What causes frown lines?

Frown lines are the vertical creases between your eyebrows. In Korea they are often called 11 lines because of their shape. They form when two small muscles, the corrugator and the procerus, pull your brows together and down as you concentrate, squint or frown. Repeated thousands of times, and combined with collagen loss and sun damage, the folds become etched. Screen use, bright sunlight and uncorrected eyesight can all make you frown more than you realize. Stress and habit play a part too: many people frown while reading, driving or working without noticing. Frown lines can make you look angry, worried or tired even when you are relaxed.

How frown lines are assessed

At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, your doctor asks you to frown and then relax, and watches how the muscles move. Some people pull mainly inward, others inward and down, so injection points are matched to your pattern. Lines are generally grouped as:

Dynamic: visible only when you frown, and very responsive to Botox
Static: visible at rest, so they need Botox plus skin treatment and improve gradually

Your doctor will also look at forehead lines, because treating the frown muscles and forehead together keeps the brows balanced.

Treatment options for frown lines

Wrinkle Botox

Wrinkle Botox relaxes the corrugator and procerus muscles so you cannot frown as strongly and the skin stops creasing. Frown lines are one of the most studied uses of botulinum toxin, and it is the first choice for almost everyone. You can choose a Korean toxin or an imported brand such as Botox, Xeomin or Dysport. The first session uses a standard starting dose that your doctor can adjust at follow-up. Results last about 3–4 months.

Hyaluronic Acid Skin Booster

A hyaluronic acid skin booster places tiny amounts of non-crosslinked HA into the skin to improve hydration and smoothness. Your doctor chooses it when lines remain visible at rest after Botox has relaxed the muscle. It softens etched creases gradually rather than filling them. It also improves overall glow and lasts about 1–3 months, so many people repeat it as a top-up.

Comparing your options

Treatment	Best when	Downtime	From price
Wrinkle Botox	You frown strongly or often	None	₩39,000 (1 area, Korean toxin)
Hyaluronic Acid Skin Booster	Lines remain at rest	Small bumps for 1–2 days	₩99,000 (2cc)

Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation. You can compare every treatment on our price list.

Why we are careful with filler here

The area between the brows has small blood vessels connected to the circulation around the eye. Thick filler injected here carries a higher risk of rare but serious vascular complications than most areas of the face. For that reason, our doctors usually prefer Botox plus superficial skin boosters for etched frown lines rather than volumizing filler. Read Botox vs dermal filler to understand the difference.

Combination plans

A common plan is Botox first, then a skin booster about two weeks later, once the muscle has relaxed. Many people treat frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet in the same session for a balanced look. Skin Botox across the forehead can also refine fine texture around the brows. If you are choosing between toxins, see Korean Botox brands explained.

At-home care and prevention

Wear sunglasses in bright light, take breaks from screens, and get your eyesight checked if you squint to read. Daily SPF and a retinoid at night, if tolerated, help protect collagen. Regular Botox can also help break the frowning habit over time.

Planning treatment during a trip to Seoul

Botox takes about 10 minutes with no downtime. It starts working in a few days and peaks at around two weeks, so book early in your trip if you want a follow-up check before you fly. Avoid rubbing the area for a few hours afterward. Skin boosters can leave small bumps for a day or two. Book a consultation and your doctor will confirm the plan.

Safety and when to see a doctor

Botox is not given during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you have certain neuromuscular conditions. Rarely, toxin can spread and cause temporary eyelid droop, which is why careful placement and aftercare matter. Frequent frowning with headaches or blurry vision may mean you need an eye test, and persistent headaches should be checked by a doctor.

What are 11 lines?

It is the Korean nickname for the two vertical frown lines between the eyebrows, which look like the number 11. They come from repeated frowning and squinting.

How long does Botox for frown lines last?

Usually about 3–4 months. With regular treatment, many people find the lines look softer between sessions as the frowning habit eases.

Can filler be used for frown lines?

Sometimes, but this area carries a higher risk of vascular complications. Our doctors usually prefer Botox and superficial skin boosters, and only consider filler in carefully selected cases.

Will I still be able to move my brows?

Yes. The aim is to stop strong frowning while keeping natural expression. Your doctor matches the dose to your muscle strength.

Can I fly after Botox?

Yes, flying is generally fine after Botox. See can I fly after Botox for practical tips.

Related treatments

Wrinkle Botox — relaxes the frown muscles
HA skin booster — softens etched lines
Skin Botox — refines fine texture

Prices and results

Botox price in Seoul — Korean and imported toxins
HA skin booster price — cost per session
Botox results timeline — when it starts and peaks

Related concerns and areas

Forehead wrinkles — treated together for balance
Crow’s feet — lines at the eye corners
Forehead treatments — all options for this area

FAQs

Botox during pregnancy or breastfeeding — why we wait
How much is Botox in Korea? — quick price answer

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

Frown Line (11 Lines) Treatment in Seoul