The frown line is the wrinkle that appears between the eyebrows, initially visible when frowning, and eventually becoming permanent. Because these wrinkles give a stern or tired expression, correction is frequently requested in aesthetic medicine.
The frown line, also known as the glabellar line, is a common aesthetic concern. Techniques such as Botox and hyaluronic acid injections are commonly used to treat this wrinkle.
These methods smooth the frown line and give the face a more relaxed and rejuvenated appearance.
When frowning, the muscles responsible for brow movement (frontalis, orbicularis oculi, corrugator, procerus) are activated differently depending on the individual. This results in five types of frown lines. This classification is therapeutically important, as the injection technique will vary slightly.
Omega-type
frown line
Inverted omega-type
frown line
V-type
frown line
U-type
frown line
Converging arrows-type
frown line
The main causes of the frown line include :
For therapeutic purposes, the frown line is classified into four severity stages :
Stage 1 : mild lines
At this early stage, frown lines appear as fine lines only when the corrugator muscles contract during frowning. The skin still has good elasticity, and the lines disappear at rest.
Stage 2 : moderate wrinkles
At this stage, the lines are visible even at rest. They begin to settle more permanently due to decreased collagen and elastin production. The skin starts to lose firmness, and wrinkles become more pronounced.
Stage 3 : deep lines
Frown lines become deep and permanently visible, even when the face is relaxed. There is a significant loss of skin elasticity and volume, making the wrinkles more marked.
Stage 4 : very deep lines
In the advanced stage, frown lines are very deep and well defined, often accompanied by skin folds. The skin has lost most of its elasticity and volume. The wrinkles give the face a stern and constantly concerned expression.
In early stages, botulinum toxin injections can erase the frown line.
In more advanced stages, if the patient wishes complete smoothing, hyaluronic acid injections are performed one month after the Botox injection.
The muscle responsible for the frown line is powerful. Botox treatment at the deep or very deep wrinkle stage is possible, but the result will last only 3 to 4 months. This highlights the importance of treating this type of wrinkle as soon as it appears.
Among the natural methods to reduce this wrinkle, facial exercises stand out for their non-invasive approach and benefits for skin health. Specific facial exercises can help soften the frown line and refresh the appearance of the face. Facial gymnastics is a complement to injections : this technique alone cannot prevent or treat the frown line if it is not combined with injections.
Facial gymnastics consists of a series of exercises designed to strengthen and tone facial muscles. These exercises can help smooth wrinkles and improve skin firmness. For the frown line, several targeted movements can be integrated into your daily routine.
The most common exercise involves placing three fingers on the head of the eyebrow and stretching outward while frowning.
There are many options to prevent and treat the frown line in order to maintain smooth, youthful skin.
The most widely used and effective treatment is Botox injections.
In some cases, hyaluronic acid injections may also be used in combination.
Botox injections block the contraction of the corrugator muscles. The patient will no longer be able to frown, but this inability does not give a frozen look. It is the inability to raise the eyebrows that creates a stiff appearance.
For certain individuals (especially in artistic professions), it is important to maintain some ability to frown. In such cases, a partial block is possible.
An analysis of both the resting and frowning positions is performed before treatment.
A failed injection in this area may cause :
Often, Botox injections for crow's feet wrinkles are added to fully open the eyes and avoid altering the eyebrow shape.
The indications forHyaluronic acid injections to fill the frown line are the impossibility of performing a Botox injection (patient refusal, contraindications...) and the presence of a skin break, which will be corrected by a hyaluronic acid injection approximately one month after the Botox injection.
The injection must be performed using a cannula. The practitioner must be experienced, as there is a risk of necrosis and product visibility (small lumps or a visible cord).
If the wrinkle is deep, a true volumizing hyaluronic acid will be used, and if the skin break is very superficial, a Skinbooster will be chosen.
The treatment of the frown line removes the harsh and tense appearance caused by the wrinkle and rejuvenates the gaze, which appears more rested.
The result of Botox injections is visible from two days after the injection and becomes final after seven days. It lasts five to six months.
A follow-up appointment for a possible touch-up is scheduled one to three weeks after the injection.
After-effects include slight, temporary swelling (about ten minutes) and headaches lasting no more than five days.
The result of hyaluronic acid injection is immediate and lasts one year.
There are no after-effects, and the patient can resume normal activities immediately after the injection.
| Type of consultation | Generally practiced rates |
|---|---|
|
Hyaluronic acid for
|
600 CHF per syringe |
|
Botox
|
WOMAN one zone : 300 CHF two zones : 450 CHF three zones : 600 CHF MEN one zone : 350 CHF two zones : 500 CHF three zones : 650 CHF |
Prevention is the key to reducing the appearance of frown lines. Effective advice.
Certain essential and plant oils can help reduce the appearance of frown lines thanks to their moisturising and regenerative properties.
To treat frown lines, we recommend creams containing the following ingredients:
Gua Sha is a massage technique in which a specific tool is used to gently scrape the skin, traditionally used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its aim is to improve blood circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage.
Regular use of Gua Sha could potentially have beneficial effects on frown lines.
Results vary from person to person, and Gua Sha does not give the same results as medical treatments.
The frown line can begin to appear in the late twenties or early thirties, but it generally becomes more pronounced with age, particularly after the age of forty. Genetic factors, sun exposure and smoking influence the age at which this wrinkle appears.
The results of Botox® injections into the frown lines appear three to five days after the injection, with the maximum effect visible after a week. The effects generally last between three and six months, with maintenance sessions necessary to maintain the results.
Botox® injections are generally well tolerated and only slightly uncomfortable. The sensation is often compared to a mild insect bite. A topical anaesthetic may be applied before the procedure.
Anti-wrinkle creams help to improve the appearance of the skin by increasing hydration and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. However, they cannot relax the muscles responsible for frown lines. For significant results, the creams must be combined with botox or hyaluronic acid injections.
Facial gymnastics help strengthen facial muscles, improve blood circulation and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. For optimum results, it is advisable to combine these exercises with a good moisturising and skincare routine.
Frown lines are found between the eyebrows on the forehead. These wrinkles are often vertical.
The services described on this website apply to Swiss territory; there are differences between countries.
Contact
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
Dr Valeria Romano - All rights reserved.
