Glabella – frown lines.
The region between the eyebrows. The vertical lines that form there are the most common botulinum toxin area.
Glabella and frown lines in the lexicon: muscles involved, why the line looks 'stern', treatment with botulinum toxin, dose, durability and combinations.
A closer look.
The glabella is the area between the eyebrows above the root of the nose. Three muscles pull the brows together and down: the paired corrugator supercilii, the procerus and the depressor supercilii. Their interplay creates the vertical 'eleven' or frown lines – and the impression of sternness or worry.
The glabella was the first aesthetic licence for botulinum toxin and remains the best-studied area. Five injection points are typical; the effect starts after two to three days and lasts three to four months. With a very deep static line a small amount of hyaluronic acid can be added after a few weeks.
When the glabella is relaxed, the forehead muscle often lifts the brows slightly – a welcome side effect. Conversely the forehead should never be treated without the glabella, or the brows drop. Risks are low as with all botulinum toxin treatments; rarely a temporarily drooping lid occurs.
This lexicon entry is general information and does not replace the medical consultation required under German law (§ 630e BGB).
At a glance.
A question about Glabella (frown lines)? Send us a short WhatsApp message – we usually reply the same working day.
Ask via WhatsAppFrequently asked questions.
Why do frown lines look so stern?
Because the muscles involved create the same expression as concentration or anger – the brain reads it automatically as mood.
Can the line be removed without Botox?
Expression lines not permanently; skin care and sun protection slow down the deepening.
Sources and further reading.
- NHS: Botox injections – patient information
- DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy
- BfArM – Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices
- European Medicines Agency (EMA)
- § 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)
- AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines
External links open in a new window; their operators are responsible for their content. Medical responsibility for this page: Katayoun Mostaghimi, specialist in general medicine. Last updated: 2026-10-05.
Related pages.
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