What Are 11 Lines?
If you’re over 40, you probably already have wrinkles, also known as 11 lines on your forehead. The 11 lines are those vertical lines that appear between your brows and result from muscle contractions. When you concentrate, squint, or frown, the facial muscles between your brows contract, causing your skin to furrow and fold. After years of frequent contraction, those forehead lines can linger even after the muscles are at rest.
These forehead wrinkles are most commonly called 11 lines because they usually form in pairs on either side of the procerus muscles which run from the bridge of the nose to the center of the forehead. This is the muscle that acts to pull the skin of the center of the forehead down. This most often happens involuntarily when you’re angry, annoyed or when you’re focusing on a difficult task.
Causes of 11 Lines on the Forehead
Unfortunately, the procerus muscle doesn’t act alone. The occipitofrontalis muscles can raise the eyebrows, either together or singly, forming expressions of surprise and quizzicality. The corrugator supercilii muscles can pull the eyebrows inwards and down, forming a frown. Besides the 11 lines on the forehead, the other common forehead wrinkles are the horizontal lines across the forehead which are also called forehead rows. These are created more from the pull of the frontalis muscles, which lift your brows.
That is a whole lot of science that you probably don’t care about, but what this all means is that every time you make certain facial expressions, forehead wrinkles will start to form. The good news is that all of these fine lines and wrinkles, including 11 lines on the forehead, can be easily treated by using one of the neurotoxin products that are on the market today.
Prevention of 11 Lines
To prevent 11 lines from forming on your forehead, it’s essential to maintain a regular skincare routine. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen can protect your skin from sun damage, which accelerates wrinkle formation.
Using skincare products that boost collagen production, like retinoids, can keep your skin firm and smooth. It’s also important to be mindful of repetitive facial expressions, such as squinting or frowning, to reduce strain on the facial muscles that cause 11 lines.
Treatment Options for 11 Lines
Non-invasive topical creams can improve skin elasticity to reduce these forehead wrinkles, while surgical treatments can provide more permanent solutions for wrinkle reduction.
Topical Treatments for 11 Lines
Topical treatments like retinoids, peptides, and hyaluronic acid-based creams can improve skin elasticity and reduce the depth of forehead wrinkles. Retinoids increase collagen production, while hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin. Regular use of these products, combined with sun protection, can soften dynamic wrinkles like 11 lines over time.
Surgical Options for 11 Lines
For those seeking more permanent results, surgical options like a brow lift or forehead lift can smooth deep forehead wrinkles for a more youthful appearance. These procedures tighten the underlying muscles and lift the skin to create a smoother complexion. While more invasive, surgery provides long-lasting results for those with pronounced static wrinkles that don’t respond to non-surgical treatments.
Doctor Recommendation on How to Get Rid of Frown Lines
Dr. Dominic Castellano, a plastic surgeon in Tampa, recommends the use of either Botox or Xeomin as the first course of action to erase 11 lines on the forehead. Both of these drugs help relax the forehead muscles which will quickly reduce the appearance of the lines and furrows. Plus, both Botox and Xeomin may help prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles. Neither will last forever, but injections in the forehead region can work up to 6 months to reduce the 11 lines that are causing you to lose your youthful appearance.
If you’re not familiar with Xeomin, it’s basically the same medication as Botox and offers the same results. It is simply a newer version of botulinum toxin but it can be a less expensive alternative to the better known brand name product.
Talk to a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to Remove 11 Lines
An experienced plastic surgeon, like Dr Dominic, knows where to inject the drug to deliver optimal results. What most people don’t realize is that Botox injections selectively weaken the facial muscles, which can affect the shape of your facial features. So it’s important to work with a qualified facial surgeon who knows which muscles on your face are producing the 11 lines and other deep wrinkles and can treat the problem while providing you with firmer skin and a younger, natural appearance.
Contact Elite Facial Plastic Surgery today to schedule your free consultation.
