Skin Guide · Sep 2026
Skin Guide
Frown lines, softened
Glabella Botox softens the vertical 11 lines between the brows while you keep your expression.
Two
weeks to
full effect
Maylin Apgujeong
Model portrait
Not a patient
Skin Guide · Botox
Glabella Botox: Relaxing the “11” Lines Between the Brows
Glabella Botox treats the vertical “11” lines between the eyebrows, the lines that make people look tired, worried or cross even when they are not. It relaxes the small muscles that pull the brows together, so the lines soften within about two weeks. Frown lines are one of the most established uses of Botox, and a light treatment keeps your brows expressive.
Maylin Apgujeong · Skin Guide
What causes the 11 lines
The glabella is the smooth area between the eyebrows. Two muscles work there: the corrugators, which pull the brows together and down, and the procerus, which pulls the skin between the brows downward. Concentrating, squinting at screens or in the sun, and frowning all fold the skin into vertical lines. Over time the lines can stay even when your face is relaxed.
What the treatment involves
- The doctor asks you to frown so the muscles can be seen clearly, and checks how your brows sit at rest.
- A few small injections are placed between and just above the inner brows.
- It takes minutes, with a brief sting and no downtime. Stay upright for a few hours and avoid rubbing the area, saunas and heavy exercise for the rest of the day.
When you will see the result
- Days 3 to 7: frowning becomes harder and the lines start to soften.
- Around 2 weeks: the full effect shows.
- About 3 to 4 months: the effect fades gradually and you can repeat treatment.
Deep lines that have been there for years may soften but not disappear with one treatment. Regular treatment stops the fold from being made over and over, which often helps the line look shallower over time.
When you will see the change
Side effects to know about
- Small bruises or redness at the injection points.
- A mild headache on the first day.
- Rarely, a heavy feeling in the brow or a slightly droopy upper eyelid if the toxin spreads toward the muscle that lifts the lid. This is uncommon and temporary, and careful placement is what prevents it.
Botox is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tell the doctor about your health history and medication first.
Keeping the brows expressive
The aim is to stop the frown, not the whole forehead. When only the glabella is treated, you can still raise your brows and look surprised or happy. If you also want forehead lines softened, that is planned separately and lightly so the brows do not drop.
Combining areas
Frown lines are often treated together with crow’s feet or masseter Botox for jaw slimming. The doctor plans each area on its own so your expression stays balanced.
Doing it safely in Seoul
At Maylin Apgujeong, a doctor examines your brows and expression before treatment, keeps placement precise to protect the eyelids, and explains the plan in writing before you book. Consultation is in English, and the treatment fits into a short stay.
How many units for the 11 lines?
A commonly used starting dose for the glabella is around 20 units, spread over several points in the frown muscles. Men, and people with strong frown muscles, often need more. The dose is set after watching how you frown, not from a chart.
Unit numbers here are in Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) units; other products are dosed differently, so numbers are not interchangeable.
The main risk, and how it is avoided
The best-known risk in this area is a temporary droop of the upper eyelid or brow if the product spreads toward the muscle that lifts the lid. It is uncommon and wears off, but it is the reason placement and dose matter. Do not rub the area or lie flat for a few hours afterwards.
FAQ
What are glabellar lines?
The vertical lines between the eyebrows, often called the 11 lines or frown lines.
How long does glabella Botox last?
Usually about three to four months.
Will I still be able to move my eyebrows?
Yes. Treating the glabella stops the frown; raising the brows still works.
Can Botox remove deep 11 lines completely?
It softens them, often a lot. Very deep, long-standing lines may also need skin treatments.
How many units of Botox for glabella lines?
Commonly around 20 units in Botox units, more for strong muscles or men. Your doctor decides after assessment.
Can you get Botox in the glabella only?
Yes. The 11 lines can be treated on their own; many people also treat the forehead or crow’s feet, but it is not required.
What is the riskiest place for Botox?
Areas near the eyes and brows carry a risk of temporary eyelid or brow droop, and high doses in the neck can affect swallowing. Careful dosing and placement keep these risks low.
Plan a visit: send a photo of your brows while frowning on WhatsApp, LINE, or KakaoTalk, and we will explain what treatment could do for you, in English, before you land.
Written at Maylin Clinic Apgujeong, where every consultation is held in English. Read how the clinic works or how to find us.
General information, not medical advice for your individual case. What is appropriate depends on your history and on an examination. See also our Medical Disclaimer and Medical Review Process.
Published · Updated
Medically reviewed by Hyoung Moon Kim, MD, PhD on .
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