Those Damn 11’s: Options for Treating the Glabella
- Heather Carone
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
You know them. You see them. Sometimes they show up even when you’re not frowning.The infamous “11’s” — those vertical lines between your brows — are one of the first signs of aging that patients ask us about. Ironically, they’re also one of the few areas where dermal filler isn’t typically recommended due to the thin skin, complex vascular anatomy, and higher risk profile in the glabella region.
At Creekside Retreat, we offer targeted, physician-guided treatments that smooth, soften, and restore—without freezing your expression or taking unnecessary risks.
Why Do We Get “11’s”?
The area between your eyebrows is called the glabella. Over time, repeated muscle movements (like frowning, squinting, or concentrating) cause those vertical lines to form. When you’re younger, they disappear at rest. But as skin loses collagen and elasticity, those lines become etched in—even when your face is calm.
Option 1: Neurotoxin (Botox, Xeomin)
Neurotoxin is the gold standard for treating dynamic glabellar lines. It works by temporarily relaxing the overactive muscles that create those “11s,” allowing the skin to smooth over time.
Best for:
Moderate to strong frown lines
Preventing deeper creases
Soften-and-lift effect for a more rested expression
What to expect:Treatment takes just minutes. Results appear in 3–7 days and last 3–4 months.
But what happens when those lines are still there even when you’re not frowning?
That’s where we shift our approach. While neurotoxin helps prevent the lines from getting deeper, static lines—those etched-in creases—need additional collagen support to truly fade.
Option 2: Microneedling with PRP
For patients with early etched-in lines—or those who want to complement their neurotoxin results—microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can help rebuild collagen in the glabella area.
How it works:Controlled micro-injuries stimulate your skin’s healing response. PRP amplifies the effect by delivering growth factors directly to the skin, helping it regenerate faster and stronger.
Best for:
Static lines that remain even at rest
Skin texture and firmness in the glabella
Patients who want to avoid or delay injectables
Option 3: RF Skin Tightening
Radiofrequency (RF) treatments deliver gentle heat deep into the dermis to stimulate collagen and tighten the skin over time. It’s a subtle, noninvasive option for patients looking to improve skin firmness and texture in the brow area.
Best for:
Mild to moderate glabella creasing
Skin laxity near the brows
Long-term collagen support
What’s the Best Option for You?
It depends on whether your lines are caused by movement, collagen loss, or both. In many cases, neurotoxin + collagen support (through microneedling or RF) offers the best of both worlds—immediate softening with long-term skin health benefits.
At Creekside Retreat, our physician-led consults ensure your treatment is both effective and safe, especially in delicate zones like the glabella.
Ready to smooth those “11s” for good?
Book a consultation today and let’s build a plan that enhances your expression—refreshed, not frozen.
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