Botox · Apgujeong, Seoul
Mouth Corner Botox in Apgujeong & Cheongdam, Gangnam, Seoul
Relaxing the muscle that pulls the mouth corners down can soften a sad or tired look at rest.
Quick answer
Every Botox plan at Oaro Dermatology Clinic begins with a 1:1 examination by a board-certified dermatologist, so the toxin, dose and injection points are set for your muscles rather than a template. Meet our doctors or see all injectables.
At a glance
| Procedure time | 5–10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | Usually none; ice if preferred |
| Results start | 2–5 days |
| Results last | Around 3–4 months |
| Downtime | Minimal; a small bruise is possible |
| Sessions | One session, reviewed at about 2 weeks |
| Performed by | Board-certified dermatologist |
Visual guide
Your treatment on one page
This infographic sums up the treatment the way our dermatologists explain it in consultation: the muscle or gland being treated, how long it takes, when results start and how long they usually last, plus the three steps of your visit. Save it to your phone before you come in, or share it with someone planning the trip with you.
- Typical timings, downtime and number of sessions
- Who the treatment suits, in plain words
- Your visit: diagnosis, precise injections, review at 2–4 weeks
Oaro Dermatology Clinic · 8F Cheongdam Tower, 327 Dosan-daero, where Apgujeong meets Cheongdam in Gangnam, Seoul · 8 minutes on foot from Apgujeong Rodeo Station
Overview
What is mouth corner Botox?
The depressor anguli oris, often shortened to DAO, is a small triangular muscle that runs from the corner of the mouth down towards the jawline. When it is strong or overactive, it tugs the corners downwards, which can give a sad, stern or tired expression even when you feel relaxed. Over time the pull can also deepen the early lines that run from the mouth corners towards the chin.
Mouth corner Botox places a small amount of toxin into the lower part of this muscle to weaken its pull, so the upward-pulling cheek muscles can hold the corners slightly higher. The aim is a more neutral resting mouth, not a fixed smile. Where volume loss has created a deeper fold, toxin alone may not be enough and the dermatologist may suggest combining it with filler for marionette lines.
How mouth corner Botox works at Oaro
The DAO lies close to muscles you use to speak, eat and smile, so placement matters. At Oaro Dermatology Clinic, set where Apgujeong meets Cheongdam in Gangnam, Dr. Chang-hyun Kim locates the muscle by asking you to frown, grimace and smile, and keeps the injections low and towards the jawline, away from the muscles of the lower lip. If chin dimpling or a tight chin is part of the picture, chin Botox can be planned at the same visit.
Why patients choose Oaro for Botox
- Dose and injection points set by a board-certified dermatologist after examining your muscles
- Korean-made toxins such as Nabota and imported brands explained honestly, with units compared fairly
- Written aftercare and a review at 2–4 weeks, in person or by message
- Private 1:1 rooms in Cheongdam Tower, 8 minutes from Apgujeong Rodeo Station
- English-friendly coordination and clear, itemised pricing
Treatment goals
Common goals for mouth corner Botox
A less downturned mouth at rest
Many people ask because others think they look upset when they are not. Lifting the corners slightly can make the resting face look more neutral and approachable.
Softer early marionette lines
When the lines below the mouth corners are mostly caused by muscle pull, relaxing the DAO can soften them. Lines caused by sagging or lost volume respond less and may need other treatment.
Support alongside lower-face filler
For people having filler in the lower face, reducing the downward pull can help the corners look smoother alongside it. See facial fillers.
Balancing an uneven mouth
If one corner pulls down more than the other, a different dose on each side can make the mouth look more even at rest. Some natural asymmetry always remains, and the dermatologist will tell you how much change is realistic.
Your visit
What to expect
1. Consultation & diagnosis
The dermatologist looks at your mouth at rest, when talking and when smiling, and feels the muscle as you pull the corners down. They also check the chin, jawline and neck, because the platysma muscle in the neck can add to the downward pull. Your medical history and medicines are reviewed, and you receive an itemised quote in English.
