Beyond the Forehead: What You Should Know About Botox for the Lower Face

Botox is best known for smoothing forehead lines and crow’s feet, but its benefits extend well beyond the upper face. In recent years, more attention has been given to how Botox can be used in the lower face to address lines and muscle tension that contribute to a downturned, tired, or tense appearance—particularly around the mouth and chin.

What Causes Lower Face Frown Lines?

Frown lines in the lower face can develop from repetitive movements and muscle overactivity, just like those in the upper face. But the muscle groups at play are different:

• Depressor anguli oris (DAO): This muscle pulls the corners of the mouth downward, often contributing to a “perma-frown” or sad appearance even when you're feeling neutral.

  
  

• Mentalis: Located in the chin, this muscle can cause dimpling or puckering of the skin, and exaggerate the appearance of lower face tension over time.

Overactive movement in these areas—especially when habitual—can lead to etched lines that persist even at rest. In some individuals, these changes can subtly shift how their facial expressions are perceived by others, sometimes making them look more upset or fatigued than they feel.

How Botox Works Below the Forehead

Botox (botulinum toxin type A) works by temporarily relaxing muscles that are contracting too forcefully or too often. In the lower face, very small, targeted doses are used to soften muscle tension without freezing natural expression.

Because this part of the face is involved in many essential movements—talking, smiling, chewing—it requires a more nuanced and conservative approach compared to treatment in the forehead or around the eyes. A provider’s knowledge of facial anatomy is critical to achieving subtle, balanced results.

Why Lower Face Botox Is About Expression, Not Erasure

The goal of Botox in the lower face isn’t to eliminate movement, but rather to recalibrate it. When certain muscles (like the DAO) are overactive, they can override others and cause downward pulling that affects the harmony of your facial expressions.

By slightly reducing this overactivity, Botox can help restore balance—so you still look like you, just more at ease.

Early Intervention vs. Corrective Use

In younger patients, lower face Botox can be a preventative measure—minimizing excessive movement before static lines form. In older patients, it may serve a corrective role, helping soften visible lines and relieve underlying muscle tension.

Either way, the treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Each face moves differently, and Botox should be customized based on individual anatomy and goals.

A Thoughtful Approach Is Key

Because of the complexity of lower face anatomy, not everyone is an ideal candidate—or may benefit more from a combination of treatments. In some cases, complementary procedures like dermal fillers or skin texture treatments are recommended to enhance results.

As with any medical aesthetic treatment, safety and subtlety should be the priority. When performed by a skilled provider with a deep understanding of facial structure, lower face Botox can offer meaningful, natural-looking improvements that go beyond the surface.