Fine lines and wrinkles can show up in unexpected places, and one of the more overlooked areas is near the ears. These subtle creases can appear as folds that run from the cheeks toward the hairline or show up as crinkled skin when smiling, laughing, or pulling hair back.
While they’re often less talked about than crow’s feet or forehead lines, wrinkles near the ears can contribute to an aged or tired look—and many people wonder what, if anything, they can do to reduce them.
At Glow Aesthetic Center in Encino, CA, our team of experienced practitioners often treats wrinkles in this area using neurotoxin injections like Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. These treatments are safe, effective, and tailored to your unique anatomy, delivering smoother skin and a more youthful appearance without surgery or downtime.
Here’s what you need to know about what causes wrinkles near the ears and how neurotoxin treatments can help.
What Causes Wrinkles Near the Ears?
The skin around your ears is constantly moving. Smiling, squinting, pulling your hair back, and sleeping on your side all contribute to motion in this area. Over time, that repetitive movement, combined with a natural loss of collagen and elasticity, leads to fine lines and deeper wrinkles.
Some common factors that contribute to wrinkles near the ears include:
Facial expressions: Smiling and laughing can cause creases to form over time at the sides of the face, especially near the temples and ears.
Volume loss: As you age, your face naturally loses fat and collagen, leading to looser skin that settles into folds.
Sun damage: UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin fibers, speeding up the aging process, especially in delicate skin near the ears.
Side sleeping: Constant pressure on one side of the face can lead to sleep lines that deepen over time.
Genetics: Your natural skin structure and facial anatomy can make you more prone to wrinkles in certain areas.
While skincare, sunscreen, and hydration can help preserve skin quality, deeper wrinkles near the ears often require more targeted treatment to smooth and rejuvenate the area.
How Neurotoxin Injections Work
Neurotoxin injections—like Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin—temporarily relax specific facial muscles to smooth out wrinkles caused by repeated movement. These treatments work by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, preventing them from contracting as strongly. This reduces the tension that causes lines to form in the first place.
At Glow Aesthetic Center, neurotoxin treatments are customized based on the location and depth of your wrinkles. For lines near the ears, small amounts of neurotoxin are injected with precision to soften the surrounding area without affecting natural expressions or facial balance.
When administered by a trained practitioner, these treatments offer:
- Softer, smoother skin near the ears and cheeks
- A refreshed appearance with minimal effort
- Preventative support against future wrinkle formation
- Long-lasting results that fade gradually and naturally
Where Are Wrinkles Near the Ears Treated?
Wrinkles near the ears can fall into several zones, each with its own movement patterns and treatment strategy. Common areas include:
1. Lateral Cheek and Temple Lines
These are the fine lines that show up when you smile broadly. They’re located just in front of the ears, along the cheek and upper jawline. Neurotoxin injections in this area help smooth these dynamic wrinkles while maintaining your natural facial movement.
2. Preauricular Folds (in front of the ear)
These vertical or diagonal lines may deepen over time due to volume loss or habitual expressions. Targeted neurotoxin injections can reduce the depth of these folds while preserving skin elasticity.
3. Hairline Wrinkles
These subtle creases along the hairline can contribute to an aged appearance. Treating this area helps lift and smooth the side of the face, providing a more cohesive rejuvenation.
Why Choose Glow Aesthetic Center?
At Glow Aesthetic Center in Encino, our team of board-certified practitioners has extensive experience in customizing neurotoxin treatments for nuanced areas like the skin near the ears.
Our approach is never one-size-fits-all—we assess your facial anatomy, skin condition, and aesthetic goals to ensure safe, subtle, and effective results.
When you choose Glow for your neurotoxin treatment, you benefit from:
- Expert injectors with an artistic eye for balance and proportion
- Minimally invasive treatments with little to no downtime
- Premium neurotoxins including Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin
- A calm, welcoming atmosphere with attentive care
We’ll walk you through what to expect before, during, and after your treatment, and we’re always available for follow-up or touch-up visits if needed.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your appointment at Glow begins with a thorough consultation, where one of our trained providers evaluates your skin and discusses your concerns. If neurotoxin treatment is appropriate, the injection process is quick and relatively painless.
Here’s what a typical visit looks like:
- The skin is cleansed and prepped for treatment.
- A numbing agent may be applied for comfort, though most patients do not need it.
- Your practitioner makes small, targeted injections near the ears and surrounding areas.
- The entire process typically takes less than 30 minutes.
You’ll be able to return to your normal routine right away, with no downtime required.
Results and Aftercare
You may begin to see results from your neurotoxin treatment within 3 to 7 days, with full results developing in about two weeks. Wrinkles near the ears will appear softer and less pronounced, and your skin will look smoother overall.
To ensure the best results:
- Avoid lying down or exercising for about 4 hours after your treatment.
- Refrain from rubbing or massaging the treated area.
- Use sunscreen daily to protect your skin and maintain collagen health.
- Follow up as needed every 3 to 4 months to maintain your results.
Because this area involves subtle muscle movement, maintenance treatments can help prevent new lines from forming while keeping your skin looking youthful.
Combining Neurotoxin with Other Treatments
In some cases, combining neurotoxin injections with other non-surgical treatments can enhance your results. At Glow Aesthetic Center, we often recommend pairing wrinkle-reducing injections with:
- Dermal fillers to restore volume along the cheeks or jawline
- Skin tightening treatments like Morpheus8 for improved texture and lift
- Laser treatments to address sun damage or uneven skin tone
During your consultation, we’ll help you explore the best options for achieving your desired look while keeping treatments safe and appropriate for your skin type.
When Should You Start Treatment?
You don’t need deep wrinkles to benefit from neurotoxin injections. In fact, many patients begin treatment in their late 20s or 30s as a preventative measure. Early intervention helps preserve youthful skin by slowing the development of expression lines before they become permanent.
If you’ve already noticed lines forming near your ears or simply want a refreshed look, now may be the perfect time to get started.
Smooth Away Wrinkles with Glow
If wrinkles near your ears have been bothering you, there’s a simple, non-surgical solution. With expertly placed neurotoxin injections at Glow Aesthetic Center, you can enjoy smoother skin, a refreshed look, and natural-looking results.
FAQs
How long do neurotoxin results last for wrinkles near the ears?
Results typically last 3 to 4 months. With regular maintenance, you can keep the area smooth and wrinkle-free long term.
Will neurotoxin injections affect how I smile or move my face?
When performed by experienced injectors, neurotoxin treatments are subtle and do not affect your natural expressions. At Glow, we focus on enhancing—not freezing—your look.
Are there risks or side effects?
Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as minor swelling or bruising. More serious side effects are extremely rare when treatments are administered by trained professionals.
Which neurotoxin is best for treating wrinkles near the ears?
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin all work well in this area. The choice depends on your skin type, desired result, and how your body responds to each product. Our providers will help determine the right one for you.
Is there downtime after treatment?
There is no true downtime, though we recommend avoiding heavy exercise or lying flat for a few hours. You can return to normal activities the same day.
