What are these ridges on forehead? Is there anyway to treat these?

Question

The ridges first started forming a couple years ago and have gotten more noticeable with time. They’re more prominent when I’m smiling but they seem to come and go. If it’s a muscle issue, is there a way to treat it without Botox?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

​For glabellar lines (or frown lines / ""11"" lines), we inject Botox, Xeomin, or Dysport into the muscle, causing the muscle to weaken and improving the appearance of the lines. These work by binding to receptors that send nerve signals for muscles to contract. Since your body makes new receptors and neurotransmitters all the time, it needs to be maintained otherwise the wrinkles will slowly return as the muscle regains function over time. Neurotoxins take 2 to 4 weeks to start working and lasts for up to 6 months.

For deeper glabella lines or strong 11s, I use a combination of Botox with fillers, lasers and microneedling with PRP. I suggest getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and expert in lasers and fillers. Best, Dr. Emer

Rita Rakus, MBBS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. It is always best to see you face to face for a consult and examination however in this case botox could be an option if they are due to muscle contraction. If they are present at rest and due to the shape of the bone underneath filler can be used here to help shape and smooth.  I hope that helps answer your question. Always seek an experienced and qualified medical professional for these treatments. Very best wishes

Ratnaja Katneni, MD · Answer

Dear ahveeahnah, In the second picture, those ridges have a bluish tinge look like veins, blood vessels can be prominent in some people. Forehead skin and muscle called frontalis is very thin and blood vessels can be seen prominently with thin skin. Another factor that may be adding to these ridges is the way your muscle anatomy is with forehead muscles. There are several blood vessels in the area and when you smile there will be contraction of muscles that makes these veins prominent. If these are veins, then Botox is not the solution. Botox helps relax muscles of your forehead and can be started to prevent wrinkles in the forehead. I hope this helps.

What are these ridges on forehead? Is there anyway to treat these?

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What are these ridges on forehead? Is there anyway to treat these?

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