5 Most Popular Dermal Fillers Products for Glabella in 2023

David Fuller

Last Updated On: February 29, 2024

Intro

Glabella is an anatomical term used in cosmetology that refers to the area in the lower part of the forehead that unites the inner ends of the eyebrow and the upper part of the nose root.

Understanding Glabellar Lines

Cosmetologists refer to glabella when a patient’s problem is the formation of a vertical line between the eyebrows and horizontal wrinkles in the area of the root of the nose – this is called the “glabellar complex”. The formation of static wrinkles in this area is an aesthetic indicator for botulinum toxin correction. 

Vertical or horizontal wrinkles in the interbrow area (glabella lines, frown lines) appear due to excessive activity of the facial muscles. 

When patients have glabellar wrinkles visible at rest or regularly and actively contract the muscles in this area, they are indicated for botulinum toxin injections. Young patients can wean off the negative expression pattern that leads to static wrinkles in this area. Many use self-discipline and self-control (monitoring facial expressions) or tapes, but these methods usually do not work. As for patients aged 35+ – only injectable cosmetology can make a difference. 

Do Fillers For Glabella Lines Work?

Botulinum toxin injections can correct wrinkles in the glabella area, stop excessive mimic activity for a certain period and slow down static wrinkle formation. 

With Botox, the skin folds are gently and gradually smoothed out, and the patient no longer has to frown with every emotion actively, thus facilitating the formation of wrinkles. 

When working with the glabella area, botulinum toxin injections are always carried out in several points or zones. Working on both the horizontal and vertical folds, the area of mimic activity in the glabellar zone is essential. Working only with one spot provokes hypertonicity of the adjacent zone. There are scales of wrinkle expression by which the doctor determines the level of muscle mimicry for each patient to select the optimal drug dose. 

Besides Botulinum-based products, hyaluronic acid fillers are also used. They work differently but are also an effective way to combat glabella lines.

5 Most Popular Dermal Fillers Products for Glabella in 2023

Belotero

Belotero is a brand of hyaluronic acid-based fillers from German Merz Pharma (a division of Merz Aesthetic). Contour correction with Belotero glabellar filler allows for correcting wrinkles, moisturizing, and restoring skin volume.

Belotero Soft

Belotero Soft is a filler explicitly designed to correct fine surface wrinkles and one of the best fillers for glabellar lines.

Indications:

• wrinkles above the upper lip and “crow’s feet”;
• fine forehead wrinkles;
• venus rings in the neck area.

The medication is introduced into the skin’s surface layers using a unique and innovative blanching technique. It involves injecting filler in the glabella’s tiniest wrinkles, filling them gently and naturally. Blanching makes wrinkles less noticeable and is an excellent adjunct to Botulinum Therapy.

Belotero Main Effect

The result is a deep moisturizing and smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles without changing facial expressions or traumatizing the skin.

Contraindications

• chronic diseases in acute form; 
• skin diseases of infectious nature; 
• under 18 years of age; 
• various autoimmune diseases; 
• diabetes mellitus and blood diseases; 
• tendency to form keloid scars; 
• pregnancy and lactation; 
• use with peelings and laser therapy.

Belotero Side Effects

As a result of injecting the drug, side effects such as redness and bruising, discoloration of the skin area, swelling and irritation on the skin, itching, and burning may occur at the injection sites. The doctor visually assesses the severity of side effects, but generally, they are all mild and subside within 5-7 days. Otherwise, the patient should contact the doctor for a prescription treatment regimen.

How long does Belotero last?

The result duration depends on the combination of medications used, but on average, Belotero Soft glabellar lines filler injections last six months. Please note that the time also depends on the individual body characteristics, compliance with recommendations, and other environmental factors.

Radiesse

Radiesse Application Area

Radiesse is an injectable filler for wrinkles and folds on the face, neck, and glabella wrinkles. Once in the dermis, Radiesse immediately takes effect: it stimulates the natural production of collagen, moisturizes, and nourishes the skin, making it young and smooth.

