Depressor anguli oris: What it is, botox, exercises, and more Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What is the depressor anguli oris Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Steph Coelho on August 30, 2022The depressor anguli oris is a facial muscle that allows a person to move the corners of their mouth, specifically downward. The muscle sits on either side of the mouth. Frowning involves activating the depressor anguli oris muscle as it pulls down the corners of the mouth. Depending on the strength of these muscles, some people may have more pronounced frowning expressions than others. Individuals may wish to fix this with cosmetic procedures. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons can inject botulinum toxin into the muscle to improve what some people perceive as an overly frown-like expression. Read more to learn about the depressor anguli oris, how this muscle helps individuals express emotion, and whether botulinum toxin can help with weak or overactive muscles. What is it Share on PinterestAnnie Otzen/Getty ImagesThe depressor anguli oris is a facial muscle responsible for the downward pull of the mouth. It allows people to express emotions facially and, most notably, frown. It is a paired muscle, which means there is one on each side of the face. Each muscle starts along the edge of the chin and stops at the corners of the mouth. Anatomy Click on the BodyMap above to interact with a 3D model of the depressor anguli oris muscle. Expressing emotion People sometimes refer to the depressor anguli oris as the “sadness muscle.” This is because it is responsible for pulling down or “depressing” the corners of the mouth, which occurs when a person frowns. Like other facial muscles, the depressor anguli oris is an essential part of expressing emotion. Botox Some people perceive the depressor anguli oris muscle to be overactive, causing a persistent frown-like appearance. Issues with this muscle can make it difficult to smile, cause a lopsided smile, or cause excessive frowning. Conditions that may affect the muscle include:Bell’s palsyRamsay Hunt syndrome, an infection of a facial nerveLyme diseasetrauma to the face Some people may opt for cosmetic procedures to help manage this constant downward pull. Botox, one trademark of the botulinum toxin, is one option. It can help eliminate the frowning appearance by blocking the nerve signals that make the muscles contract. According to one older 2010 study, using Botox on the depressor anguli oris can help elevate the corners of the mouth and even create a temporary neck lift. However, there is insufficient research on Botox treatment for this muscle, so researchers do not fully know its risks and side effects. Additionally, the effects of Botox are not permanent — it typically only lasts a few months. While Botox injections carry fewer risks than surgical procedures, a person needs repeat injections to maintain results. Additionally, getting a Botox injection into the depressor anguli oris is an inpatient procedure and does not require a hospital stay. Summary The depressor anguli oris is responsible for pulling the corners of the mouth down. When the muscle is overactive or weak, it can look like a person is frowning when their face is at rest. Some people choose Botox to change this appearance. While Botox is a relatively safe and simple procedure, some individuals need regular injections to maintain results. Last medically reviewed on August 30, 2022Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery 2 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Goldman, A., et al. (2010). Elevation of the corner of the mouth using botulinum toxin type A. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3047731/Padda, I. S., et al. (2022). Botulinum toxin.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557387/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Steph Coelho on August 30, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageBotox: Cosmetic and medical usesMedically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D. Botox is a drug that reduces skin wrinkles and can treat some muscle- or nerve-related health issues. 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