downturned Smile Treatment in Leytonstone for clients across East London
Facebox London is based in Leytonstone, London, providing treatments in a private, welcoming clinic setting, with free parking nearby. The location is convenient for clients travelling from nearby areas including:
- Wanstead
- Leyton
- Walthamstow
- Forest Gate
- Stratford
- Snaresbrook
- South Woodford
- Woodford
- Maryland
- Other parts of Waltham Forest and East London
Downturned Smile with Anti-Wrinkle Treatment FAQs
What is the DAO muscle?
DAO stands for depressor anguli oris. It’s a small muscle on each side of the lower face that helps pull the corners of the mouth downwards.
If these muscles are particularly strong, the mouth may look downturned even when your face is relaxed. Carefully reducing their activity can help the mouth corners sit in a softer position.
Can anti-wrinkle treatment lift the corners of the mouth?
It can create a very subtle improvement when strong DAO muscles are pulling the mouth corners down. The aim is usually to reduce the downward pull rather than create an obvious upward lift.
The result depends on your facial anatomy and what is causing the downturn, so we’ll assess the area before telling you what is realistically achievable.
How long does Downturned Smile treatment last?
Results generally last for around 12 weeks, although this varies between clients. Your natural muscle strength, metabolism and lifestyle can all affect how long the treatment remains noticeable.
Movement will return gradually rather than all at once.
Do I need DAO treatment or marionette line filler?
DAO treatment is more suitable when active muscles are pulling the mouth corners down. Marionette line filler may be considered when folds or shadows are being caused by volume loss and changes in the structure of the lower face.
Some clients have a combination of muscle movement and volume loss. We’ll explain which factor is having the biggest effect and whether one treatment—or a carefully planned combination—would be most appropriate.
Will DAO treatment affect my smile?
The DAO muscles sit close to other muscles involved in speaking and smiling, which is why careful assessment and precise placement are so important.
The aim is to soften unwanted downward pull without interfering with your natural expression. We’ll explain the possible risks during your consultation and only recommend treatment when we believe it is suitable for your anatomy.scu