Many treatments have been tried for the glabellar lines over the years. These are more commonly known as those annoying “frown lines” in the brow area, between the eyes. Before the glabellar lines are well established, topical agents such as Retin A may be of use in prevention. Even laser resurfacing techniques have been used with some improvement, just as laser treatments can reduce lines and wrinkles elsewhere on the face.
But as a cosmetic surgeon in Toronto, I’ve found that once those lines really become visible, it’s time to up the ante. It is probably safe to say that for a number of years now, one of the most popular treatment options has been injections that cause the muscles in this area to stop contracting, thereby allowing those frown lines to relax. In Ontario, BOTOX COSMETIC has been the drug of choice approved for this purpose. Over the past couple of years, 2 new similar medications, Dysport® and XEOMIN®, have also become available.
What many people don’t know, though, is that when these lines are very deep, relaxing the muscles alone will often not cause sufficient softening. In this case, small amounts of hyaluronic acid fillers can be used. This can either be after injection with a drug such as BOTOX or as an alternative.
There are blood vessels in this area that are important to avoid, so this kind of injection should be done only by a medical practitioner who is very well versed in the necessary techniques. Sometimes, the use of cannulas, or thin surgical tubes, can further reduce risks of injection at this site.
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