My glabellar muscles are always contracted. Is there an alternative treatment to botox?

Question

This past month I have noticed that my glabellar muscles are always contracted! This is causing me a lot of discomfort and giving me headaches! I cant get them to relax! Is there anything that can be done for this before trying botox. I would like to try every other option first, just because with botox, it wears off and you have to keep it up. I just really want them to relax! Its uncomfortable and I don't want to have frown lines in the future!

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Botox over time will atrophy the glabella muscle  helping those frown lines look less noticeable.  Botox does wear off in 3 months.  A surgical treatment would be to remove some of the glabella muscle, thereby weakening the muscles.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Outside of wrinkle relaxers like Botox, there is no other medication or treatment that can help provide relief from your contracted glabellar muscles.  You can try and train yourself away from furrowing your brow through application of a breath-rite nasal strip to your glabella which can provide a form of biofeedback to remind you when you are contracting, but this may take a lot of training to achieve.  Though I understand your apprehension to using a temporary medicine like Botox, it does work well, and is minimally invasive.  I hope this helps.

Debra M. Kroll, MD · Answer

Botox/Dysport is a great solution to your problem and if you don't like it--it wears off.  If you want a permanent fix, you may wish to have surgery or radiofrequency treatments to remove or weaken these muscles.  I would proceed with a lot of caution if you are doing a permanent treatment.  This does not constitute official medical advice.  Good luck.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Botox is by the far the best way to treat this glabella area.  The alternative is to cut the glabella muscle surgically.  Please consult an experienced physician for the best cosmetic results.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear jkreighbaum:At this time, treatment for "glabella" muscle complex spasm include:Botox and similar injectable muscle relaxers such as Dysport or XeominSurgical resection of the muscle(s) required to return balance to the spastic muscle bundles.meditation and hypnosis and biofeedback exercisesNot yet commonly available options to include:cryotherapy of the muscleneurectomy of the nerve to the muscletopical muscle relaxantsPlease consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, ENT Facial Surgeon or neurologist (particularly if pain control is an issue). I wish you the best!

My glabellar muscles are always contracted. Is there an alternative treatment to botox?

Answers (9)

Answer: Botox and Headaches in the Glabella Area

Answer: Botox and Headaches in the Glabella Area

Answer: Glabella Muscle Complex Spasm and pain options

Answer: Glabella Muscle Complex Spasm and pain options

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My glabellar muscles are always contracted. Is there an alternative treatment to botox?

Answers (9)

Answer: Botox and Headaches in the Glabella Area

Answer: Botox and Headaches in the Glabella Area

Answer: Glabella Muscle Complex Spasm and pain options

Answer: Glabella Muscle Complex Spasm and pain options

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.