I'm barely 20 and I am already dealing with permanent frown lines, what should I do?

Question

I have frown lines that are always visible and have been for a few months. 1 month ago I started using retin-a since I also suffer from acne and hoped it would help the lines too. Well the lines seem to be getting worse. I am seriously considering botox and a filler to plump up the lines. Is there anything else I could do to lessen the appearance of the lines? Would a doctor even give botox to someone so young?

Scott K. Thompson, MD · Answer

Hi,It may seem unusual or premature to be developing frown lines already, but each of us has certain expressions that we tend to make repeatedly.  Over time, this can result in skin lines sooner than we might expect even though there may not be any lines elsewhere.  Botox is the perfect solution for this problem because it weakens the affected muscles enough to soften and eventually erase those lines and PREVENT them from becoming deeper or even developing at all.  If you commit and plan for 2 or 3 treatments per year, it will be well worth your investment as those lines will be much less likely to develop.  My experience with someone as young as yourself is that you will most likely not need filler to correct the lines.  Consult with a facial expert before receiving your treatment and you won't go wrong.  Good luck!

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Botox Cosmetic stops dynamic movement of muscles to relax frown lines.  If the lines are still evident after the muscle movement has been stopped, fillers can be used to replace lost volume.  Continue with Retin A and use sun protection.

Marilyn Pelias, MD · Answer

Hi.  Botox will be able to stop your frown muscles from working.  At age 20, the wrinkle is not permanant.  The wrinkle should soften quickly (1-2 weeks) and with maintenance, eventually smooth completely out (1-6 months).  I reserve fillers on the forehead for long standing wrinkles with real fat loss underneath....this does not typically occur until the 40s and 50s.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You seem to nail it down in terms of options. If you do have a deep furrow, botox may help you and filler can be used to soften it if that is not successful.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

20 is not too early to start Botox.  It's easier to treat frown lines now then if they have been there for 10-20 years.  Dosing would be about 20-30 units for the glabella area and would last 3-4 months.  Dysport can also be used and it's dosing is about 50-60 units.  Steve Weiner, MD, Facial Plastic Surgeon

I'm barely 20 and I am already dealing with permanent frown lines, what should I do?

Answers (6)

Answer: Deep lines

Answer: Deep lines

Answer: Frown lines in a 20 years....start Botox before they get too bad

Answer: Frown lines in a 20 years....start Botox before they get too bad

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I'm barely 20 and I am already dealing with permanent frown lines, what should I do?

Answers (6)

Answer: Deep lines

Answer: Deep lines

Answer: Frown lines in a 20 years....start Botox before they get too bad

Answer: Frown lines in a 20 years....start Botox before they get too bad

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Retin-A

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