Ever noticed two little lines forming between your eyebrows—especially when you’re concentrating, stressed, or squinting? Those are glabellar lines, commonly known as “11s” or frown lines. They might start as temporary lines that fade when your face relaxes, but over time, they can stick around—even when you’re not frowning. The good news? Botox for glabella lines is a simple, effective way to smooth things out and keep your expression calm, open, and refreshed.
What Are Glabellar Lines?
The glabella is the area between your eyebrows, just above the nose. When you frown or squint, the muscles in this region—primarily the corrugator and procerus—contract and pull the brows together, creating vertical lines that look like the number 11.
Hence the nickname: “11s.”
These dynamic lines can become static over time, meaning they stick around even when your face is at rest. Genetics, stress, sun exposure, and facial expressiveness all play a role in how early and how deeply these lines form.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin type A that works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles. It’s FDA-approved, safe, and one of the most popular treatments for smoothing out facial lines—especially in high-movement areas like the forehead and glabella.
It doesn’t change the way your face looks when you’re at rest—it just helps soften those deep creases caused by repeated facial movements.
How Does Botox for Glabellar lines Work?
When injected into the glabella, Botox relaxes the corrugator and procerus muscles, which are responsible for pulling your brows together. With these muscles temporarily deactivated, the skin above them smooths out, reducing or eliminating the appearance of 11s.
This not only helps you look more youthful—it also prevents others from misreading your expression. (You’d be surprised how often deep frown lines make people think you’re angry or disapproving when you’re just reading an email.)
How Long Does It Take to Work—and How Long Does It Last?
Botox for glabellar lines usually takes about 3 to 7 days to start working, with full results in about two weeks. You can expect smoother skin and a more relaxed look that lasts 3 to 4 months.
With consistent treatments, your muscles can become “trained” to contract less, meaning you may need less product over time—and those lines might become less noticeable even when the Botox wears off.
Is It Safe to Get Botox Between the Brows?
Yes! Botox in the glabella area is a common and safe procedure when performed by a skilled and experienced injector.
Some temporary side effects may include:
- Mild redness or swelling at the injection site
- A slight headache
- Bruising (rare)
- In rare cases, temporary eyelid drooping—usually due to incorrect placement or product migration
Choosing a board-certified dermatologist who understands facial anatomy is key to getting great results without unwanted side effects.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your glabella Botox appointment will be quick—usually under 15 minutes! Here’s how it goes:
- Consultation – You’ll talk about your goals and medical history with your provider.
- Assessment – We’ll evaluate your muscle movement and recommend a treatment plan.
- Treatment – Using a fine needle, Botox is injected into key points in the glabella area.
- Aftercare – You’ll be given simple instructions (like no rubbing the area for a few hours) and then you’re good to go!
There’s no downtime, and you can return to most activities right away.
Ready to Smooth Your Frown Lines?
If your 11s are making you look stressed or unapproachable—even when you’re in a great mood—Botox for glabella lines could be the quick, easy fix you need.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Dina Strachan, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, and let’s help your face reflect how you really feel—calm, confident, and refreshed.
