Frown lines / ‘11’ Lines

Frown lines typically develop between the eyebrows and the bridge of the nose.

It is the combined result of the interception of 2 muscle groups, the procerus muscle and the corrugator muscles (pair). Together these muscles make the ‘glabellar complex’. The extent and depth of these lines is determined by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as sun exposure, activity of facial expression and smoking. Their function is to pull the brow down as seen in frowning and work against the frontalis muscle (responsible for forehead lines). Repeated movements over time through normal aging may lead to the development of frown lines. The interaction of these 2 muscle groups can form the so called ’11’ lines; two vertical lines between the brows in parallel with each other. This area can be treated with several small injections of botulinum toxin and resulting in muscle relaxation and a reduction of frown lines.