The 5 frown types: Which frowner are you?
Frown basics: All about the glabella
The glabella complex is located between the two eyebrows and its use is commonly associated with negative feelings, such as worry, irritation, anger, frustration, and fatigue.
The main muscles that make up the glabella are: Corrugator supercilii, orbiularis oculi, procerus, and depressor supercilii. These muscles carry the ability to depress and approximate (bring the eyebrows downwards and together).
For many Botox and neurotox injectors, this part of the face is treated using a uniform approach: Usually 3, 5, or 7 injection points. But did you know that studies have shown a wide variation in the appearance and anatomy of frown lines? These interpersonal differences create the need for a more focused and tailored approach to each individual. So, let’s determine what kind of frowner you are.
The 5 frown types
The ‘V’
Depiction of frown type ‘V’
The most frequently seen in approximately 37% of study cases.
The heads of the eyebrows come close together (approximate) and lower, the degree of which can be moderate to severe.
Strong involvement of the corrugators, procerus, and the medial (middle) portion of the orbicularis oculi.
Treatment is best when using a 7-injection point approach and higher doses in the procerus and corrugators.
The ‘U’
Depiction of frown type ‘U’
The second most common type, found in 27% of study cases.
Mild approximation (eyebrows moving toward each other) and lowering of the eyebrows, producing a letter “U.”
Elevation of eyebrow tails can occur simultaneously.
At rest, eyebrows are typically arched.
Strong involvement of the corrugators and procerus.
Typically treated using 5-injection point approach at standard doses.
The ‘omega’
Depiction of frown type ‘omega’
Dominant movements are medial approximation and lifting of the glabella, forming the 'omega’ shape.
Lowering of the lateral parts of the eyebrows occurs.
Strong involvement of the corrugators, medial portion of the orbicularis oris and frontalis.
Little to no involvement of the procerus.
Best approach: Injecting the corrugators and orbicularis oris, medial aspect of the frontalis.
Higher doses in the corrugators, smaller doses in the frontalis and orbicularis.
The ‘converging arrows’
Depiction of frown type ‘converging arrows’
Approximation of the eyebrows with little to no lowering or lifting of the middle and outer portions of the eyebrows, creating a horizontal movement between the eyebrows
Dominant involvement of the corrugators and medial portion of the orbicularis oculi.
Injections should be more horizontal.
The ‘inverted omega’
Depiction of frown type ‘inverted omega’
The least frequently seen.
Dominant movement is of lowering more than approximation.
Strong involvement from the procerus, depressor supercilii, internal portion of the orbicularis oculi, and possibly the nasalis muscle.
Treatment is targeted at the procerus and depressor supercilii
