“Resting frown face” is a real phenomenon, and it is one of the most common quiet complaints we hear from patients at Artistry Aesthetics in Saginaw. The line we hear most often is some version of, “I feel fine, but people keep asking me what’s wrong.”
When that is the issue, the cause is often the muscles at the corners of the mouth. A small, well-placed Botox treatment in this area—often called DAO Botox—can quietly soften that resting expression and make a real difference.
What Is the DAO?
DAO stands for depressor anguli oris. The depressor anguli oris is a small muscle that runs from the corner of the mouth down toward the jaw on each side. Its job is to pull the mouth corners downward, which it does for any expression involving sadness, disgust, or disapproval.
Over time, this muscle can become overactive at rest. Even when you are not feeling any of those emotions, the DAO is gently tugging the mouth corners down. The result is a face that reads as sad, displeased, or stern when it is just being neutral.
How DAO Botox Works
A small amount of Botox in each DAO relaxes that downward pull. With the depressor calmed, the natural lifters of the mouth corners can take over and bring the corners up to a more neutral or slightly upturned position at rest.
Importantly, this does not change your smile. You still smile the same way, frown the same way, and express the same range of emotion you always have. What changes is what your face does at rest. Patients in Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland often describe the result as looking “approachable” or “calmer” without being able to point to anything specific.
What Else DAO Treatment Can Help With
Besides the resting expression, an overactive DAO can contribute to the lines that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin—often called marionette lines. Treating the DAO can soften those lines and is a common companion treatment to other lower-face refinements.
Many of our patients across the Tri-Cities region pair DAO Botox with neck and chin treatments. Together, these refine the lower third of the face in a way that looks rested and natural rather than “done.”
What to Expect
DAO treatment is quick and comfortable. There is no anesthesia, no downtime, and no recovery period. Results show up over a week or two and last for a few months. The amount used is small, and the change is subtle but real.
Schedule a DAO Consultation in Saginaw
If your face has been telling people the wrong story—looking sad or stern when you feel fine—a quick conversation might be in order. Reach out to Artistry Aesthetics, PLLC in Saginaw to book a consultation. We see patients from across Mid-Michigan—Saginaw, Bay City, Midland, Frankenmuth, and surrounding communities—and we will walk you through whether DAO Botox is the right next step.
A Note on Medical Information
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Botulinum toxin treatments carry risks and should always be performed by a qualified, licensed provider. The right plan for you, including which areas are appropriate to treat, is determined during an in-person consultation.
Related Topics
DAO Botox Saginaw, mouth corner lift Michigan, resting frown face Mid-Michigan, marionette line treatment Bay City, lower face Botox, Artistry Aesthetics PLLC.