Q:

Today, a friend asked me “what’s wrong?” I told her I was fine, then she explained that I look like I’m frowning and upset. I looked in the mirror and saw that she was right! I don’t want people to think that I’m angry all the time. A quick internet search told me there is a treatment for this. Does it really help? Do you recommend it?

A:

The frown lines between the eyebrows, or “elevens,” are arguably the most common cosmetic concern that we treat in our practice. They are almost universal and usually are not due to being upset, but rather it’s an expression that many of us make unintentionally when we’re concentrating, concerned, or even bothered by bright sunlight. Unfortunately, these lines do give the impression of being angry or worried.

The most effective treatment for this is to inject a “neuromodulator” into the area to soften the lines. It works by relaxing the muscles that we use to make the frown expression. This type of treatment has been done for approximately 30 years with great patient satisfaction and safety. Neuromodulator brand names that you may recognize include Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau.

The newest neuromodulator is called “Daxxify,” and it is unique in that results last 6-9 months, which is twice as long as other brands. It is an FDA-approved, US-manufactured neuromodulator. Skin Spectrum was one of a few select practices that started treating patients with Daxxify in 2022.