CLINIC PERSPECTIVES · INFORMED PERSONAL CARE
Downturned mouth corners: DAO movement and lower-face support
How downturned smile assessment considers anatomy, function and a personal plan at our London clinic.
Understand the area
The depressor anguli oris, or DAO, helps draw the mouth corners downward. The appearance of a downturned smile also depends on marionette lines, lip support, skin quality and the surrounding lower-face tissues.
What we assess
We assess the mouth corners while you speak, smile and relax. The DAO, chin and platysma work within a connected lower face, so the plan considers movement and tissue support together.
Separate movement from tissue support
A marionette-line concern or a need for mouth-corner lip support has a different role from assessment of the DAO. We can discuss those options when the examination identifies a clear purpose. The aim is a softer-looking lower face that still feels like your own smile.
A plan with a clear purpose
A mouth-corner concern may benefit from a discussion of marionette-line treatment or carefully selected lip support. These have different roles from a muscle consultation and are recommended only when they match your anatomy.
Amount, review and timing
For a suitable muscle-directed plan, the fee covers the agreed treatment rather than a per-unit tariff. The amount is chosen around anatomy, muscle activity and function. A complimentary 14-day review and any clinically appropriate adjustment at that review are included. We do not automatically book repeat treatment every three months; the interval follows your response and clinical assessment.
See our downturned smile page in London for the full assessment information, fees and appointment choices.