How does mouth corner Botox work?

It works by injecting botulinum toxin into the depressor anguli oris (DAO), the muscle that pulls the corners of the mouth downward, temporarily reducing its activity. As a result, the muscles that lift the mouth corners become relatively more dominant, which can shift the balance toward less drooping at the corners of the mouth.

When do the effects appear and how long do they last?

Changes typically begin within a few days after the procedure and tend to become more noticeable after a certain period, after which the effect gradually fades over time. The duration and perceived degree of change vary depending on individual muscle condition and dosage.

Are there any side effects or precautions?

Localized reactions such as pain, redness, or bruising at the injection site may occur, and in rare cases the toxin may spread to nearby muscles, causing asymmetry in lip movement during facial expressions. It's recommended to avoid massaging or rubbing the area, as well as strenuous exercise and sauna use, for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

Is it sometimes combined with filler around the mouth?

Depending on the cause of the drooping mouth corners, this procedure may be considered alongside filler around the mouth or wrinkle-relaxing toxin injections rather than on its own. Since the appropriate approach varies by individual condition, consultation with a specialist is necessary.

How should the skin be cared for after the procedure?

Minimizing irritation to the treated area while continuing gentle soothing care and deep hydration may help maintain good skin condition. However, this is only supplementary care, and if any abnormal symptoms occur, contacting the medical institution where the procedure was performed should be the first step.

Procedure Info

Mouth Corner Botox: Principle, Effects, Duration, and Recovery Explained

Mouth corner Botox is a procedure that injects botulinum toxin into the muscle that pulls the corners of the mouth downward (the depressor anguli oris, DAO), aiming to soften the tired or stern-looking impression caused by drooping mouth corners. Effects, duration, and recovery patterns vary by individual, so whether to undergo the procedure and how it's performed should be discussed with a specialist.

August 29, 2026

Mouth Corner Botox: Principle, Effects, Duration, and Recovery Explained · Editorial Image

What Is Mouth Corner Botox

Mouth corner Botox is a procedure that injects botulinum toxin into the depressor anguli oris (DAO), the muscle that pulls the corners of the mouth downward. It is one of the procedures considered when someone wants to soften the impression of looking angry or tired that results from drooping mouth corners, even when the face is at rest.

A key characteristic of this procedure is that, rather than adding volume or physically lifting tissue, it works by temporarily reducing muscle activity to adjust the overall balance of facial expression.

How Mouth Corner Botox Works

Around the corners of the mouth, the depressor anguli oris (DAO), which pulls the mouth corners downward, works together with the risorius (and zygomaticus) muscles, which pull the mouth corners upward. The balance of force between these two muscle groups is said to determine the resting angle of the mouth.

Mouth corner Botox works by injecting small, divided doses of botulinum toxin into the DAO to temporarily reduce this muscle's activity. As the DAO weakens, the muscles that lift the mouth corners become relatively more dominant, which is said to shift the expression toward less drooping at the mouth corners. However, this is a change in the relative balance between muscles, and the underlying principle differs from procedures that physically lift tissue.

Effects and Progression

This procedure is known to help soften the stern-looking impression caused by drooping mouth corners, though the degree of change varies depending on the cause of the drooping and the individual's muscle condition and dosage.

Rather than appearing immediately after the procedure, the effect tends to develop gradually over time; changes typically begin within a few days, and muscle relaxation is said to become most noticeable after a certain period has passed. The effect then gradually fades over time, and the duration varies considerably between individuals.

Depending on the cause of the drooping, this procedure may be considered together with wrinkle-relaxing toxin or filler around the mouth rather than on its own, and it's recommended to consult with a specialist to determine which approach is suitable.

Downtime and Precautions

After the procedure, localized reactions such as mild pain, redness, or bruising may occur at the injection site, though these tend to subside within a short period.

The most important point to watch for is that if the toxin spreads beyond the intended muscle area to nearby muscles—particularly the muscle that lowers the lower lip—it may cause the lips to move asymmetrically during facial expressions. Such changes are often temporary, but the pattern and recovery period can vary between individuals.

To reduce the likelihood of this kind of spread, it is generally advised not to massage or rub the treated area for at least 24 hours after the procedure, and to avoid activities that rapidly raise body temperature, such as strenuous exercise or sauna and steam room use, during the same period.

Post-Procedure Recovery and Home Care

Mouth corner Botox itself does not involve incisions or significant tissue damage, but the skin around the injection site may become temporarily sensitive, so minimizing irritation during this period can support recovery.

Immediately after the procedure, it can help to manage skin condition with gentle soothing care while avoiding massaging or rubbing, and during the following recovery period, continuing home care focused on replenishing deep hydration may be beneficial. However, this home care is meant to support overall skin condition rather than influence the outcome of the procedure itself, and if any abnormal symptoms persist, consulting the medical institution where the procedure was performed should be the first priority.

Post-Procedure Recovery: Home Care Matters

For skin that tends to become sensitive right after the procedure, focusing on soothing and barrier care while minimizing irritation can be helpful. Abiju Cream's STEP1 Ultra Cera-Rich is designed to support soothing and barrier care immediately after the procedure, and during the following recovery period, STEP2 Hydro Re-Boosting can be considered for home care aimed at replenishing deep hydration. That said, these creams serve only a supplementary role in managing skin condition, and it's necessary to check on the progress of the procedure or any abnormal reactions through consultation with the medical institution where the procedure was performed.

FAQ

How does mouth corner Botox work?: It works by injecting botulinum toxin into the depressor anguli oris (DAO), the muscle that pulls the corners of the mouth downward, temporarily reducing its activity. As a result, the muscles that lift the mouth corners become relatively more dominant, which can shift the balance toward less drooping at the corners of the mouth.
When do the effects appear and how long do they last?: Changes typically begin within a few days after the procedure and tend to become more noticeable after a certain period, after which the effect gradually fades over time. The duration and perceived degree of change vary depending on individual muscle condition and dosage.
Are there any side effects or precautions?: Localized reactions such as pain, redness, or bruising at the injection site may occur, and in rare cases the toxin may spread to nearby muscles, causing asymmetry in lip movement during facial expressions. It's recommended to avoid massaging or rubbing the area, as well as strenuous exercise and sauna use, for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Is it sometimes combined with filler around the mouth?: Depending on the cause of the drooping mouth corners, this procedure may be considered alongside filler around the mouth or wrinkle-relaxing toxin injections rather than on its own. Since the appropriate approach varies by individual condition, consultation with a specialist is necessary.
How should the skin be cared for after the procedure?: Minimizing irritation to the treated area while continuing gentle soothing care and deep hydration may help maintain good skin condition. However, this is only supplementary care, and if any abnormal symptoms occur, contacting the medical institution where the procedure was performed should be the first step.

Medically reviewed by 아비쥬의원 의료진. (September 10, 2026)