Frown Lines (Glabellar Lines) in Cheongdam & Apgujeong, Seoul

Why frown lines form

Between the brows lies a small group of powerful muscles. The paired corrugator muscles pull the brows together and down, creating vertical lines; the procerus pulls the skin at the top of the nose downward, creating a horizontal line across the bridge. Together they produce the expression we read as concentration, worry or displeasure. In Korean these are called 미간주름.

• Muscle strength and habit. Some people frown hard when concentrating, reading screens or under stress. Strong corrugators carve lines early.
• Squinting. Bright light and uncorrected vision make us frown repeatedly; sunglasses and up-to-date glasses genuinely help.
• Skin ageing. As collagen declines and sun damage accumulates, the skin stops recovering between frowns, and lines that once came and went become permanent.

Frown lines matter more than their size suggests. Because the brain reads them as an emotional signal, even fine 11 lines can make a relaxed face look tense, tired or cross.

How Doje Clinic assesses frown lines

Glabellar lines are the classic indication for botulinum toxin, but frown patterns differ markedly between people. In a 1:1 consultation, Dr. Byun Jeik asks you to frown and relax several times and observes:

• whether your brows mostly move inward, downward or both, which determines where toxin is placed;
• whether there is a horizontal procerus line at the nasal bridge;
• how much of the line remains at rest, and how deep it is;
• the shape and position of your brows, which can change subtly when these muscles are relaxed;
• skin thickness and quality, assessed where useful with Mark-View 3D skin analysis.

He also checks how the forehead and the area around the eyes move, because the muscles of the upper face work as a system: relaxing one group changes how the others behave.

Options from mild to advanced

Lines that appear only with frowning

Precisely dosed botulinum toxin in the corrugator and procerus muscles reduces their pull, so the 11 lines soften and the habit of frowning eases. Doje maps the injection points to your individual frown pattern and aims to preserve a natural brow shape. Results typically develop over one to two weeks and last several months, varying by person. Starting at this stage helps prevent permanent creases.

Lines that remain at rest

Toxin stops the line being folded further, which gives the skin a chance to recover, but an etched crease rarely disappears with toxin alone. Skin boosters such as Rejuran, or collagen boosters such as GOURI or Re2O, improve dermal quality over a series of sessions and can soften the residual line.

Deep, established creases

Filler between the brows is approached with particular caution. The area is supplied by small arteries connected to the circulation around the eye, and although complications are rare, they can be serious. Doje therefore prefers toxin and skin-quality treatment first, and considers a very small amount of soft filler placed superficially only in selected cases, with careful technique.

Frowning linked to brow heaviness

When the whole upper face is heavy, treating the frown alone may not be enough. Lifting the brows with the Doje signature upper-face thread lift or addressing forehead lines in the same plan often gives a more balanced result.

Which Doje program fits

Frown lines are usually treated as a single treatment with toxin, sometimes combined with skin boosters. When they form part of wider upper-face ageing, the Signature Program combines lifting, collagen boosters and devices only as far as needed, while the Eye Program suits people whose frowning is tied to heavy eyes.

When another opinion is more appropriate

Surgery is rarely needed for frown lines. In people having a surgical brow lift for other reasons, a surgeon may also weaken the frown muscles. If you have a medical eye condition, eyelid drooping or a history of reaction to toxin, Dr. Byun will review whether treatment is suitable.

Cost

Fees depend on the treatment combination and are quoted after the 1:1 consultation. Ask for a written quote; Korean non-covered (비급여) aesthetic fees are set per plan.

Frequently asked questions

What causes 11 lines between the brows?

Repeated contraction of the corrugator and procerus muscles when concentrating, squinting or under stress, combined with gradual collagen loss in the skin.

How long does Botox for frown lines last?

Typically around three to four months, varying with dose, muscle strength and individual metabolism.

Can toxin prevent frown lines becoming permanent?

Treating while lines still disappear at rest reduces repeated folding, which can help prevent them from becoming etched.

Is filler safe for frown lines?

The area has a delicate blood supply, so filler carries specific risks. Doje prefers toxin and skin boosters and uses filler only selectively and conservatively.

Will treatment change my brow shape?

Relaxing the frown muscles can subtly change brow position. Dose and placement are planned to keep a natural shape.

What is the downtime?

Minimal. Small injection marks fade within hours; avoid rubbing the area and strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.

Related at Doje Clinic

• Botox
• Forehead Lines
• Botox vs Filler
• Skin Boosters
• Fine Lines
• Safety & Side Effects
• Botox Aftercare

Medical information on this page is general education, not a diagnosis. Suitability, risks and the final plan are confirmed in a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Byun Jeik. Last updated 17 October 2026.