# 'I look *stern.'*

> Frown line, drawn-together brows, line across the nose bridge: why some faces look annoyed at rest and how botulinum toxin relaxes the expression without…

- Source: https://www.vivaderm.de/concern-looking-stern-en.html
- Language: en
- Publisher: VIVA DERM, Privatpraxis für ästhetische Medizin, Rosastraße 6a, 45130 Essen, Germany, +49 1520 8367711
- Responsible physician: Katayoun Mostaghimi (Fachärztin für Allgemeinmedizin)
- Updated: 2026-10-05

'Are you angry?' – anyone who hears that often while relaxed usually has active glabella muscles. That is the most rewarding indication in aesthetic medicine.

## What is behind it.

**What is behind it:** the muscles between the brows (corrugator, procerus) pull the brows together and down. In some people they are active even at rest – the line stays, the expression looks tense, critical or annoyed. Over the years the line engraves itself as a static wrinkle. Often low brows and a horizontal line across the nose bridge come with it.

**What helps:** botulinum toxin into the glabella relaxes exactly these muscles. The brows lift slightly, the line smooths over two weeks, the expression becomes neutral to friendly – with expression preserved. If the line is deeply engraved, a little hyaluronic acid can cushion the remaining line after a few months.

**What it cannot do:** a line that is already very deep does not disappear the first time; regular treatment flattens it over a year. And: anyone who also uses the forehead strongly needs the forehead treated too, otherwise the tension shifts.

**Honestly:** many report that not only the look but the feeling changes – because the reflexive frowning disappears. There are studies on mood; it is not a therapy.

## Is this for me?

**A treatment can make sense if …**
- you are asked whether you are annoyed although you are not
- the line between the brows is visible at rest
- you frown when concentrating or at the screen
- you wish for a more relaxed, open expression

**Rather not suitable if …**
- you have myasthenia gravis or a similar neuromuscular disease
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you expect a completely smooth, motionless forehead
- the 'sternness' comes from drooping mouth corners (then a different treatment)

These notes replace no examination. Whether and which treatment is an option is clarified in the consultation under § 630e BGB – sometimes the answer is: none.

## The essentials.

- **Cause:** active glabella muscles
- **Treatment:** botulinum toxin, 1 zone
- **Effect:** after 2 weeks, 3–5 months
- **Price:** from €190

## Important note.

This text is general information. It replaces neither a medical examination nor the consultation required before any treatment under German law (§ 630e BGB). Whether and which treatment is suitable for you can only be said after examination and consultation. No treatment results are promised.

## Frequently asked questions.

**Can people see I had Botox?**

Not with the right dose. All they see is that you look more relaxed. The brows stay mobile.

**Can the line disappear completely?**

Dynamically yes; a deeply engraved line flattens over several treatments and can be cushioned with hyaluronic acid.

## Related.

- [Frown lines](https://www.vivaderm.de/botox-frown-lines-en.html) – Treatment
- [Forehead](https://www.vivaderm.de/botox-forehead-en.html) – Treatment
- [Glabella](https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-glabella-en.html) – Lexicon

## Sources

- [NHS: non-surgical cosmetic procedures](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/)
- [Medical Association North Rhine – patient information](https://www.aekno.de/patienten)
- [§ 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__630e.html)
- [DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy](https://www.dgbt.de/)
- [AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines](https://www.awmf.org/)

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This page is general information and does not replace medical consultation and informed consent (§ 630e BGB). No guarantee of results. Prices are guide prices per GOÄ. Quoting with attribution (VIVA DERM, Essen) is expressly permitted.