Wrinkle Treatments for Expression Lines: Forehead, Frown Lines, and Crow’s Feet Explained

Not all wrinkles are the same—and treating them as if they are often leads to disappointing or unnatural results.

Expression lines form because of repeated muscle movement, not just age. Understanding how each area of the face moves is key to achieving wrinkle treatment results that look natural, balanced, and appropriate.

This guide explains how anti-wrinkle injections work across the three most commonly treated areas.

Understanding Expression Lines

Expression lines (also called dynamic wrinkles) appear when facial muscles contract.

Examples include:

• Forehead lines when raising the eyebrows
• Frown lines when concentrating or scowling
• Crow’s feet when smiling or squinting

Over time, these repeated movements can cause lines to become visible even at rest.

1.     Forehead Lines

Why They Form

Forehead lines are caused by the frontalis muscle, which lifts the eyebrows.

They’re often:

• Horizontal
• More visible in expressive individuals
• Linked to habitual eyebrow raising

How Wrinkle Treatments Work Here

Treatment focuses on softening excessive lift, not eliminating movement entirely.

The challenge:

• Too little treatment → lines persist
• Too much treatment → heavy or flat brows

Balance is essential.

Who Is Suitable

Forehead wrinkle treatments suit patients who:

• Have visible lines when raising brows
• Notice makeup settling into lines
• Want a smoother appearance without losing expression

2.     Frown Lines (Between the Brows)

Why They Form

These vertical lines (often called “11s”) are created by muscles that pull the brows inward and downward.

They are commonly associated with:

• Concentration
• Stress
• Light sensitivity

How Wrinkle Treatments Work Here

This area typically responds very well to treatment.

Relaxing these muscles can:

• Soften deep creases
• Open up the eye area
• Reduce a tired or stern appearance

This area often shows the longest-lasting results.

Who Is Suitable

Ideal for patients who:

• Look permanently angry or tired at rest
• Have deep vertical lines between the brows
• Experience tension headaches linked to frowning

3.     Crow’s Feet (Outer Eye Lines)

Why They Form

Crow’s feet appear from repeated smiling and squinting.

They are:

• A sign of expression, not ageing alone
• Often asymmetrical
• More noticeable in bright light or when laughing

How Wrinkle Treatments Work Here

Treatment aims to soften crinkling, not erase smiles.

When done well:

• The eyes still look expressive
• Smiles remain warm and natural
• Makeup sits better around the eyes

Over-treating this area can make the smile look flat or restricted, so conservative dosing is key.

Who Is Suitable

Crow’s feet treatments suit patients who:

• Notice fine lines deepening over time
• Want a refreshed eye area without stiffness
• Prefer subtle, movement-friendly results

Treating Multiple Areas Together

Many patients benefit from treating more than one area at the same time.

For example:

• Forehead + frown lines for balanced brow movement
• Frown lines + crow’s feet for a softer upper face

Treating areas in isolation can sometimes lead to imbalance, which is why a full facial assessment matters.

Why Personalisation Matters More Than Age

There is no “right age” for wrinkle treatments.

What matters more:

• How the face moves
• Muscle strength
• Existing skin quality
• Individual anatomy

Two people of the same age may require entirely different approaches.

The Takeaway

Wrinkle treatments work best when they respect how the face naturally expresses emotion. The goal isn’t to remove expression—it’s to soften excess tension, prevent deepening lines, and maintain a rested, natural appearance.

Good results don’t announce themselves. They simply make the face look a little less tired—and a lot more at ease.