Chin & DAO Treatment
Treatment of the mentalis (chin) muscle and the depressor anguli oris (DAO) — the muscle that pulls the mouth corners down — can soften a dimpled, 'orange-peel' chin and gently lift the corners of the mouth. Using botulinum toxin type A (a prescription-only medicine), the treatment relaxes the muscles responsible for these movements for a smoother, more rested lower face.
Individual assessment & treatment by a Prescribing Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine. Suitability is assessed individually at your consultation.
Areas this treatment can help with
- A dimpled or 'pebbled' chin appearance
- Down-turned mouth corners
- Lower-face tension through overactive chin muscles
- Combination lower-face softening
The treatment in plain terms
An overactive mentalis muscle can bunch the chin into a dimpled texture, and the DAO pulls the mouth corners downward over time. Relaxing these muscles with carefully placed doses softens the chin surface and allows the corners of the mouth to sit a little higher, giving a more relaxed expression. Results develop over the first week and typically last three to four months.
The Science Behind Chin & DAO Treatments
The mentalis is the muscle that sits at the tip of the chin and helps the lower lip move. When it becomes overactive — often through habitual movement, stress or ageing — it bunches the overlying skin into a dimpled, 'orange-peel' texture rather than lying flat. The depressor anguli oris (DAO) is a paired muscle at each corner of the mouth whose job is to pull the mouth corners downward. Over time, repeated DAO activity can deepen the lines running from the mouth to the chin and create a down-turned, heavier expression. Botulinum toxin type A is a prescription-only medicine that temporarily reduces the nerve signals telling these muscles to contract. With the mentalis at rest, the chin skin can smooth out; with the DAO relaxed, the mouth corners lift slightly into a more balanced position. The effect is gradual and temporary, typically lasting around three to four months, after which muscle activity returns and treatment can be repeated.
What the treatment can help with
From consultation to review
Consultation
Your clinician assesses your lower-face movement and chin contour and confirms the treatment is suitable for your concerns.
Targeted treatment
Small, precise doses are placed into the chin and DAO muscles to relax the overactive movement.
Review
A two-week review checks the response and symmetry, with refinement planned as needed.
Getting ready & looking after your treatment
Chin and DAO treatment is straightforward, but a little preparation helps it go smoothly. We'll talk through your concerns and lower-face movement at your consultation, and only arrange treatment if it's right for you.
- Tell us if you've had any previous lower-face or lip treatment, including filler
- Share details of any medicines and supplements, particularly biotin
- Let us know about any facial weakness or neuromuscular concerns
- On the day, arrive as normal — no fasting is needed
- After treatment, avoid touching or rubbing the treated areas for the rest of the day
- Avoid strenuous exercise and lying flat for a few hours afterwards
- Avoid facials, facial massage or exfoliation near the treated area for 24 hours
- Keep your two-week review so we can assess your response and symmetry
Is this treatment suitable for me?
Chin and DAO treatment is suitable for adults in good general health who are troubled by a dimpled chin or down-turned mouth corners. As with other anti-wrinkle treatments, it isn't suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with certain neuromuscular conditions. Suitability is confirmed at consultation, and treatment is only offered when clinically appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Doses are kept small and precisely placed so that speech and smiling are preserved. A brief, slight change in movement is possible in the first days, and this is reviewed at your two-week appointment.
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Ready to discuss your treatment?
Your clinician will assess your suitability, answer your questions, and only recommend treatment when it's right for you.