Wrinkles are a very common side effect of aging. Many people begin to notice lines in the forehead in their 30s or 40s, and these often continue to become deeper and more obvious as the years pass. The most common concerns are vertical grooves between the eyebrows (which may create an angry or worried look) and horizontal lines across the forehead. What can you do to prevent or treat these lines?

Botox may help to prevent forehead lines

In general, wrinkles in the forehead are caused by the actions of certain facial muscles. As these muscles contract, lines in the skin can become etched more and more deeply. If the muscle activity is decreased, then there will tend to be a corresponding decrease in the appearance of wrinkles.

Botox is an injectable substance that acts to interrupt the communication between nerves and muscles. This is how it decreases the activity of the muscles in the area where it’s injected. Careful injection of Botox into certain areas of the forehead can decrease the activity of the muscles that are contributing to the patient’s wrinkles, while still leaving enough activity to allow for facial expressions and functional facial movements. Existing wrinkles will usually stop becoming deeper and may even be softened in appearance, while the formation of new wrinkles will be inhibited.

Once the medication binds to the muscle tissue, it will stay there for a while. In general, the effects of Botox will last for about four months after injection, although this varies slightly from person to person. To maintain the effects, the patient will need to return for repeat injections on a regular basis.

Because it’s very effective, Botox is one of the most popular anti-aging treatments currently available. Many of our patients feel that treatment with Botox is enough to make them feel comfortable with the appearance of their foreheads. However, some would like additional options to address their concerns.

Fillers can be used to decrease the appearance of wrinkles

If you have particular wrinkles or deeper grooves in your forehead that bother you, it may be possible to use dermal fillers to reduce their appearance. These are natural substances (usually based on hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in the skin and holds water in order to provide volume) that can be injected just under a wrinkle. By plumping up the tissue below the skin, the wrinkle can be “filled in” so that it’s much less visible. How long this effect lasts depends on the particular filler that’s used, but it may last up to about a year.

If you have a few particularly  bothersome wrinkles in your forehead, then a filler may be helpful. However, for a larger number of wrinkles, using filler on each one is usually not an ideal solution.

A forehead lift can greatly reduce wrinkles and sagging skin

For those who want a dramatic improvement in their appearance, a forehead lift may be the best option. This is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, to tighten the forehead and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This can address sagging eyebrows, which may result in a “hooded” appearance of the eyes. In addition, parts of certain facial muscles may be removed in order to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the future. The scar from a forehead lift will be well-hidden; it’s often placed just inside of the hairline, but can sometimes be placed farther back toward the top of the scalp.

For those patients who are concerned about the effects of aging, a forehead lift can provide a dramatic and lasting benefit. If you also have other concerns about your facial appearance, this procedure can be combined with others (such as eyelid surgery), in order to provide a complete facial rejuvenation.

Which solution to forehead wrinkles is right for you? – Botox Charlotte

To help you decide which of these options would be the right one for you, you’ll need to consult with a professional in the field, who can evaluate your current situation, discuss your goals for your appearance, and make recommendations. Dr. Miles, a double board certified plastic surgeon in the Charlotte area, has years of experience with all of these procedures, and will take the time to discuss your options with you and tell you why he’s making particular recommendations. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Erik Miles, please contact our office.