Glabellar lines are the vertical lines on the human face that resemble the number 11 and are visible when a person frowns. Two major muscles of the upper face called the corrugator and the procerus contract to form the glabellar lines between the eyebrows. These lines disappear as soon as a person stops frowning.
As a person ages, the skin becomes less elastic and the glabellar lines become more pronounced; in some cases, they stay permanently in the face, making it appear that the person is always frowning or angry even if he or she is cool and relaxed. A person who begins experiencing degenerative changes, such as having static wrinkles, may see a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist for medical assistance. There are two options to address glabellar lines: botulinum toxin, known as Botox™ injection; and brow lifting, also known as foreheadplasty.
Botox™ injections work best on glabellar lines that are just beginning and are still shallow. The muscles that became stiff, thus forming the lines, are injected with small doses of Botox™ to relax the muscles and move them back to their relaxed position. Treatment, however, will not totally remove the lines. Injectable fillers may complement the treatment for a smoother and almost wrinkle-free forehead. Generally, the effect of the treatment will only last for a few months and another round of Botox™ injections must again be made to keep the lines away.
Deep glabellar lines are treated by cosmetic surgeons through foreheadplasty, which has longer-lasting results than Botox™ injections. The surgery aims to weaken the muscles that form the glabellar lines by removing some of the said muscles. Surgery can be performed in two ways: the hairline or coronal technique, or the endoscopic technique. The coronal technique is a popular choice because the scar is not visible since the incision is done along the hairline.
A person who undergoes surgery to remove glabellar lines must keep in mind that the effect of the treatment is temporary just like with Botox™ injections. Foreheadplasty will not cause the biological clock to halt. The aging will continue but at a reduced pace. Lines will recur but only after some years and not after only a few months, as is the case with Botox™ injections. Still, the bottom line is aging will continue; a person typically needs to accept this fact and avoid lifestyles that can accelerate the development of unsightly lines on the face.