Radiesse Advantages

The main ingredient in Radiesse is calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) gel microspheres. Its natural micronutrients fill the skin and stimulate the natural production of connective tissue. The benefits of Radiesse injectable filler (glabella aimed) include:

• safety;
• non-toxicity;
• non-allergenicity;
• compatibility with natural human tissues.

Radiesse Main Effect

The first results will be visible immediately after injection, and the final effect of Radiesse will be seen in 5-7 days. Radiesse will help:

• eliminate and ultimately smooth out fine glabella wrinkles;
• give the skin firmness and elasticity;
• moisturize the skin and smooth its surfaces.

Side effects of using Radiesse

• local edema, which should subside on its own within 1-2 days;
• small bruises;
• mild pain in problem areas;
• hyperemia.

How long does Radiesse last?

The result of the procedure lasts for 1-2 years. After that, the treatment will need to be repeated. Additional maintenance injections may be required as recommended by your doctor.

Juvederm

Juvederm is a line of intradermal fillers based on hyaluronic acid, designed to neutralize or reduce wrinkles and facial folds. Juvederm is also used for lip augmentation and adding volume to the facial contour of cheekbones and cheeks.

Juvederm Ultra Gel 2 Application area

This product has very low viscosity and is designed to correct the upper layers of the skin. Thus, the gel is designed to eliminate minor wrinkles: for example, wrinkles in the eye, lip areas, forehead, and glabella. 

Juvederm Advantages 

The drug is considered highly effective, providing a precise, long-lasting result. The most excellent effectiveness of Juvederm Ultra 2 is observed with young patients (25-30 years old), as well as in conditions of fragile skin or aging with fine wrinkles. The effect of treatment with Juvederm Ultra 2 is noticeable immediately after manipulation.

Indications

• elimination of fine and medium wrinkles;
• correction of shallow expression lines and wrinkles by injecting them into the middle layers of the skin;
• easy modification of the volume and shape of the lips;

Juvederm Ultra 2 gel is often used to correct skin laxity in the forehead area (a line between the eyes) and around the eyes, less frequently around the mouth and nose.

The FDA approves the use of Juvederm for cosmetic purposes. This product has a very high safety profile but should not be used to treat patients with severe allergies.

Contraindications

• pregnancy or lactation;
• allergy to hyaluronic acid;
• autoimmune processes in the body;
• tendency to form hypertrophic scars;
• susceptibility to allergic complications;
• recent chemical pilling or laser skin resurfacing procedures.

Juvederm Side Effects 

• mild inflammation: redness, swelling, erythema, itching;
• skin discoloration at the injection site;
• lumps in the place of injection;
• bleeding.

Side effects may last for up to 1-2 weeks. If inflammation persists for a more extended period, ask your doctor for a consultation. 

How long does Juvederm last?

It has a long-lasting effect that lasts for 8-10 months.

Dysport

Dysport is a French botulinum toxin product. The main difference from its famous American counterpart (Botox) is a more natural result, ensured by a lower molecular weight and the ability to distribute more effectively in the tissues. 

Dysport, like other botulinum toxin-based products, is effective in blocking the conductive function of the nerve fibers. The active ingredient affects the muscles in the injection area, relaxing them and smoothing them out.

Dysport Application area

Cosmetologists use Dysport for the following indications:

• facial wrinkles on the forehead;
• glabella lines wrinkles;
• wrinkles in the periorbital area;
• wrinkles and creases in the middle and lower part of the face;
• neck and décolletage area wrinkles;
• hyperhidrosis.

Dysport Advantages

Ability to effectively smooth out even deep wrinkles and skin creases on the forehead, glabella lines, and other areas. Quick result: visible changes appear within 3-4 days, and the final result in 10-14 days.

Contraindications

Like any cosmetic intervention, the rejuvenation method with Dysport has its contraindications. The following groups of people should refrain from injections:

• children under 12 years of age;
• Pregnant and lactating women;
• Experiencing an exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• Those with severe allergic reactions to botulinum toxin;
• Patients with diseases of the blood and endocrine system;
• Clients with neuromuscular disorders.

