Will Botox work on lines that are already formed?

In some cases, yes. This is actually a great question that comes up every day in my practice. Those imprinted lines develop over many years of repetitive muscle contraction. Botox works by reducing muscle contraction. Consistent use of Botox over 6-12 months will often lead to improvement of those lines that are folded into the skin. In some cases, a small amount of filler will also be required to lift and plump those imprinted lines. However, in most cases, it is worth trying Botox first prior to considering fillers. Seek an experienced physician injector for further discussion.

When lines (creases) are present at rest, there already has been some thinning of the skin in those areas. Botox (and Dysport and Xeomin) will relax the muscle deep to the lines but will not restore skin cells or reverse lines. However the overall appearance of the skin typically looks smoother. 

Botox only works on wrinkles that appear when making a facial expression (dynamic wrinkles). I suggest getting an assessment from an experienced and reputable medical injector to see whether fillers or Botox would be most suitable. However, it sounds like fillers would be better to address your concerns.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is effective both for preventing the deepening of wrinkles as well as the treatment of established wrinkles. It works by controlling the wrinkling of skin produced by repetitive muscle contractions that, over time, will result in lines even at rest. The degree and rapidity of improvement depends on the depth of the established lines. When the lines are relatively shallow, improvement can be evident within a matter of days. For deeper lines, however, it may take months to achieve the maximum amount of smoothing. The key is to maintain the relaxation of the muscle with a consistent treatment regimen so that the lines don't begin to reestablish themselves.

Botox works beautifully well on wrinkles created by the movement of our facial muscles during facial expressions.  The skin above these muscles wrinkle during movement, and with continuous wrinkling they eventually become "etched" into the skin.  Even when these lines have created creases that are present at rest, relaxing the underlying muscle will help these lines to soften and prevent them from deepening.  Occasionally superficial injections of a filler will be needed to achieve full correction.    

Thank you for your question. The fine lines on your forehead is caused by strong muscle action (glabellar muscles) underneath. When the muscle is relaxed using neuromodulators like Botox, the fine lines will get softer.  As you continue the treatment and have a regular regimen, these lines will continue to go away and will help prevent them from getting worse. 

Botox can help to reduce or eliminate the appearance of preexisting lines with repeated treatments in many patients.  You should visit with an experienced and appropriately credentialed injector, who can help to more answer your question more precisely.  If you go forward with the botox application and there are still deep lines, you may also consider using a filling agent to further help with your concern.  Best regards.

In short, Botox will help improve and soften the forehead lines that are present at rest, though it may not completely take them away. More importantly, by relaxing the forehead muscles, it will prevent your forehead lines from getting any deeper. If your forehead lines are very deep then sometimes a superficial filler can be used after Botox to give further improvement. Of course, an in-person consultation is needed for accurate assessment of your wrinkles and determination of the most appropriate treatment for you. Best of luck.

Botox will assist in softening preexisting lines and won't allow those muscles to contract contributing to deeper lines. A photo would help to make an accurate assessment. Schedule an appointment for a consultation with an expert injector to determine treatment. All the Best. 

Hi C,You are the perfect patient for Botox for your forehead wrinkles.  The wrinkles form because of continued muscle movement.  By limiting the movement of these muscles with Botox, the lines eventually disappear over time.  Choose your injecting physician most carefully.  Good luck and be well.Dr. P