Forehead or glabella only for Botox?

Botox was originally studied as a treatment for eye muscle spasms, but many noticed the reduction of their crow's feet wrinkles during trails. Eventually, the FDA approved the use of this neurotoxin in that area. Generally, Botox can be injected in the forehead and around the eyes by an experienced physician injector. 

I agree that Botox us incredible in the glabella, but it is also a very useful product in the forehead.  The forehead is a more difficult area to inject as there are some potential complications if you inject too close to the brow.  The closer you get, the higher the risk of dropping the brow.  Remember that forehead muscles form the horizontal wrinkles (the part you want eliminated) but also support and lift the brow (the part you want to still work).  So, every brow is different, so striking that balance takes an appropriate understanding of the anatomy and experience.  

Botox can be injected in both the glabella (frown) and forehead areas.  In addition, it can be injected around the eyes (crow's feet) as well.  All 3 areas are currently FDA approved.  Botox can also be used  (off label) to treat the sides of the nose, enlarge the eyes, decrease the wrinkles around the mouth, lift the eyebrow, lift the corners of the mouth, etc.  In other words, Botox can do many things and you would want to be treated by an experienced cosmetic surgeon who knows how to do it all rather than someone who just does the frown.

All dermatologists have their own unique skill sets and procedures with which they feel most comfortable. If someone is new to Botox, they may want to limit themselves to injecting only the areas they’ve been trained in. They also might choose to use Botox solely on-label, which greatly curtails its utility. Botox is safe and effective when treating forehead lines, crows feet, neck lines and much more, if administered by an expert injector. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist who has demonstrable expertise and experience using Botox in the forehead and other areas of the face.

Botox injected into the glabella (between the eyebrows) is very common and works well here. Many patients need it on the forehead creases as well so they get it there too. 

Great question. Botox is used for many, many ailments and facial wrinkles is only one category. When talking about botox, there is a category called "Botox Cosmetic". There are other categories of FDA approval such as :Prevention of headaches in adults with chronic migraine Treatment of  muscle stiffness in the extremitiesTreatment of  cervical dystoniaTreatment of strabismus or blepharospasmTreatment of severe underarm sweating Botox cosmetic was originally approved for only the glabella (between the eyebrows) but many physicians were using it "off label" to treat other areas of the face. The FDA has since approved the use of botox cosmetic for forehead, glabella and crows feet. Nevertheless, many other areas may be treated, albeit off-label. Your physician should inform you of the risks and benefits of "off label" use. If you understand and agree there is no problem with off label use. Hope this helpsBRK

It is likely those surgeons just have not explored the benefits of botox quite yet. We really can use it all over the body. From reducing sweat gland over activation, to reducing wrinkles (eyes, forehead, cheeks, lips), to minimizing muscle volume (lateral cheeks Masseter muscles).
Hope this helps,
DrC

Botox can be used to improve wrinkles around the eye. Deeper wrinkles need a combination approach with Botox and lasers, microneedling/prp and fillers. Botox in combination with rf treatments can also be used to slim and shape the jawline. The results can take take up to 1-2 weeks and last up to 3-4 months in new areas of treatment.I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

When it comes to Botox treatment, it is important to do a full and individualized facial analysis to determine where the product is needed. Some patients only require it in the glabella or forehead, but if it is required in both then it is important to treat both of these areas.

Botox can be injected into the glabella to soften frown lines (11's) or into the forehead to soften horizontal wrinkles of the forehead.  It is important see an expert when considering Botox to the forehead.  If your eyelids are heavy, adding Botox to the forehead, will weaken the muscle and prevent you from lifting your eyebrows.  This will give the sensation of the eyes feeling heavy.  If you are quite young, and have little to no eyelid heaviness, then the Botox in the forehead is unlikely to affect your eyelids.  This may be the reason that some doctors have told you that they will not inject Botox into the forehead.  Best to be seen by a facial plastic surgeon who can evaluate you individually.