Frown lines have a way of showing up even when you’re in a perfectly good mood. You might feel relaxed or focused, but your reflection looks tense or concerned, and that disconnect can be frustrating.
These lines are very common and are closely tied to facial expression. For most patients, the goal isn’t to stop expressing emotion — it’s to soften the lines so the face better reflects how they actually feel.
Vertical lines between the eyebrows
Glabellar lines, “elevens,” “11 lines”
Softer, more relaxed appearance
What Are Frown Lines?
Frown lines are the vertical lines that form between the eyebrows — in the area known as the glabella. They’re also called glabellar lines (the medical term) or “elevens” because they often appear as two parallel creases that resemble the number 11. You may also hear them described as emotional wrinkles, since they develop from the facial movements tied to our strongest everyday expressions.
What causes them: The glabella is one of the most expressive areas of the face. These lines are caused by the procerus, corrugator supercilii, and depressor supercilii muscles — sometimes assisted by fibers of the orbicularis oculi — that contract when we scowl, frown, concentrate, squint, or react to bright light.
How they progress: When we’re younger, the skin is thick enough and has enough elastin that the skin fold goes away when the muscles relax. As we get older, the skin loses collagen and elastin — along with the elasticity they provide — and the glabellar lines may remain visible even when the muscles are relaxed. Over time, these creases can deepen into visible furrows that are present even at rest. Some patients begin noticing frown lines in their late twenties or early thirties, though they become more common and pronounced with age.
Why Frown Lines Develop
Frown lines develop primarily due to repeated muscle contraction in the glabella — the area between and just above the eyebrows.
Repeated facial expressions — Years of frowning, concentrating, squinting, and expressing emotion cause the muscles of the glabella to create creases in the overlying skin.
Natural aging and collagen loss — As skin becomes thinner and less elastic, expression lines are more likely to settle in and become permanent. The skin gradually loses its elasticity — its ability to spring back after being creased or folded.
Sun damage — UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, accelerating the formation of permanent lines.
Volume loss — Changes in facial volume can make frown lines appear deeper or more defined.
Smoking — Smoking increases the speed at which we lose collagen and elastin, and also impairs the body’s ability to produce new collagen.
Genetics and skin type — Some people are naturally more prone to developing frown lines based on their genetics, skin tightness, and face shape.
In some cases, changes related to volume loss can make frown lines appear deeper or more defined.
How Frown Lines Can Affect Appearance
Frown lines can strongly influence how the face is perceived — often in ways that don’t match how you actually feel. While primarily a cosmetic concern, they’re one of the most common reasons patients explore aesthetic treatment.
Patients often say these lines make them look:
The social impact: It’s not uncommon for patients to complain about being asked why they’re mad or sad. They’re frustrated with constantly being asked “Are you OK?” when they feel perfectly fine. This disconnect between how you feel and how you appear can be genuinely frustrating.
Treating glabellar lines can give the appearance of being happier, more relaxed, and even more youthful. These concerns are very common, and treatment is usually about softening this area so expressions look more relaxed — not frozen.
An interesting note: Research has found a connection between deep forehead furrows and cardiovascular health markers, including the condition of the arteries. While frown lines are primarily a cosmetic concern, the relationship between visible aging and overall health is an active area of study — and just one more reason a consultation with a knowledgeable provider can be valuable.
How to Prevent Frown Lines
While frown lines are a natural part of aging and expression, certain habits can help slow their development.
Quit smoking — Smoking increases the speed at which we lose collagen and elastin. It also impairs the body’s ability to produce new collagen. Quitting can slow the progression of existing lines and help prevent new ones.
Sun protection — Of course, this is always better to start when we’re younger, but it’s never too late to protect skin from sun damage. Daily sunscreen helps preserve collagen and elastin. EltaMD has a great selection of sunblocks for all skin types.
Sunglasses — Wearing sunglasses reduces squinting, which helps prevent the repeated muscle contractions that create frown lines.
Be mindful of expressions — While you don’t want to stop expressing yourself, being aware of habitual frowning or squinting (especially at screens) can help.
Supportive skincare — Certain ingredients can help maintain skin quality in the glabella and reduce the appearance of fine lines over time. Look for products containing retinol or retinoids to support collagen renewal, peptides that signal the skin to produce more collagen, antioxidants like vitamins C and E to protect against environmental damage, and hyaluronic acid to maintain hydration and plumpness. These won’t eliminate established frown lines, but they can support treatment results and help slow progression.
What to Expect During a Consultation
A consultation at Lazaderm is designed to feel calm and informative.
During your visit, your provider will:
You’ll have time to ask questions and decide what feels right for you.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Treatment for frown lines provides improvement, not permanent change.
Botox/Dysport results:
For deeper lines: If frown lines have been present for years and have become etched into the skin, neuromodulators alone may soften but not completely eliminate them. Combination treatments may be discussed.
The goal is a softer, more relaxed appearance that still allows natural expression.
The most effective treatment depends on what’s causing the lines and how deep they’ve become. A consultation allows your provider to evaluate muscle activity and skin quality before recommending options.
Protecting your skin helps prevent frown lines from developing or worsening.
Daily sunscreen: Sun damage accelerates collagen and elastin breakdown. EltaMD sunblocks are recommended for all skin types and won’t feel heavy or greasy.
Quit smoking: Smoking significantly speeds up the aging process in the skin. Quitting helps preserve what collagen you have and supports your body’s ability to make more.
Sunglasses: Reducing squinting helps prevent the repeated muscle contractions that deepen frown lines over time.
These habits support treatment results and help prevent new lines from forming.
Botox and Dysport are the most common and effective treatments for frown lines.
How they work: Botox and Dysport are brand names for botulinum toxin type A — a neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes the procerus and corrugator muscles responsible for glabellar lines. When these muscles are relaxed, the skin smooths out and the lines become less visible. With consistent treatment, the skin will generally repair itself over time.
Treatment details:
Best for:
This treatment is often discussed alongside forehead lines, since both areas involve coordinated muscle movement. Many patients treat the glabella and forehead together for a more balanced result.
Dermal fillers may be used when Botox or Dysport alone doesn’t completely eliminate deep, etched frown lines.
How they work: Fillers add volume beneath the skin to lift and smooth lines that have become static (visible even at rest). Most fillers used in this area are hyaluronic acid-based — a substance that occurs naturally in the skin and helps maintain hydration and structure. They’re typically used in combination with neuromodulators, not as a replacement.
Products used:
Important safety note: It is very important to only use a provider familiar with the anatomy in the glabellar area. There are blood vessels in this region, and improper injection technique can potentially cause serious complications. At Lazaderm, our providers are experienced in the precise anatomy required for safe treatment.
Best for:
MOXI is a gentle fractional laser that improves skin tone, texture, and overall quality with minimal downtime.
How it works: MOXI delivers fractionated laser energy to create micro-channels in the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting cellular turnover. It treats a portion of the skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact, which allows for faster healing.
Best for:
MOXI is often combined with BBL for comprehensive skin rejuvenation — BBL targets pigmentation and vessels at the surface, while MOXI works on texture and tone at a deeper level.
In some cases, treatments that improve overall skin quality may be recommended alongside neuromodulators.
When skin quality is a factor: If frown lines are accompanied by other concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, crow’s feet, sun damage, or texture changes, a combination approach may be recommended. [REVISED — added crow’s feet cross-link for hub-and-spoke]
Options may include:
Your provider will explain whether additional treatments would benefit your specific situation.
If frown lines are something you’ve been noticing or feeling bothered by, a consultation can help you explore your options. At Lazaderm, consultations focus on education, safety, and helping you feel confident in your decisions.
