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Close-up of a woman with lines on her upper face

Upper Facial Lines

Upper facial lines are some of the very first signs of ageing that patients notice, often years before anything changes lower down the face. They tend to show up in your late twenties or thirties, usually spotted first in photographs or under harsh bathroom lighting. In my clinic, this is one of the most common concerns I see, and honestly, it is one of the most satisfying to treat because the results are quick, predictable and transformative when done well.

Types of Upper Facial Lines

Frown lines, also known as glabellar lines or the number elevens, are the vertical lines that appear between the eyebrows. These are driven by the corrugator and procerus muscles and, in my experience, are often the lines patients find most ageing because they can make you look cross or tired even when you feel perfectly cheerful.

Forehead lines run horizontally across the forehead and are caused by repeated use of the frontalis muscle, the one we use every time we raise our eyebrows in surprise or concentration. Over time, as collagen and elastin production slows down, these lines set into the skin even at rest.

Crow’s feet are the fine lines that fan out from the outer corners of the eyes. They appear when we smile, squint or laugh, which is exactly why they are sometimes called laughter lines. I tell my patients not to feel too disheartened by these, they are usually a sign of a life well lived, but if they bother you, they respond beautifully to treatment.

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What causes Upper Facial Lines

The main driver is repeated muscle movement. Every time we frown, squint or raise our eyebrows, the muscles beneath the skin contract, and the skin above creases. When we are young, our skin bounces straight back thanks to plentiful collagen and elastin. As we age, that recovery slows, volume is lost, and the lines that once disappeared the moment our face relaxed start to stay put.

Sun exposure, smoking, dehydration and genetics all play a part too. I often say to patients that lifestyle accounts for a good deal more of this than most people expect, sun damage in particular ages the skin far faster than the passage of time alone.

Our Consultations

Our consultations are in-depth and tailored to you, creating a bespoke treatment plan catering to all of your concerns.

Consultation

Treatments

There is no single answer here, and I am always wary of anyone who offers one. The right approach depends on whether the lines are dynamic, meaning they only appear on movement, or whether they have become etched in at rest.

Anti-wrinkle injections are, in my view, still the gold standard for dynamic lines across the forehead, frown and crow’s feet area. By gently relaxing the overactive muscles, they soften the lines caused by repeated movement, giving a fresher, more rested look. Results typically last three to four months.

Dermal fillers have a role too, particularly where volume loss has caused static lines to set in, or where the brow or temple area needs support. They are not usually my first choice for upper facial lines on their own, but combined thoughtfully with anti-wrinkle injections, they can make a real difference.

Polynucleotides and exosome treatments work differently again, stimulating the skin at a cellular level to improve quality, hydration and elasticity over time. I find these particularly useful for patients who want to improve overall skin health alongside line reduction, rather than relying on muscle relaxation alone.

Medical-grade skincare, such as ZO Skin Health, supports and prolongs the results of any in-clinic treatment. I always tell patients that good skincare is not optional extra, it is part of the treatment plan.

Getting the Balance Right

The biggest mistake I see, both in my own consultations and when patients come to me having been treated elsewhere, is over-treatment. Frozen foreheads and heavy brows are never the goal. My approach has always been to preserve natural movement and expression while softening the lines that bother you. A face that can still frown, smile and raise an eyebrow is a face that looks like you, only rested.

Every patient is assessed individually during a thorough consultation, where we discuss your concerns, your medical history and what a realistic, natural result looks like for you.

Helping you achieve outstanding, natural looking results.