Will this dent/soft spot/atrophy eventually go away after Botox? (Photos)

Question

got some Botox in the 11 lines that didn't really take, so did a touch up a few weeks later and put a small amount in the forehead. Three days after touch up I woke up with a large triangular dent in my forehead. Waited 3 months for it to subside, went to a highly recommended injector who put a small amount of Botox throughout my forehead. Smoothed things out for the most part but I still have a thumbprint sized dent in my forehead that really bothers me. Will it go away?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, once Botox results resolve, this should resolve. Botox results resolve in 3-4 months. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  If the botox led to some muscle atrophy it should improve once the Botox has fully worn off and your animation returns.  It would be best to then reevaluate your injection pattern to help avoid similar issues.

Hung William Song, MD · Answer

Without evaluating the muscle movement, it is difficult to say for sure, but from your pictures and the history, it looks like the "dent" is actually due to incomplete treatment of your corrugator supercilii muscles.  The #11 lines (gabellar frown lines) are formed by a complex set of muscles. If the central Proceus muscle is completely immobilized and the corrugators are not treated, the corrugators will compensate and work harder causing the muscle to actually enlarge. If you look closely at the photograph you will notice that the dent is actually an illusion caused by enlargement of the muscle just above the inner part of both crows. Instead of treating the forehead, I would suggest having the #11 lines treated again. This should resolve the problem.

B. Edward O`Dell, MD · Answer

THanks for your questions and the photo.  It may be that the extra injections have so completely relaxed the muscles that a depression in your skull is now noticable.  I have seen this happen where bony knots or depressions that are hidden with fully functioning muscles are not noted but do get noted after the muscles relax.  I would let the Botox wear off completely and rethink the positioning of your injections next time as well as the amount.  This should correct itself as the Botox wears off.  Hope this helps.
Dr. ODell

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

This is  very unusual response and is most likely due to relaxation of areas around a dent that was there but covered by the muscle fibers.  rest assured all effects of Botox are temporary and will go away in 3-4 months without residua

Will this dent/soft spot/atrophy eventually go away after Botox? (Photos)

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Will this dent/soft spot/atrophy eventually go away after Botox? (Photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Dent after Botox

Answer: Dent after Botox

Answer: Botox dent in forehead

Answer: Botox dent in forehead

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

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