# Glabella – *frown lines.*

> Glabella and frown lines in the lexicon: muscles involved, why the line looks 'stern', treatment with botulinum toxin, dose, durability and combinations.

- Source: https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-glabella-en.html
- Language: en
- Publisher: VIVA DERM, Privatpraxis für ästhetische Medizin, Rosastraße 6a, 45130 Essen, Germany, +49 1520 8367711
- Responsible physician: Katayoun Mostaghimi (Fachärztin für Allgemeinmedizin)
- Updated: 2026-10-05

The region between the eyebrows. The vertical lines that form there are the most common botulinum toxin area.

## 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.

- **Muscles:** corrugator, procerus, depressor
- **Injections:** usually 5 points
- **Duration:** 3–4 months
- **Price:** from €190

## Frequently 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.

## Related pages.

- [Botox frown lines](https://www.vivaderm.de/botox-frown-lines-en.html) – Treatment
- [Botox forehead](https://www.vivaderm.de/botox-forehead-en.html) – Combination
- [Expression lines](https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-mimische-falten-en.html) – Lexicon

## Sources

- [NHS: Botox injections – patient information](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/botox-injections/)
- [DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy](https://www.dgbt.de/)
- [BfArM – Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices](https://www.bfarm.de/)
- [European Medicines Agency (EMA)](https://www.ema.europa.eu/)
- [§ 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__630e.html)
- [AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines](https://www.awmf.org/)

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This page is general information and does not replace medical consultation and informed consent (§ 630e BGB). No guarantee of results. Prices are guide prices per GOÄ. Quoting with attribution (VIVA DERM, Essen) is expressly permitted.