A practical guide to treating the vertical "11 lines" between the brows with Botox in Seoul: how it works, how long it lasts, what can go wrong and what it costs.
Glabellar Botox treats the vertical frown lines between the eyebrows, often called "11 lines". Small doses of botulinum toxin relax the corrugator and procerus muscles that pull the brows together and down, so the lines soften and you look less tense. Treatment takes about 10 minutes with no real downtime; results begin in 3–7 days and usually last three to four months. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, wrinkle Botox starts from ₩39,000 per area with a Korean toxin (KRW, excluding 10% VAT).
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
What is glabellar Botox?
The glabella is the smooth area between your eyebrows, just above the nose. When you concentrate, squint or feel stressed, two groups of muscles contract there: the corrugators, which pull the brows together, and the procerus, which pulls the inner brows down. Over years, that repeated movement creases the skin into one or two vertical lines, often called "11 lines" in Korea, plus sometimes a horizontal line across the bridge of the nose.
Glabellar Botox places small, precise doses of botulinum toxin into those muscles. The toxin blocks the nerve signal that tells them to contract, so they relax for several months. As the muscles relax, the skin between the brows stops folding as deeply and the lines soften. The frown area was one of the first cosmetic uses studied for botulinum toxin, and it remains one of the most common. Learn more on our wrinkle Botox page.
Why treat frown lines?
- A calmer expression. Deep 11 lines can make you look angry, worried or tired even when you are relaxed.
- Slows deepening. Regular treatment reduces repeated folding, which may help stop lines from becoming fixed at rest.
- Balances the brows. Because the frown muscles pull the brows down, relaxing them can give a subtle lift to the inner brow.
- Fits any schedule. The appointment is short and there is nothing to hide afterward.
Some people also notice they frown less out of habit while the muscles are relaxed. That can be a pleasant side benefit, especially for those who squint at screens all day or frown when concentrating.
Dynamic lines vs static lines
Dynamic lines appear only when you frown and disappear when you relax. These usually respond very well to Botox alone. Static lines are visible even at rest because the skin has creased over time. Botox stops them from getting deeper and often softens them, but a faint line may remain after one treatment. Over two or three regular treatments, many static lines become less noticeable as the skin is no longer folded every day.
Skin quality also plays a part. Dry, thin or sun-damaged skin shows lines more easily, so sunscreen, good hydration and, where suitable, a skin booster can support the result.
For lines that are etched in even at rest, Botox may soften rather than erase them. See the frown lines concern page for combined approaches.
Who is a good candidate for glabellar Botox?
Usually a good fit
- Vertical lines between the brows that deepen when you frown
- People who are told they look cross or tired
- Those planning forehead Botox, to keep brows balanced
- Visitors who want results with no downtime
Talk to the doctor first
- Droopy eyelids or a history of eyelid ptosis
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Neuromuscular disorders or certain medications such as aminoglycoside antibiotics
- Infection or inflammation at the injection site
What happens on treatment day
- English consultation. The doctor asks you to frown and relax, checks muscle strength and eyelid position, and agrees the brand, dose and price.
- Marking. Usually three to five points are marked between and just above the inner brows.
- Injection. A very fine needle delivers the toxin. Most people feel a few quick pinches.
- Pressure. Light pressure helps prevent bruising. Do not rub the area afterward.
- Aftercare briefing. You receive written aftercare in English and can carry on with your day.
Glabellar Botox results: what to expect and when
| When | What you may notice |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Small bumps and slight redness that settle within about 20 minutes |
| Days 2–5 | Frowning becomes harder; lines start to soften |
| Week 2 | Full effect; best time for a check-up |
| Months 3–4 | Movement returns gradually; plan your next treatment |
The frown muscles are strong, and men or people with very active frowning often need a higher dose. If movement returns early, the dose may be adjusted next time. See the Botox results page for more on what to expect.
Is glabellar Botox safe? Risks and side effects
When injected by a trained doctor at an appropriate dose, glabellar Botox is considered low risk. It is still a medical treatment, and side effects can occur.
- Common: pinpoint bruising, mild headache, tenderness or slight swelling for a day or two.
- Uncommon: temporary upper eyelid drooping (ptosis) if toxin spreads to the muscle that lifts the eyelid. It usually improves over several weeks, and eye drops may help in the meantime.
- Uncommon: uneven brows or a raised outer brow, which can often be balanced with a small top-up.
- Rare: allergic reaction or distant spread. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking.
Choosing a doctor-led clinic, a genuine licensed product and conservative dosing reduces these risks. Read is Korean Botox safe and our guide to Korean Botox brands.
How much does frown line Botox cost in Seoul (2026)?
The glabella counts as one area. The main difference in price is the toxin brand.
| Toxin | Made in | Frown lines (one area) | Three areas (forehead, frown lines, crow's feet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korean toxin (Botulax, Nabota or Coretox) | Korea | ₩39,000 | ₩99,000 |
| Xeomin | Germany | ₩79,000 | ₩199,000 |
| Botox (Allergan) | USA | ₩99,000 | ₩259,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. Cosmetic procedures no longer qualify for a tourist VAT refund as of January 1, 2026 — see VAT refund on cosmetic procedures. Full details on the Botox price page.
Frown line Botox vs filler: which do you need?
Botox reduces the muscle movement that causes frown lines. Filler adds volume under a line. For most 11 lines, Botox is the first step. Filler in the glabella is generally approached with great caution because the area has small blood vessels connected to the eye circulation, and filler there carries a higher risk of vascular complications. Many doctors prefer Botox combined with skin-quality treatments for etched lines. Compare the two in Botox vs dermal filler.
Recovery and planning around your Seoul trip
- First 4 hours: stay upright, do not rub the area, and avoid tight headbands or face-down massage.
- First 24 hours: skip saunas, jjimjilbang, intense exercise and heavy drinking.
- Book ahead: send your dates through our consultation form; avoid your arrival day.
- Getting here: Dernia is near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
- Time it with other treatments: if you are also having lasers or lifting, ask the doctor about the order. Botox is often done after energy-based treatments on the same day, or on a separate day.
- Keep a record: ask for the toxin brand and dose in writing so a clinic at home can continue the same plan.
Flying home? You can usually fly the same or next day. If you would like a two-week review, treat early in your trip. For more, see can I fly after Botox.
Frequently asked questions
What are 11 lines?
They are the vertical frown lines between the eyebrows, named for their shape. They are caused mainly by the corrugator and procerus muscles.
How long does glabellar Botox last?
Usually about three to four months. People with strong frown muscles may need a slightly higher dose for a longer-lasting result.
Can frown line Botox cause droopy eyelids?
It can, but it is uncommon. Careful placement away from the eyelid muscle and avoiding rubbing afterward reduce the risk, and any droop is temporary.
How much is frown line Botox in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong it starts from ₩39,000 per area with a Korean toxin, ₩79,000 with Xeomin and ₩99,000 with Allergan Botox, excluding 10% VAT.
Should I use filler for deep 11 lines?
Botox is usually the first step. Filler between the brows carries higher vascular risk, so it is approached cautiously and only after a careful doctor assessment.
Is there downtime after glabellar Botox?
No real downtime. You may see small bumps for a few minutes and, occasionally, a small bruise.
Planning frown line Botox in Seoul?
Send us your travel dates and concerns. A doctor checks your frown muscles and eyelids in person, then confirms your dose and price in English before treatment.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and suitability, treatment plan and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor after an in-person examination. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not publish patient testimonials or before-and-after claims.