Frown Lines (the 11s): Botox, Dysport or Filler?

Frown lines, often called “the 11s,” are the vertical lines between the eyebrows. They form because the corrugator and procerus muscles pull the brows together every time you frown, squint or concentrate, and over the years the creases stay even when your face is relaxed. Botox and Dysport are the first choice: both are FDA-approved for frown lines, start working within days and last about 3 to 4 months. Filler is used only occasionally, for deep etched lines that remain after toxin, because this area carries a higher risk of filler complications.

This guide explains what causes the 11s, how Botox and Dysport compare for them, when filler is considered, and how to keep the lines from coming back.

What causes frown lines?

• Muscle movement: frowning, squinting and concentrating pull the brows together and down.
• Habits: screen time, squinting in bright sun without sunglasses and a habitually furrowed brow.
• Sun damage and age: collagen loss lets creases set in at rest.
• Genetics: some people simply have stronger frown muscles.

Lines that appear only when you frown are dynamic and smooth out fully with toxin. Lines visible at rest are static, and may need a few rounds of toxin, plus skin treatments, to soften.

Botox vs Dysport for frown lines

Both give similar results, and the total price for the area is similar. See Dysport vs Botox and Xeomin vs Botox vs Dysport for more detail.

Can filler treat the 11s?

Sometimes, but cautiously. Deep frown lines that remain etched in at rest after a few rounds of toxin can be softened with a small amount of a soft hyaluronic acid filler. The area between the brows has small blood vessels connected to those supplying the eye, so it is one of the higher-risk places for filler complications, including rare vision problems. Most injectors use toxin first and add filler only when needed, with very careful technique.

Other options for etched lines

• Regular toxin: keeping the muscle relaxed for a year or more lets etched creases soften.
• Collagen treatments: Morpheus8, HALO or erbium resurfacing improve the skin itself.
• Skincare: a retinoid and daily sunscreen protect collagen; see our retinol guide.

Frown lines are often treated together with forehead lines and crow’s feet; see forehead wrinkles.

Side effects

Expect tiny bumps or redness at the injection points for a short time, and possible small bruises. A headache can occur. Rarely, toxin affects a nearby muscle and causes a heavy brow or droopy eyelid, which wears off over a few weeks. Avoid rubbing the area and lying flat for a few hours after treatment; see our Botox aftercare guide.

Frown line treatment cost at Glow Theory

Botox is $14 per unit and Dysport $4.65 per unit. See our Botox price guide.

Frown line treatment in Carlsbad

Our injectors check how strongly you frown and where your brows sit, then choose the brand and dose that softens the 11s while keeping your expression natural. See Dysport in Carlsbad and Botox in Carlsbad, or book a visit at our studio on El Camino Real in South Carlsbad.