Dysport Side Effects

Side effects after injections are infrequent. They are all related to incompetence or the choice of a poor-quality product. Patients often complain about:

• face numbness, accompanied by a mask effect;
• swelling on the injection site;
• bruising;
• headache;
• nausea;
• visual disturbances;
• general malaise;
• headaches and dizziness.

Usually, the symptoms do not last more than 2-5 days. If the symptoms last much longer or tend to worsen, you should immediately contact your doctor.

How long does Dysport last?

Dysport treatment duration depends on the client’s compliance with professional recommendations, as well as on some individual characteristics of the body. In most cases, treatment is effective for 4-8 months.

Restylane

Restylane is one of the most popular biogel fillers successfully used for contouring. The product contains hyaluronic acid in a concentration of 2% and is used to fill in small and deep wrinkles and folds; to correct facial and lip contours.

Restylane Advantages

• Safety. Biogels cause almost no allergic reactions due to their natural composition. 
• Immediate effect. The effect is immediately visible after the procedure, but the final result will be visible after seven days when the filler is distributed under the skin.
• No rehabilitation period. 
• Compatibility with other cosmetic procedures. After Restylane treatment, patients can use peels (after 21 days), Botox injections, and other beauty products (in 14 days).

Restylane Main Effect

Restylane fillers will help to:

• Eliminate wrinkles, and fill deep creases and creases.
• Even out the facial contour and make the facial oval more expressive.
• Firm, deeply moisturize, and nourish the skin.
• Even out the tone and relief of the dermis.
• Eliminate unnecessary pigmentation.
• Smoothen scars and post-acne, eliminate edema.

Contraindications for Restylane are the same as for other hyaluronic acid-based fillers.

Restylane Side Effects

Patients may complain of redness, itching, swelling, and soreness at the injection site. However, these effects disappear quickly, as they are a normal reaction to the gel injection.

How long does Restylane last?

Treatment results last six to eight months (depending on individual patient characteristics).

Glabellar Lines Treatment

Correction of glabellar lines, frown lines, wrinkles on the forehead, and other facial areas is a complex treatment that requires a versatile professional approach. The cosmetic surgeon’s task is not just to smooth out relief but also to change the overall condition of the skin: to moisturize and restore its turgor, increase overall tone, remove roughness and perform deep cleansing.

Medical Treatment Options For Glabellar Lines

Two main methods of glabellar lines treatment are botulinum toxin-based drugs and dermal fillers based on hyaluronic acid. In addition, various treatments use professional cosmetic products, peels, different exposure intensities, injections, and various hardware procedures.

Common Mistakes When Treating Glabellar Lines

1. The most common mistake is to choose the wrong injection zone. In the forehead area, there are areas where botulinum toxin should not be injected because it can result in asymmetry and pronounced ptosis of half of the face. 
2. Another common mistake is not following the dosage rules for botulinum toxin. To the inexperienced doctor, it seems that a smaller dose is ineffective. As a result, exceeding it can cause paralysis of the facial muscles.
3. The third mistake is a violation of the muscular and subcutaneous distribution of the drug. Botox migrates into the neighboring areas, paralyzing unintended muscles. In the case of glabellar lines treatment, a horrible result might be a drooping eyelid or closed eye.

FAQ

Are Glabellar Lines and Frown Lines the Same?

People often confuse these terms. But it’s easy to remember the difference – both are near the eyebrows, but glabellar are vertical forehead lines, while frown lines are horizontally above the eyebrows.

Are Glabellar Lines Just a Cosmetic Problem?

Glabellar lines, like other facial wrinkles, are a common cosmetic problem. Sooner or later, all people get them. The more often we show emotions (frown, surprise, squint), the faster they can appear. Some people are not ashamed of the wrinkles between their eyes because they reflect the experience and a unique allure. 

Conclusions

Modern cosmetology offers many methods and options for dealing with glabellar lines. The most common options are injections of Botox or hyaluronic acid-based glabellar lines fillers. 

In each case, cosmetologists recommend preventing wrinkle formation at 25-30. The earlier you start prevention, the better your result will be as you age. 

What to choose: hyaluronic-base acid or Botox? There is no simple answer. But it is always appropriate to consult your cosmetologist before you make a final decision.