Treating frown lines
A frown between the eyebrows can make you appear stricter or more tired than you feel. At Cosmopolitan Clinic in Amsterdam, we soften frown lines with a wrinkle relaxer (botulinum toxin), so that your gaze looks calm and friendly again. Below, our cosmetic doctors explain how the treatment works, what you can expect, what it costs, and when a frown is better addressed with something else.
Table of contents
- What are frown lines?
- How does a wrinkle relaxer work for frown lines?
- Dynamic versus static frons rimpels: Botox versus filler?
- The treatment step by step
- Result and how long it lasts
- Recovery and aftercare
- Risks and side effects
- Who is a frown treatment suitable for?
- How much does a frown treatment cost in Amsterdam?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Personal advice in Amsterdam
What are frown lines?
The frown is located between the eyebrows. A frown line is caused by the repeated tightening of the frown muscle, for example during concentration, bright light, or an irritated feeling. Initially, you only see the lines when frowning, but over time they become deeper and remain visible even when your face is at rest. These vertical lines are also known as glabellar lines or elf lines.
The annoying thing is that a frown can give you an angry or stern appearance, even when you feel relaxed. That is exactly where a wrinkle relaxer helps: by calming the frown muscle, your gaze becomes more open and friendly again.
How does a wrinkle relaxer work for frown lines?
With a wrinkle relaxer (botulinum toxin), we temporarily relax the frown muscle, so that you frown less forcefully. The substance briefly inhibits the signal from the nerve to the muscle, causing the muscle to contract less and giving the skin the chance to remain smooth. The lines become softer and your appearance looks calmer.
Important for a natural result: only the frown muscle is relaxed; the rest of your facial expressions continue to function normally. You can therefore still laugh and look as you are used to, only the deep frowning is reduced. The frown is often treated together with the forehead, because both areas work together during frowning.
Dynamic versus static frons rimpels: Botox versus filler?
Not every frown requires the same approach. Therefore, we distinguish between two types of wrinkles:
- You see dynamic frown lines when frowning. A wrinkle relaxer works best on these, because the product inhibits precisely the movement that causes the lines.
- Static frown lines remain visible even at rest. If the grooves are deep, an additional filler treatment may be considered to further fill the groove itself.
During the consultation, the doctor assesses whether a wrinkle relaxer alone is sufficient or if a combination would yield better results. This ensures you receive advice tailored to your skin and facial expressions, rather than a standard treatment.
The treatment step by step
A frown treatment is quick and requires no preparation or recovery time.
- We begin with a brief consultation during which the doctor assesses your frown lines and discusses your wishes.
- You briefly tense the frown muscle so that the doctor can see exactly where the muscle is working the hardest.
- Usually, five small injection points are made with a very thin needle: two in each frown muscle and one in the muscle above the bridge of the nose. The exact number of units depends on your facial expressions and the brand used.
- The treatment takes about ten to fifteen minutes. Anesthesia is usually not necessary; most people feel no more than a small prick.
After that, you can immediately continue with your day.
Result and how long it lasts
You will usually see the first softening within a few days. The full result is visible after about two weeks: a smoother, calmer frown where your face continues to move naturally. On average, the effect lasts three to four months.
Afterwards, movement gradually returns, and you can repeat the treatment. We maintain an interval of at least three months between treatments. Many people notice that frown lines remain soft for longer with regular treatment, because the muscle adapts to less frowning.
Recovery and aftercare
You can go home or return to work immediately after the treatment. For the best results, we provide a few simple tips:
- Stay upright for the first four hours and do not lie flat.
- Do not rub or massage the injection sites, so that the product stays in place.
- Avoid intensive sports, saunas, and tanning beds that day.
A small bruise or some redness at the injection sites usually disappears on its own within a few days.
Risks and side effects
A frown treatment with a wrinkle relaxer is considered safe when performed by an experienced, BIG-registered physician. Most side effects are mild and temporary: a bruise, slight redness or swelling at the injection sites, or a short-lived headache.
Rarely, an eyelid or eyebrow may temporarily droop slightly, which is called ptosis. This recovers on its own as soon as the medication wears off. Serious side effects are rare. During the consultation, the doctor will discuss your situation and what you can realistically expect, so that you can make an informed decision.
Who is a frown treatment suitable for?
A frown treatment is suitable for adults who want to soften their frown lines and seek a calmer appearance. This can be done preventively for the first lines, or when the groove is already more clearly visible.
The treatment is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in the case of certain muscle diseases such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, in the event of an infection at the injection site, or in case of hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin. Are you unsure if it is right for you? Our doctors will review this with you during the consultation.
How much does a frown treatment cost in Amsterdam?
A frown treatment at Cosmopolitan Clinic in Amsterdam starts from €160. Because the frown lines and forehead work together when frowning, they are often treated together. If you wish to address multiple areas, a package including frown lines, forehead, and crow's feet is more economical, starting from €385.
During the consultation, you will receive a price tailored to your wishes and the areas you wish to have treated. You are under no obligation until you know what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a frown treatment take?
The treatment itself takes about ten to fifteen minutes, including the short consultation beforehand. You can come by during your lunch break.
When will I see results?
You will usually see the first signs of softening within a few days. The full effect is visible after about two weeks.
How long does the result last?
On average, the effect lasts three to four months. After that, the movement gradually returns, and you can repeat the treatment.
Does a frown treatment hurt?
We use a very thin needle. Most people experience nothing more than a small prick; anesthesia is usually not necessary.
Will my face look natural?
Yes. Only the frown muscle becomes calmer; the rest of your facial expression continues to function normally. Your face moves naturally, you just frown less deeply.
Personal advice
Would you like to know if a frown treatment is right for you? Our cosmetic doctors, including Dr. Leanne Wong (Cosmetic Physician KNMG) and Dr. Melissa Gomez (BIG-registered, affiliated with the NVCG), will analyze your facial expressions with you and create a plan that looks natural. View all our wrinkle relaxers or schedule a consultation at Cosmopolitan Clinic in Amsterdam.
