Corrugator Muscle Lysis Frown Lines Removal
Frown Line Treatment with Dr. Sirius K. Yoo
Frown lines, also known as glabellar lines, can make you appear older or perpetually worried. At SKY Facial Plastic Surgery in San Diego, Dr. Sirius K. Yoo specializes in advanced frown line treatment using Corrugator Muscle Lysis to achieve natural, youthful results. This technique, which targets the underlying muscles responsible for frown lines, offers a precise and effective solution for those looking to soften their facial expressions and rejuvenate their appearance.
1 of 1
Frown lines are caused by repeated muscle movement, particularly the contraction of the corrugator muscles located between the eyebrows. Over time, these muscles create deep lines that can make you appear older or more stressed. Frown line treatment is done through Corrugator Muscle Lysis, which involves permanently relaxing the muscle by cutting certain parts of it. Another, more temporary solution is to use Botulinum toxin injections, such as Botox or Dysport. Both result in a smoother forehead and glabellar area, offering a more youthful appearance.
Frown Line Treatment at SKY Facial Plastic Surgery targets the overactive corrugator supercilii and procerus muscles that etch vertical “11 lines” between your brows. While neuromodulators such as Botox® or Dysport® offer a temporary fix, our endoscopic Corrugator Muscle Lysis (CML) weakens (or completely releases) those muscles through two tiny incisions hidden in the hairline, delivering a long-lasting solution with no visible scar and a more youthful appearance. This is the perfect treatment for patients who want smoother skin and to reverse signs of aging without having to maintain their results as often as injections and other temporary treatments.
Frown Line Treatment Benefits
The benefits of frown line treatment extend beyond reducing dynamic wrinkles and improving severe frown lines. By targeting the muscles responsible for glabellar lines and forehead lines, this treatment offers a range of advantages.
Is Frown Line Treatment for You?
Our San Diego frown line treatment is ideal for individuals who have developed glabellar lines, forehead lines, or worry lines due to the repetitive movement of facial muscles. The procedure is suitable for patients who have etched-in moderate to severe glabellar lines that return quickly after Botox, prefer a one-and-done or long-term fix over maintenance injections, and are in good overall health with realistic expectations.
Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have certain muscle conditions, or have uncontrolled bleeding disorders or severe brow ptosis (which is better treated by a brow lift) may not be suitable candidates. During your consultation, Dr. Yoo will evaluate your medical history to ensure you're a good candidate for treatment.
Facial Rejuvenation Made Simple
At your San Diego frown line treatment consultation, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sirius K. Yoo maps your corrugator anatomy and reviews photos of your brow at rest and in motion. He will also assess your facial muscles, skin condition, and overall health to determine the best treatment plan tailored to your needs. Ten days before surgery, discontinue blood thinners and herbal supplements (with your primary physician’s approval). Arrange a driver for the day of surgery and plan for roughly 48 hours of light downtime.
The Secret to Smoother Skin
The frown line treatment is a quick and effective procedure. Under local anesthesia with IV sedation, Dr. Yoo inserts a slim endoscope through two 1.5 cm scalp incisions. He identifies and selectively releases or resects the corrugator and procerus fibers responsible for the scowl reflex. Absorbable sutures close the incisions, all concealed within the hairline. Surgical time is typically 30 to 60 minutes.
If you are looking for a more temporary solution, Dr. Yoo can administer Dysport or Botox injections into the facial muscles to temporarily relax them. This process usually takes 15-30 minutes, and there is no need for anesthesia, though a numbing agent can be applied to ensure your comfort.
Complementary procedures can include:
Elegant and Timeless
After your frown line treatment, results typically become visible immediately after swelling subsides. Your final results should be visible around four to six weeks, and last permanently. Clinical studies show superior long-term wrinkle reduction compared to techniques that leave the muscles intact, with most patients enjoying permanently relaxed brows. You will notice a smoother forehead and reduced dynamic wrinkles, giving you a more refreshed and youthful appearance with natural-looking results.
Post-treatment care is relatively simple. For optimal results, keep your head elevated for the first 48 hours, refrain from strenuous exercise for one week, and do not touch any bandaging or gauze near the treatment area (or injection sites if you get Botox injections). Apply cold compresses in 15-minute intervals on day one, and shield the forehead from sun exposure with a hat and SPF 30+ for at least six weeks. Sun damage can not only cause more fine lines and wrinkles over time, but it can also darken scars and make them a lot more noticeable.
Expect mild swelling and forehead tightness for three to five days. Bruising, if present, usually clears within a week. Most people return to office work in five to seven days and resume gym activity in two weeks.
Dynamic Pricing for Dynamic Wrinkles
Corrugated muscle lysis cost typically ranges from $5,000 to $8,500 in San Diego, depending on many factors, including facility fees or anesthesia costs. Dr. Yoo’s team will provide a customized treatment plan and transparent pricing during your consultation to ensure you understand the full cost of your procedure.
Frown Line Fix with Dr. Yoo
At SKY Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Yoo limits his practice exclusively to facial procedures, mastering the delicate musculature around the eyes and brow. His advanced endoscopic approach minimizes downtime and maximizes precision, while our boutique San Diego facility offers a private, concierge-level experience from consultation to follow-up.
With numerous accolades, including Top Doctor and Best of North Inland, Dr. Yoo's commitment to patient care ensures that you’ll receive not only effective treatment but a luxurious and comfortable experience.
Smooth away your frown lines and experience youthful facial rejuvenation by scheduling your consultation with Dr. Sirius K. Yoo today. Discover the best frown line treatment San Diego has at SKY Facial Plastic Surgery. Call us at (858) 381-4801 or fill out our online form to book your appointment.
Frown line treatment is generally well-tolerated. Dr. Yoo may prescribe pain medication to manage residual discomfort from your procedure.
Yes. Because the muscles are physically divided or removed, most patients enjoy long-term or permanent softening of frown lines. Minor regrowth is possible but uncommon.
No. CML relaxes the vertical frown motion but preserves natural eyebrow elevation generated by the frontalis muscle, so your facial movement looks natural and expressions remain genuine.
Absolutely. Some patients choose a modest neuromodulator dose for other facial wrinkles, like smoothing crow’s-feet or to treat forehead lines, but they need far less frequent injections.
Most cases are performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation, though general anesthesia is available if preferred or when combining procedures to reach your aesthetic goals.
Light, non-comedogenic makeup can be applied after 48 hours, avoiding the incision sites until fully sealed.
Because it is considered cosmetic, insurance rarely covers the procedure. Flexible payment plans are available to make treatment more accessible.
