Does Restylane Work Like Botox on Forehead Lines and Wrinkles?

In the vast majority of patients with glabellar frown lines,
the treatment of choice is Botox.This
product works by decreasing the ability of the forehead muscles to
contract.When strategically placed it
can impact the glabellar muscles and minimize vertical glabellar frown lines.Unfortunately,
Botox may not totally alleviate these frown lines when they are of long
standing duration and deeply etched into the forehead.Under these circumstances, injectable fillers
may be effective for treating these problems.These fillers actually fill in the crease and make them disappear.In most
cases we utilize hyaluronic acid fillers.These include Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane to name a few.These products typically last about 6 to 9
months.In patients who want more
permanent solutions we utilize Radiesse.All of these products are associated with excellent clinical results and
high levels of patient satisfaction.If
Botox doesn’t adequately address vertical glabellar frown lines, injectable
fillers offer an excellent alternative.If you’re concerned about vertical frown lines consultation with a
specialist is appropriate.This
specialist should be able to determine which option is best for you.

The horizontal lines of the forehead and the vertical lines between the eyebrows are dynamic in origin, meaning they are caused by hyperactive muscles of expression. Because Botox and Dysport work to relax the muscles, they treat the cause of the wrinkles in a way that dermal fillers such as Restylane can't.
However, in some cases the wrinkles are etched in from years of squinting or frowning, so fillers might be used in addition to Botox in those situations, but not typically as a first line choice.

Although it is not commonly used in the forehead and between the eyes, Restylane is an option in these areas. Restylane is not FDA approved for the forehead, but can be effective to fill larger wrinkles and folds that have not or will not revolve completely with Botox.
Botox is the standard for the upper face because muscle activity causes most of the lines around the eyes and forehead. With that said, we do use it sparingly in between the eyes for very deep vertical lines.

The lines that form on the forehead are a result of muscle activity over time. Minimization of activity of these muscles helps give the forehead a more relaxed, smoother appearance. Botox is a form of chemical neurotoxin that minimizes communication between the motor nerve and the muscle. The reason Allergan has been so successful is that Botox really works!
Restylane is a hyaluronic acid based filler that is injected to lift up facial lines. In my opinion it is more appropriate for lower facial and lip lines, volume enhancement of the lips, and nasolabial folds.

In order to choose the best therapeutic option(s) for wrinkles, it is helpful to understand the underlying reason(s) behind these lines of maturity. Forehead, crows feet lines are mostly due to excessive and involuntary contraction of facial muscles and thus is better treated with botulinum toxin such as Botox or Dysport. Whereas smile lines around the lips along nasolabial folds and the corners of the mouth are mostly due to loss of facial volume and immediate gratification can be provided by fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Evolence or Radiesse. On the other hand, most of the sagging of our cheeks, jowls is due to loss of bony support that we used to have in our youth along brows, upper cheeks and the mandibles. If you are not quite ready for face lifts, Sculptra can be a wonderful option to restore a more rejuvenated facial contours and the cosmetic benefit may last couple years.