2. Treatment
After cleansing, one or two small injections are placed on each side, low on the face near the jawline. Most people describe a brief sting. The treatment itself takes about 5–10 minutes.
3. Aftercare & follow-up
You can return to your day straight away. The effect starts within a few days and settles at about two weeks, when we review your smile and speech in person or by message.
Cost guide
Mouth Corner Botox cost in Seoul
Because the DAO is a small muscle, mouth corner Botox needs relatively little toxin and is usually priced as a small area. Seoul clinics use Korean-made toxins such as Nabota and imported brands. Units differ by brand, so a lower unit number does not always mean less product. Typical ranges in Seoul clinics are:
| Option | Typical range (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Mouth corners (both sides), Korean-made toxin (e.g. Nabota) | ₩30,000–₩150,000 |
| Mouth corners with chin, Korean-made toxin | ₩60,000–₩200,000 |
| Mouth corners (both sides), imported toxin | ₩100,000–₩300,000 |
| Mouth corners with chin, imported toxin | ₩150,000–₩400,000 |
Exact pricing is confirmed at consultation after examination.
Aftercare
Aftercare
- Avoid touching, massaging or pressing on the lower face for the rest of the day.
- Stay upright for about 4 hours and avoid lying face down.
- Skip heavy exercise, saunas, hot baths and alcohol for 24 hours.
- Small bruises can be covered with makeup from the next day.
- Contact the clinic if your smile looks uneven, using a straw feels difficult or your lower lip moves oddly after the first week.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Chang-hyun Kim, M.D.
Board-certified dermatologist and Representative Director of Oaro Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam. Member of the Korean Dermatological Association, the Korean Filler Society, the Korean Society for Dermatologic Laser and the Korean Anti-Aging Society.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Will it change my smile?
It should not stop you smiling, though your mouth may feel slightly different for the first week or two. The aim is to reduce only the downward pull. If the toxin spreads to nearby lip muscles, the smile can look uneven or the lower lip may move less on one side; this is temporary and fades as the toxin wears off.
What other side effects are possible?
General effects include small bruises, mild swelling, tenderness and occasionally a headache. Less commonly, lip weakness can make it harder to pronounce some sounds, hold liquid in the mouth or use a straw for a few weeks. A low, conservative dose placed close to the jawline helps reduce this risk.
Who should avoid mouth corner Botox?
Postpone it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have a cold sore or other infection near the mouth. It is not recommended for people with neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis or a known allergy to toxin ingredients. Please tell the dermatologist about medicines such as aminoglycoside antibiotics and blood thinners. If you sing, play a wind instrument or speak professionally, mention this so the plan can be extra cautious.
How should I time it around a Seoul trip?
Book within the first few days of your stay so there is time to review your smile at around two weeks if you are still in Seoul. Flying soon after treatment is generally fine. Oaro is in Gangnam, about 8 minutes on foot from Apgujeong Rodeo Station, and if you have already flown home we can review photographs or a short video by message.
Should I choose filler or Botox for downturned corners?
They treat different causes: Botox reduces muscle pull, while filler replaces lost volume. A mild downturn often needs only Botox; deeper marionette lines may benefit from both.
Explore related care
Often considered together
- Marionette lines — filler and other options for deeper folds
- Chin Botox — often planned with the mouth corners
- Lip flip treatment — another small toxin treatment around the mouth
- Neck Botox — when neck bands add to the downward pull
- Facial fillers — restoring volume in the lower face
- Contact & Booking — book a consultation in Apgujeong, Seoul
Private 1:1 consultation
Plan your Botox with a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Tell us what you would like to change. We will examine the muscles involved, explain which toxin and dose suit you and give you a written plan with clear pricing. English-speaking coordinators help international patients visiting Cheongdam, Gangnam and the rest of Seoul.