Vertical frown lines between the eyebrows causing a stern appearance.
Glabella lines are the short vertical lines found between the eyebrows and extending up the central forehead for a centimetre or so. They are often the first wrinkles to appear on the forehead even as early as the mid 20’s. They make the person look older and slightly angry.
Initially glabella lines are intermittent, only apparent when the person frowns. These are called dynamic lines. With time the glabella lines gradually become deepened and more permanent so that there is always a static element present. Glabella lines are created by the dynamic action of the underlying muscles, the corrugator supercilliaris, the procerus and the depressor superciliis. When these muscles are well developed they pull the central ends of the eyebrows inwards and a downwards, causing the furrows.
The mainstay of treatment is Botox (botulinum toxin A) injection and dermal filler such as Restylane or Juvederm. Injection of botulinum toxin A into the glabella muscles paralyses their downward and inward muscle action which produces the angry looking glabella lines. If the glabella lines are kept relaxed by regular botulinum toxin injections, the deep vertical glabella lines will become less noticeable and fewer new ones will form. Treatment is aimed at “softening” or reducing the lines and not giving a “frozen look” so we always start by using small doses and work out what best suits the patient. If the glabella lines are particularly deep and do not disappear with botulinum injections, they can be filled by a dermal filler injection.
