Soften the 11s: frown line treatment in Massapequa
Two vertical lines between your brows that make you look tense, tired or annoyed when you're none of those things. At Skin Space in Massapequa, we help clients across Long Island relax the 11s for a softer, more open expression that still looks like you.
Also known as 11 lines, the 11s, glabellar lines, frown lines and lines between the eyebrows.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jimenez, Medical Director. Last reviewed September 2026.
What frown lines are
Small lines with a big effect on how you come across.
Frown lines, often called the 11s, form between the eyebrows where two small muscles pull the brows down and together. Every time you frown, squint at a screen or concentrate, those muscles fold the skin into vertical creases.
Because this area plays such a big part in facial expression, even shallow 11s can make you look stressed or unapproachable. They're also one of the most treatable lines on the face, and wrinkle relaxers have been widely used for this area for many years.
Dynamic 11s
Lines that appear only when you frown or concentrate. These respond best to wrinkle relaxers.
Etched-in 11s
Lines that stay visible at rest after years of frowning. They usually need more than one treatment.
A single deep line
Some people have one strong vertical crease rather than two parallel lines.
Horizontal lines above the brows are covered in forehead lines. Wrinkle relaxers are often used for both areas together, so it's worth reading both pages.
What causes it
Expression, habit and time.
The muscles between the brows are some of the most active in the face. A few habits and factors make the 11s form sooner or deeper.
- Frowning and concentrating, including while reading, driving or working at a computer.
- Squinting, especially in bright sun or when you need glasses but aren't wearing them.
- Stress and tension, which many people carry between their brows without noticing.
- Collagen loss with age, which makes the skin fold more easily and recover less.
- Sun damage, which weakens the skin's support structure.
- Genetics, since strong brow muscles and expressive faces run in families.
Frown line treatments at Skin Space
Your Skin Space provider will tailor treatment to how strong your brow muscles are and how deep your lines go.
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Wrinkle Relaxers
Injections that relax the muscles that pull your brows together, so the 11s soften and your expression looks calmer. This is the most widely used treatment for frown lines.
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Dermal Filler
A small amount of hyaluronic acid filler can soften a deep line that stays visible even after the muscle is relaxed. It's used sparingly here and only by an experienced injector.
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Microneedling
Builds new collagen in the skin between the brows, helping soften lines that have become etched in over time.
What to expect at Skin Space
From your first visit in Massapequa to a softer expression.
Consultation
We watch how your brows move when you frown, check your lines at rest, and talk about how natural you want the result to look.
Treatment
Wrinkle relaxers take just a few minutes. If filler is part of the plan, it's usually added at a later visit once the muscle has relaxed.
Results
Lines soften gradually over one to two weeks as the muscles relax.
Maintenance
Most clients return every three to four months. Over time, regular treatment can help keep etched-in lines from deepening.
Keeping the 11s from deepening
Small habits reduce how often you frown.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors. Squinting in the sun is one of the biggest triggers for the 11s.
- Check your screen setup. Raise the brightness, increase text size and take breaks so you're not straining to see.
- Keep your eye prescription up to date so you're not squinting to read.
- Use sunscreen and a nightly retinoid to protect and support the skin between your brows.
- Notice tension. Many people frown while concentrating without realizing it. A quick check-in can help you relax your face.
- Protect your skin year-round on Long Island. Summer sun at the beach and on the water is the biggest driver of early lines, and winter wind and dry indoor heat dehydrate skin and make lines more visible. Adjust your routine with the seasons.
When to check with your doctor
Frown line treatment is very common, but safety still comes first.
Tell your provider or check with your doctor if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding, since wrinkle relaxers and filler aren't recommended
- Have a neuromuscular condition or take medications that affect muscles or nerves
- Notice a drooping eyelid after treatment that doesn't settle within a few weeks
- Have had filler before and notice new lumps, swelling or tenderness
After any filler treatment, get emergency care right away for severe pain, skin that turns pale or dusky, or any change in your vision. Every Skin Space consultation includes a review of your health history so we can choose treatments that are safe for you.
Common questions
How long do results last for the 11s?
Wrinkle relaxers typically last about three to four months in the area between the brows. Some people find results last a little longer with regular treatment.
Will I still be able to frown?
With conservative dosing, you'll still have expression, just with much softer lines. If you prefer, your provider can relax the area more fully.
Do I need filler for my 11s?
Most people don't. Wrinkle relaxers are usually enough. Filler is considered only for deep lines that stay visible after the muscle is relaxed.
Should I treat my forehead at the same time?
Often, yes. Treating the 11s and the forehead together keeps your brows balanced and your expression natural.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel a quick pinch with each injection. The appointment is short, and you can return to most normal activities right away.
Where can I get frown lines treated near Massapequa?
Skin Space is a med spa in Massapequa, NY, serving clients from across Long Island. Every plan starts with a consultation so we can see how your brows move.
Reviewed by Dr. Jimenez
Medical Director at Skin Space in Massapequa, NY. This page was reviewed for medical accuracy in September 2026.
