Sibelius lines, Botox treatment, results and risks
The glabellar line is caused by the activity of the muscles between the eyebrows. Botox is the primary treatment for the glabellar line because it relaxes the muscles that cause the line. Fillers can be used in select cases, but filler treatments carry more risks, especially in the forehead area.
A frown line is a vertical crease that forms between the eyebrows. Botox treatment can reduce the activity of the facial muscles, which may cause the crease to become less pronounced or smooth out.
Who is this treatment suitable for?
Botox is particularly effective for the glabellar line, which appears when you make facial expressions or has begun to show even when your face is at rest. Botulinum toxin treatment can either prevent the formation of the glabellar line or correct and soften a clearly visible line.
How much does the treatment cost?
Botox treatment for a Sibelius wrinkle costs €270. You can find more detailed prices on the Botox Pricing page.
Why is Botox the treatment of choice for the glabellar line?
Botox is the treatment of choice for the glabellar line because it directly affects the muscle activity that causes the line.
The treatment relaxes the muscles between the eyebrows, reducing the constant furrowing of the skin. The wrinkle becomes less noticeable or disappears completely.
How does Botox help with the glabellar line? The glabellar line forms when the muscles between the eyebrows repeatedly contract during facial expressions. In particular , the corrugator supercilii and procerus muscles pull the eyebrows together and crease the skin between them.
Botulinum toxin relaxes these muscles. The skin smooths out, and vertical lines disappear.
For more information on Botox treatments, check out Ville’s comprehensive Botox guide.
Botox for the glabellar lines: before and after
After Botox treatment, the vertical lines between the eyebrows smooth out as the activity of the muscles that cause wrinkles decreases.
The extent of the change depends on whether it is a dynamic line that is visible only when the face is in motion, or a deepened static wrinkle that is visible even at rest.
- Dynamic lines (those that appear when making facial expressions) disappear completely after botulinum toxin treatment
- Static lines (those visible even at rest) become less pronounced, but do not always disappear completely after the first Botox treatment
This article is based on an interviewwith surgeon Ville Männistö.
Ville specializes in facial anatomy and disorders of the masticatory muscles, and is certified in botulinum toxin treatments. His clinical work focuses on the safe use of botulinum toxin for both aesthetic and medical indications.
Ville is a member of a research group whose article on botulinum toxin treatments for masticatory muscles has been published in an international peer-reviewed scientific journal. Check out the study in the PubMed database.
How is Botox injected into the glabellar lines?
Botox is injected between the eyebrows, right into the muscles that cause wrinkles.
The exact location of the injection sites is determined on a case-by-case basis.
The treatment takes into account, for example
- the position of the eyebrows
- muscle strength
- the patient's facial expressions
- facial symmetry
The correct injection technique is important for preserving the natural movement of the eyebrows.
A Surgeon's Perspective
In Botox treatment for the glabellar lines, it is important to accurately identify the muscles that are the root cause of the lines.
Training as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon provides a solid foundation for understanding the anatomy of the facial muscles and nerves. This comprehensive understanding helps in safely planning injection sites.
How does Botox affect the Sibelius wrinkle?
The Sibelius line is primarily caused by the action of the corrugator superciliiand procerus muscles. When these muscles pull the eyebrows together and downward, a vertical crease forms between the eyebrows.
The vertical lines between the eyebrows are often caused by the repeated contraction of the facial muscles. Botulinum toxin treatment temporarily reduces the activity of these muscles, allowing the skin to relax and the lines to smooth out.
The Sibelius wrinkle is primarily caused by the action of two muscles, as follows:
- The corrugator pulls the eyebrows toward the midline
- Procerus pulls the eyebrows downward and creases the skin between the eyebrows
Botox for the glabellar lines: before and after. The vertical lines between the eyebrows smoothed out as the corrugator and procerus muscles relaxed.
Hyaluronic Acid & Nasolabial Folds – Before and After
Sibelius lines can also be treated with hyaluronic acid-based fillers. However, the forehead is considered a high-risk area for filler treatments. Filler treatments in high-risk areas, in particular, should always be performed by an experienced professional.
Simply put: The filler is injected into the nasolabial folds from below. Botox treatment relaxes the muscles that cause nasolabial folds.
Practice: Treatment almost always begins with Botox, which targets the root cause of the wrinkle. Fillers are used as a complementary treatment if necessary, particularly if the Sibelius line is deep even when the face is relaxed.
Medically speaking: Hyaluronic acid-based fillers increase tissue volume in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Filler treatment reduces static wrinkles but does not affect the activity of the corrugator and procerus muscles—the underlying cause of wrinkles.
Why is the nasolabial fold considered a high-risk area for hyaluronic acid?
The forehead contains more major blood vessels than usual. If filler enters a blood vessel, it can lead to serious complications, such as tissue damage or, in very rare cases, vision problems.
- There are blood vessels in the area near the injection site
- Complications can be serious, although they are rare
- Filler treatment for a Sibelius fold requires a thorough understanding of anatomy
Important note:
Filler treatment for the glabellar lines is not the first-line treatment. It is used with caution in situations where botulinum toxin treatment alone is insufficient or where botulinum toxin cannot be used for one reason or another.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sibelius Wrinkle and Filler
Can you put filler in a Sibelius wrinkle?
Yes, but only in certain cases. In most cases, treatment begins with Botox, which targets the root cause of the wrinkle—namely, muscle activity.
Which is better: Botox or hyaluronic acid?
Botox treatment is the first-line treatment because it targets the muscle activity that causes wrinkles. Fillers are generally used only when necessary, as a complementary treatment.
Is filler treatment for the nasolabial fold safe?
An experienced professional trained in hyaluronidase can perform the procedure safely, but filler treatments in this area undoubtedly carry more risks than botulinum toxin treatments.
How long does the effect of Botox last on the glabella?
The effects of Botox treatment for a frown line usually last about 3–5 months.
Factors affecting the duration of the effect include, for example
- muscle strength
- dose of botulinum toxin used
- individual metabolism
- frequency of treatments
For more information on how long the effects last, see the article: How long does Botox last?
Is Botox for the glabellar lines safe?
Botox is one of the most extensively studied aesthetic treatment methods. When performed correctly, the treatment is safe and well-tolerated.
Any side effects are usually mild and temporary.
For more information on potential risks, see the article "Side Effects of Botox."
Are you considering Botox treatment for your frown lines?
Welcome to a free, no-obligation consultation! If you prefer, you can also start with a photo consultation. Based on the consultation, a professional will be able to tell you whether Botox treatment might be helpful.
Botox Treatments – More Information and Related Pages
If you’d like to learn more about Botox treatments, you can find additional information in the following articles:
