Frown Lines Between the Eyebrows: Causes, Prevention and Treatment Options
The vertical lines between the eyebrows form as a result of the repeated movements of the muscles that frown and draw the eyebrows together. These lines do not pose a health problem; however, because they can give the face a tired, tense or angry expression, some people find them aesthetically bothersome. This article explains the causes of lines between the eyebrows, ways to prevent them and the treatment options.
What Causes Lines Between the Eyebrows?
- Repeated facial expressions such as frowning, tensing the face while concentrating and squinting
- Loss of skin elasticity and collagen support with age
- Prolonged, unprotected sun exposure
- Smoking
- A person's skin type and inherited characteristics
A habit of frequent squinting may be related to an uncorrected vision problem; in this case an eye examination is also useful.
Dynamic and Static Lines
At first, the lines are visible only when frowning. As the movement is repeated over the years, a permanent crease forms in the skin and the line is visible even when the face is at rest. Which of these two types a line belongs to is an important factor in choosing the treatment.
Prevention and Skincare
- Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and wearing sunglasses in the sun
- Stopping smoking
- Moisturising the skin regularly
- Using products containing retinoids on a doctor's advice
Skincare products can help improve the appearance of fine lines, but they do not remove a line that has become deep.
Treatment Options
- Botulinum toxin: Temporarily reduces the strength of the muscles that draw the eyebrows together. It is usually the first option for lines caused by movement.
- Filler: For lines that are visible even at rest, a small amount of filler containing hyaluronic acid can be applied beneath the line. The area between the eyebrows is a delicate area for filler due to its blood vessels; the procedure should be performed by an experienced doctor.
- Skin resurfacing treatments: Methods such as laser or chemical peeling can help improve the appearance of fine lines on the surface of the skin.
- Surgery: If there is also a low brow position and excess skin on the forehead, the muscles that draw the eyebrows together may also be treated during a forehead lift.
These methods may be planned alone or together depending on the person. The doctor decides which method is suitable after the examination. Blood thinners and other regularly used medicines should not be stopped without consulting a doctor, and the doctor who will perform the procedure should be informed of them in advance.
Aftercare
- After injection treatments, it is recommended not to press, rub or massage the treated area on the first day.
- Before wearing make-up, doing strenuous exercise or using a sauna or very hot environments, the period recommended by the doctor should be observed.
- Sunscreen should continue to be used.
Possible Risks
Redness, swelling and bruising may occur at the injection site; these are usually temporary. After botulinum toxin, headache, drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid and asymmetry may occur; if difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, double vision or marked muscle weakness is noticed, a doctor should be consulted immediately. After filler, a rare but serious complication is that the filler may block a blood vessel; if sudden and severe pain, whitening or purplish discolouration of the skin, or a disturbance of vision is noticed, a doctor should be consulted immediately. For more information, see our fine line filler and forehead lift pages.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın