The three areas are often mentioned together because they are close to each other, but they are not the same concern and are not treated alike. Knowing the difference can save an entire consultation.
Frown Lines: Muscle
The vertical lines between the eyebrows form from repeated contraction of the frown muscles. They are dynamic lines: they appear when you make facial expressions. When they have been present for years, they may remain visible even at rest, which changes the treatment approach.
BTX works directly on that muscle contraction. That is why its use is most straightforward in this area.
Crow’s Feet: Muscle, with a Nuance
Lines at the outer corners of the eyes are also dynamic and follow the same principle. The nuance is that facial expression matters here: excessive relaxation can make a smile look unnatural. A conservative approach is best in this area.
Under-Eye Circles: They’re Almost Never the Same
Here is the common mistake. “Dark circles” describes an appearance, not a cause. They may be due to:
- Pigmentation: la piel del párpado inferior es más oscura.
- Vascular: the venous network shows through very thin skin.
- Structural: a groove is present due to loss of support, and the shadow is caused by the contour.
Each responds to a different cause, and BTX is not the treatment for any of them. Treating vascular under-eye circles as if they were structural does more than fail to work: it can make them look worse.
What to Expect During Your Assessment
The first step is to identify which area concerns you and why. It is common for someone to arrive asking for one thing and leave with a different recommendation—or with advice to wait before having treatment.
This article is for informational purposes and does not replace an in-person medical assessment. The recommendation for any treatment is confirmed during a consultation.
