Treatment of Glabellar Lines

What Are Glabellar Lines?

Glabellar lines have been named so because they become visible on the glabella or a part of the forehead between the eyebrows and above the nose. Numerous factors influence the appearance of glabellar lines, including skin tightness, genetics, and how often a person changes his expressions. As a result, the person might notice some wrinkles or lines that appear wavy. These lines are commonly known as forehead furrows or glabellar lines. People who dislike the appearance of glabellar lines can follow prevention strategies, home remedies, and other treatment options to smoothen their appearance. In simple terms, glabellar lines are horizontal or vertical indentations that can intersect with specific types of wrinkles, known as frown lines.

How Are Glabellar Lines Different From Frown Lines or Emotional Wrinkles?

The terms glabellar lines and frown lines are often used interchangeably. However, they differ according to the locations. For example, frown lines appear vertically between the eyebrows, whereas glabellar lines are noticeable above the eyebrows and stretch horizontally. Frown lines do not appear when a person makes a sad face. The glabella muscles contract and pull the skin back when a person smiles, looks, laughs, or worries. Emotional wrinkles are also an integral part of the face. This is because the face is the central element that conveys a person's emotions. The skin becomes loose with age because the collagen bonds weaken. Repeated facial movements result in sagging and wrinkling of the skin. People who frequently knit their eyebrows have more pronounced glabellar lines.

Why Do Glabellar Lines Appear?

Glabellar lines usually appear due to excess physical stretching of the face. Some of the causes of the appearance of glabellar lines are listed below:

• Genetics - Some people develop wrinkles at an early age because of their genetic makeup. The most common genetic cause of glabellar lines is the rapid rate of gene deterioration.

• Hormones - Estrogens play a crucial role in hydration and adequate blood supply to the skin. Women having lower estrogen levels are more likely to experience wrinkles or glabellar lines at an early age. This is the reason why a woman notices more wrinkles during her menopause. Hence, hormone replacement therapy is the ideal choice for such females.

• Glycation - Glucose is required by body cells for various metabolic activities. However, when the collagen present in the skin is exposed to excess glucose levels, they become brittle resulting in the formation of wrinkles.

• Sun Exposure - People who stay in the sun for prolonged periods tend to have more wrinkles or glabellar lines. This is because ultraviolet radiation hampers the skin's natural elasticity and firmness. As a result, the patient has sagging skin at a young age.

• Smoking - People who smoke are at a higher risk of having glabellar lines because the active ingredients in smoke damage the body's collagen.

What Are Some Home Remedies for Managing Glabellar Lines?

Numerous home remedies or over-the-counter products are available to smoothen or soften the glabellar lines on the face. Some of the home remedies for managing glabellar lines are listed below:

• Moisturizing Treatments - Doctors often recommend moisturizing creams to keep the skin hydrated. The creams can be used overnight to get soft and hydrated skin. In addition, people using skin creams with adequate amounts of moisture are resilient and hold the skin intact for prolonged periods.

• Antioxidant Creams - Creams containing antioxidants help the skin overcome the damage caused by oxidative stress. The presence of antioxidants like green tea extract or vitamin E stimulates skin repair and growth along with a youthful appearance of the face. The patient must consult the doctor to know about paraben-free antioxidant creams.

• Hyaluronic Acid - Hyaluronic acid has proven to be effective in filling the skin gaps so that the skin appears smooth. In addition, it plumps up a person's skin after absorption and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

• Peptides - Peptides are commonly present in skin serums, lotions, or cleansers that brighten the skin and increase cell turnover rates. Though they do not directly affect wrinkles, they smoothen the skin complexion by allowing the twitching and contraction of the skin muscles. Studies report that peptides boost the collagen levels of the skin.

What Are the Medical Treatments for Glabellar Lines?

People who are not satisfied with home remedies can consult their dermatologists or plastic surgeons regarding the medical management of glabellar lines. The following treatment options are of great help:

• Neuromodulators - Neuromodulators, including Botox, have become popular over the past few years as they reduce the signs of aging. It is commonly used to relax the facial muscles to make the wrinkles less noticeable. The most significant advantage is that Botox is an affordable, less invasive, and convenient procedure. However, the effects can wear off after a couple of months resulting in facial stiffness.

• Soft Tissue Fillers - These fillers mimic the collagen present in the skin. They are similar to Botox; the only difference is that the former has more complications than the latter. However, dermal fillers are costlier than Botox.

• Facelift - It is the most expensive and risky procedure to smoothen facial furrows. It is a cosmetic surgery procedure done to tighten the skin around the neck and face. However, facelift surgeries do not produce permanent results. They are associated with a severe risk of infections and require prolonged healing periods.

Can Facial Exercises Be Done to Smoothen Glabellar Lines?

People often resort to facial exercises to smoothen and prevent glabellar lines. However, there is insufficient medical evidence to support this fact. As wrinkles and frown lines result from facial muscle activities, facial yoga can be beneficial in some cases. In addition, changing facial expressions or making surprise expressions in front of the mirror can improve facial appearance.

How to Prevent Glabellar Lines?

The only way to avoid glabellar lines is to follow adequate prevention strategies in the initial stages itself. People with a genetic predisposition to wrinkles or fine lines can follow the tips mentioned below to have fewer glabellar lines:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

• Have a diet rich in fiber and antioxidants.

• Avoid smoking.

• Keep the face moisturized.

• Wear sunglasses while going out in the sun.

• Use sunscreen and face moisturizer daily.

• The person must sleep on his back.

Conclusion:

Glabellar lines can be seen in young individuals or appear with aging. These lines can alter a person's facial appearance and become a cause of mental distress. Hence, patients with glabellar lines must not get worried and consult the doctor at the earliest to learn more about the treatment methods.