Skin Concerns · Apgujeong, Seoul

Frown Lines

The vertical lines between the brows relaxed with precisely placed Botox, and etched lines supported with filler where needed.

Frown Lines
Skin Concerns · Apgujeong, Seoul

Frown Lines

The vertical lines between the brows relaxed with precisely placed Botox, and etched lines supported with filler where needed.

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Frown Lines
Quick answer
Frown lines, also called glabellar or "11" lines, are the vertical creases between the eyebrows produced by the corrugator and procerus muscles pulling the brows together during concentration or squinting. At Oaro Dermatology Clinic in Apgujeong, Seoul, a board-certified dermatologist maps the muscle pattern and relaxes it with Botox (Nabota); deeply etched lines that remain at rest may be supported with a small amount of hyaluronic acid filler.

Every plan at Oaro Dermatology Clinic begins with a 1:1 skin diagnosis by a board-certified dermatologist, so the dose, device settings and session count are set for your skin rather than a template. Meet our doctors or ask about your own skin .

At a glance
Procedure time 10–15 minutes
Anaesthesia Ice or topical numbing cream (optional)
Downtime None; small bumps for 20–30 minutes
Sessions Every 3–4 months for Botox; filler reviewed yearly
Results last 3–4 months (Botox); 9–12 months (filler)
Performed by Board-certified dermatologist
Overview

What are frown lines?

Frown lines are the one or two vertical creases that form between the eyebrows, often with a shorter horizontal line across the bridge of the nose. They are produced by three small muscles: the paired corrugators, which pull the brows inward and down, and the procerus, which pulls the centre of the brow downward. Every time you concentrate, squint in bright light, read a screen or feel stressed, these muscles contract. In your twenties the skin springs back; from the thirties onward the repeated folding, combined with slower collagen renewal and sun exposure, begins to leave a crease that is visible even when the face is relaxed. Because frown lines sit at the centre of the face, they also tend to read as tiredness or irritation, which is the reason many patients in Apgujeong seek treatment before any other area.

A dermatologist distinguishes between a dynamic frown line, which appears only on movement, and a static one, which has etched into the dermis. Many patients also have asymmetric muscle pull, with one brow stronger than the other, and this changes where and how much is injected. Finally, the glabella is an area where filler must be placed with particular care because of the vessels beneath it, so it is a site for experienced hands.

How frown lines are treated at Oaro

At Oaro Dermatology Clinic the dermatologist asks you to frown, raise your brows and relax while mapping the exact muscle pattern, then places small doses of Botox (Nabota) into the corrugators and procerus. The aim is to soften the pull rather than freeze the brow, keeping natural movement; this is explained further on our wrinkle treatment page. If a line remains etched at rest after the muscle has relaxed, a very small amount of soft hyaluronic acid filler may be layered superficially, as outlined under wrinkle fillers. For patients whose lines are part of a heavier brow, Ultherapy brow lifting can be added. Director Dr. Chang-hyun Kim specialises in botulinum toxin and fillers, and dosing in Seoul is reviewed at a two-week check.

Frown Lines

Why patients choose Oaro

  • Diagnosis and treatment by a board-certified dermatologist, not a technician
  • Genuine devices and products: Ultherapy, Thermage FLX, Helios Pico, Rejuran, Juvelook
  • One treatment plan, written down, with aftercare and follow-up
  • 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 frown lines

Soften the "11" lines

Reduce the vertical creases so the face looks rested rather than stern.

Keep natural expression

Relax the pull without flattening the brows or creating a heavy look.

Treat etched lines fully

Combine Botox with light filler when a crease remains at rest.

Prevent deepening

Maintain the result so the crease does not re-etch over time.

Treatment room at Oaro Dermatology Clinic, Apgujeong
Your visit

What to expect

1. Consultation & diagnosis

Your dermatologist watches your brow in movement and at rest, notes any asymmetry or brow heaviness, and reviews previous injections and medical history.

2. Injection

After cleansing and optional ice or numbing cream, Botox is injected into five to seven points between and above the brows. The visit takes 10–15 minutes. Small bumps settle within half an hour; the effect begins at three to five days and is complete by two weeks. Filler, if planned, is usually placed at the two-week review once the muscle is relaxed.

3. Aftercare & follow-up

Written aftercare and a care notebook are provided, with a two-week review to fine-tune dosing. Book a consultation to arrange treatment.

Cost guide

Frown line treatment cost in Seoul

Botox for the glabella is priced per area; Apgujeong clinics commonly bundle it with forehead or crow's feet treatment.

Option Typical range (KRW)
Botox (Nabota), frown lines 50,000 – 150,000
Botox, frown lines + forehead + crow's feet 150,000 – 350,000
Hyaluronic acid filler for etched glabellar line 250,000 – 500,000
Ultherapy brow lift (add-on) 500,000 – 1,200,000

Exact pricing is confirmed at consultation after examination.

Aftercare

Aftercare

  • Stay upright and avoid lying down for four hours after injection.
  • Do not rub, massage or apply pressure to the brow area for 24 hours.
  • Skip alcohol, saunas and strenuous exercise on the day of treatment.
  • Make-up can be applied gently after a few hours once the injection points have closed.
  • Attend the two-week review so any asymmetry can be adjusted.
Dr. Chang-hyun Kim, board-certified dermatologist at Oaro Dermatology Clinic
Medically reviewed by

Dr. Chang-hyun Kim, M.D.

Board-certified dermatologist and Representative Director of Oaro Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam. Ulthera Certified Treatment Provider, Thermage FLX Master Certified, and full member of the Korean Dermatological Association, the Korean Society for Dermatologic Laser and the Korean Filler Society.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long does Botox last for frown lines?

Typically three to four months, with some patients noticing longer intervals after regular treatment.

Will Botox make my brows look heavy?

Not when dosed and placed correctly; your dermatologist maps the muscle pattern to avoid brow drop.

Can frown lines be treated with filler alone?

Rarely. Filler is used only for an etched line after the muscle has been relaxed, because of vascular risk in this area.

Does the injection hurt?

Most patients describe a few brief pinpricks; ice or numbing cream is available.

Can I prevent frown lines from forming?

Early, low-dose Botox and sun protection can slow the etching of lines in people who frown habitually.

Explore related care

Often considered together

Private 1:1 consultation

Plan your treatment with a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong

Tell us what you would like to change, and we will examine your skin, explain the options and give you a written plan with clear pricing. English-speaking coordinators are available for international patients.