What should you know about permanent frown lines?

Frown lines, also called glabellar lines, sit between the eyebrows and may look like vertical creases when you concentrate, squint, or bring the brows together. Repeated movement can make them visible at rest. Sun exposure, dryness, and reduced elasticity can add to their etched appearance.

Botulinum toxin can temporarily reduce activity in selected muscles that pull the brows together. Dermal fillers may be considered for particular static depressions, but the area needs careful assessment because anatomy and blood vessels are complex. A consultation should cover facial movement, skin quality, and previous procedures.

Use sun protection and moisturiser consistently, and avoid rubbing the area. Notice whether the lines appear only during expression or remain when the face is relaxed; this helps a clinician discuss realistic options. Bring a list of medicines, allergies, previous injections, and any history of neuromuscular illness.

Ask how the treatment may affect brow movement, eyelid position, facial balance, and expression. Do not choose a product or injector from photographs alone. Follow instructions about exercise, pressure, makeup, and review appointments after treatment.

After treatment, seek urgent care for breathing or swallowing difficulty, widespread weakness, vision changes, or severe allergic symptoms. Contact the treating clinic for increasing pain, warmth, redness, marked asymmetry, drooping, or skin colour change rather than waiting for a routine review.

Ask whether your lines are movement-related, etched, or both; whether [Botox](/treatments/injectables/botulinum-toxin-injection/) is suitable; and when [Dermal Fillers](/treatments/injectables/dermal-fillers/) would be avoided. Discuss expected duration, side effects, aftercare, and options if the result is uneven.