Sofwave
What Are Glabellar Lines and Why Do They Make You Look Tired?

What Are Glabellar Lines and Why Do They Make You Look Tired?

  • Date

Our facial expressions tell the world how we feel - from joy and surprise to concentration and concern. But over time, the repeated movements of everyday life can leave lasting marks on the skin, particularly in the form of glabellar lines. Often called “frown lines” or “11 lines,” these vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows can give the impression of stress or fatigue, even when you feel rested and confident. Understanding why glabellar lines form and how they affect appearance is the first step toward finding safe, effective ways to address them.

What are Glabellar Lines and where do they form?

Glabellar lines, also known as frown lines or "11 lines," are the vertical wrinkles that appear between your eyebrows. They form mainly because of repeated facial movements like frowning, squinting, or concentrating, which cause the skin to fold in the same place over time. As you age and your skin loses collagen and elasticity, these lines become more noticeable and may stay visible even when your face is relaxed.

These lines can make you look tired or stressed because they are often associated with expressions of fatigue, worry, or frustration. Even if you feel well-rested, glabellar lines can unintentionally give others the impression that you’re fatigued or upset.

Why Do They Form? (Age, Expressions, Lifestyle)

Age, Expressions, Lifestyle

Glabellar lines form due to a mix of factors:

Facial Expressions: Repeated movements such as that little furrow when you squint at your phone, or concentrating on your tasks cause the underlying muscles to contract and the skin above them to crease. Over time, these creases can become permanent.

Aging: As we age, the skin gradually produces less collagen and elastin, reducing its resilience. This makes it more difficult for lines to diminish after repeated facial movements, allowing fine lines to become more visible over time

Lifestyle Choices: External factors like prolonged sun exposure, smoking, stress, unhealthy diet and dehydration can weaken the skin and accelerate the breakdown of collagen, making glabellar lines appear earlier and more prominently.

The Role of Collagen in Smoother-Looking Skin 

Collagen is the primary structural protein in the skin, providing support, elasticity, and strength. Over time, natural production slows, and factors like aging, sun exposure, and stress accelerate its breakdown. As collagen declines, skin becomes thinner and less resilient, leading to wrinkles such as glabellar lines. Stimulating collagen supports the skin’s structure and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines.

FDA-Cleared Ways to Improve Facial Lines and Wrinkles

When it comes to treating glabellar lines, non-invasive options are becoming increasingly popular among patients who want visible results with minimal interruption to their daily routine. In addition to traditional injectables, there are now FDA-cleared technologies that use ultrasound or radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production beneath the skin.

How Sofwave™’s Technology Works

Sofwave™ uses ultrasound technology to precisely target the mid-dermal layers of the skin, where collagen and elastin fibers are most active. By delivering controlled ultrasound energy, the treatment stimulates a natural healing response that promotes new collagen remodeling and elastin production. Over time, this process can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, including glabellar lines and horizontal forehead lines, while supporting the skin’s structure.

Sessions are efficient, typically lasting 30–45 minutes, and are designed to be comfortable with minimal interruption to daily activities. This makes Sofwave™ an effective, non-invasive option for those seeking noticeable wrinkle reduction without disrupting their daily routine.

sofwave-eyebrow-lift

What to Expect During a Treatment

Sofwave™ treatments are designed to be comfortable and convenient. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Preparation: Your provider will apply a cooling gel to protect your skin.

  2. Treatment: The ultrasound device is moved across the treatment area, delivering energy to stimulate collagen production.

  3. Post-Treatment: You can return to your normal activities after the treatment.

confident-woman-after-sofwave-treatment

Ready to Learn More?

Learn More about how Sofwave™ can fit into your skincare regimen and support your goals.

Image Parallax
Medically revised by

Hayley Leight-Dunn, MD 

References