What It Is
Glabellar Botox is a non-surgical treatment where botulinum toxin is injected into the glabellar complex — the group of muscles between the eyebrows (primarily the corrugator and procerus muscles). These muscles are responsible for creating vertical “frown lines” or “11 lines.”
By temporarily relaxing these muscles:
- The appearance of frown lines is softened or eliminated.
- Prevents lines from deepening into permanent wrinkles.
- Creates a calmer, more approachable facial expression.
In Korea, Glabellar Botox is considered one of the most important wrinkle-preventive treatments, since frown lines can make a person look angry, stressed, or older even when they are not.
Why It’s Done
Patients undergo Glabellar Botox for both cosmetic and emotional reasons:
➝ Wrinkle reduction → Smooths the vertical “11 lines” between eyebrows.
➝ Prevention → Stops dynamic frown lines from turning into deep static wrinkles.
➝ Youthful appearance → Restores a relaxed and refreshed look.
➝ Softer expressions → Prevents an unintentional angry or harsh look.
➝ Confidence boost → Enhances self-image in photos and social interactions.
➝ Preventative anti-aging → Common in younger Koreans who start Botox early to preserve wrinkle-free skin.
This treatment is especially valued in K-beauty because it helps maintain a friendly, harmonious facial appearance.
Alternatives
While Glabellar Botox is highly effective, alternatives or complementary treatments may also be used:
- Dermal fillers → For deep, etched-in glabellar wrinkles caused by volume loss.
- Skin Botox (Micro-Botox) → Improves fine surface lines around the glabella and forehead.
- HIFU (Shurink, Ultherapy) → Provides skin tightening but does not target muscles.
- Thermage FLX → Firms skin texture in the upper face.
- Laser resurfacing (Fraxel, CO₂) → Improves fine lines and skin quality.
- Thread lifts (brow threads) → Lift the brow area when sagging contributes to glabellar lines.
In Korea, Glabellar Botox is often combined with forehead Botox or brow lifts for complete upper-face rejuvenation.
Preparation
Preparation ensures both safety and optimal results:
➝ Consultation → Doctor evaluates wrinkle depth, muscle activity, and brow position.
➝ Medical history → Patients disclose medications, prior Botox history, or neuromuscular conditions.
➝ Avoid blood thinners → Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, and supplements 5–7 days before (with medical guidance).
➝ No alcohol or smoking → For at least 24–48 hours before.
➝ Clean skin → Arrive without makeup or skincare products.
➝ Numbing → Topical anesthetic cream may be applied, though injections are quick and tolerable.
How It’s Done
A Glabellar Botox session usually takes 10–20 minutes:
- Cleansing & sterilization → The glabella area is disinfected.
- Marking injection points → Typically 3–5 precise points in the corrugator and procerus muscles.
- Injection process →
- Fine needles deliver small amounts of Botox into each targeted muscle.
- Care is taken to avoid spreading into unintended areas (such as eyelids).
- Post-treatment care → Cooling pads may be applied to reduce redness or swelling.
Treatment plan:
- First results appear in 3–5 days.
- Full results visible in 10–14 days.
- Effect lasts 3–5 months, after which repeat sessions are recommended.
Recovery
Recovery from Glabellar Botox is quick and minimal:
- Immediately after → Small red bumps at injection sites, disappear within 30 minutes.
- Day 1–2 → Possible mild tenderness or headache.
- Week 1 → Wrinkle reduction begins to show.
- Week 2–3 → Full results with smoother, more relaxed brow area.
- Month 3–5 → Effect gradually fades, requiring maintenance treatment.
Aftercare tips:
➝ Stay upright for 4 hours post-treatment.
➝ Do not rub, massage, or apply pressure to the area for 24 hours.
➝ Avoid saunas, alcohol, or strenuous exercise for 1–2 days.
➝ Use SPF 50+ sunscreen daily to prevent sun-induced wrinkle worsening.
Complications
Glabellar Botox is safe in expert hands, but potential side effects include:
➝ Bruising or swelling → Common, temporary.
➝ Mild headache → Short-lived, resolves in 1–2 days.
➝ Asymmetry → Rare, corrected with touch-ups.
➝ Eyelid drooping (ptosis) → Rare, occurs if Botox spreads to upper eyelid muscles.
➝ Over-relaxation → Can cause a heavy or unnatural brow if overdosed.
Korean dermatologists minimize risks through micro-dosing, precise mapping, and FDA/KFDA-approved products.
Treatment Options in Korea
In Korea, Glabellar Botox is one of the most common upper-face rejuvenation treatments, available in nearly all dermatology and cosmetic clinics. Patients can choose from:
- Preventive light-dose Glabellar Botox in their 20s–30s to stop early wrinkle formation.
- Standard Glabellar Botox for patients in their 30s–50s with visible dynamic lines.
- Combination Glabellar + Forehead Botox for a smoother, balanced upper face.
- Glabellar Botox paired with Skin Botox for improved pore and skin texture around the brow area.
- Premium anti-aging programs combining Botox with HIFU, Thermage, or skin boosters for holistic upper-face rejuvenation.
Final Thoughts
Glabellar Botox in Korea is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for softening frown lines and “11 lines” between the eyebrows. It provides quick results, requires no downtime, and prevents early lines from becoming deep wrinkles.
Korean clinics are especially skilled at achieving natural, balanced outcomes by carefully adjusting the Botox dose and combining it with other advanced skin treatments. For patients seeking a relaxed, youthful, and approachable appearance, Glabellar Botox in Korea is among the most reliable and refined options worldwide.
