Dermaroller for Frown Lines on Forehead?

Dermaroller is simply a brand name for several available, hand-held devices used around the world for a process known as microneedling or collagen induction therapy (CIT).

The device itself is quite simple and the concept equally so. A small roller, much like a mini dough roller, is equipped with a series of 90 or more spokes or needles whose lengths may vary from 1.0-2.0mm depending up the intended use. The roller is passed repeatedly in varying directions over the wrinkles or scars to be treated creating numerous, microscopic, tunnel-like channels within the skin of the treated areas, much like a mechanical version of a Fraxel laser. The tiny wounds created in this way stimulate new collagen synthesis leading to the desired improvements. In general, a series of about four treatments at four to six week intervals is necessary to accomplish this. Downtime is typically minimal, some redness and occasionally pinpoint bruises, but these usually fade quickly and are easily coverable with makeup by the next morning.

I have been using microneedling for the past five years and have obtained gratifying results for treating fine wrinkles and scars, especially those around the mouth, on the neck and the crepeyness of the cheeks and on the sides of the eyes. Microneedling should be reserved for static wrinkles, i.e. wrinkles at rest. Wrinkles and furrows caused by the movement of the muscles of facial expression, dynamic wrinkles, are best treated by Botox or Dysport injections.

Thank you for your question. The frown lines between the brows can be address two different ways:
1) Botox or Dysport can be used to soften the deepening of the frown lines when making a frown expression. The treatment may even soften the lines that are present at rest. The effects typically last 3-4 months depending on the dose.
2) Restylane or Juvederm can be used to soften the frown lines that are present even when you don't make an expression. This can last for a year or more when used in conjuction with Botox.
For someone who has concerns with both the static lines (without expression) and the dynamic lines (with expression), then using both products would work well together.
I often find that patients who return after a Botox or Dysport treatment in the frown areas complaining it didn't work, is due to the confusion between the static and dynamic frown lines. They continue to see the static lines even though the dynamic lines have softened considerably.Dermaroller will help to maintain a smooth skin surface, but will not address your ability to frown.

Hi Ben,
The horizontal lines of the forehead are caused by the movement of your frontalis muscle, which despite your best efforts at rolling, will continue to create the lines. Save the roller for your middle aged aunts lip lines.
Forehead lines are best treated with Dysport or Botox. Once the muscles relax, so will your lines. At 20 years old, relax and enjoy your youth. If it really bothers you, go get some Botox or Dysport.
Good day and be well.
Dr. P

If you have transverse forehead lines at 20 you need to check if you have an underlying eyelid ptosis ( droopy or weak eyelid). If the frown lines are vertical then you will need either Botox or Dysport first. Dermaroller is less effective in the situations you have mentioned.

I agree with the posts by Drs. Persky and Chen. A muscle relaxer like Botox or Dysport is the answer for the transverse forehead line. They are caused by over activity of the Frontalis muscle and will relax with a proper application of either one of these agents. You must be careful though that your Botox injector (preferably a MD) knows what they are doing so you do not end up another Bad Botox statistics like some other of your Hollywood colleagues.
To learn everything you need to know about BOTOX, follow the comprehensive link below -
Dr. P. Aldea

I think you would be very disappointed if you proceeded with the dermaroller procedure for forehead or glabellar frown lines which are primarily the result of overactivity of the underlying muscles. These lines can be addressed with Botox or Dysport. The dermaroller might improve certain forms of acne scarring, fine lines and perhaps achieve a modest degree of skin tightening by promoting neocollagenesis. Before getting on the dermaroller "band-wagon," I would need to see some well-designed, controlled studies proving the device's effectiveness.
Good luck.

First, I thought you truly deserved the Oscar in Traffic, but come now you are well beyond 20! Who are you trying to kid?
To answer your question, Dermaroller is intended for finer lines, scarring and perhaps as an anti-aging mechanism. We await well designed studies to see whether this relatively new modality lives up to its claims.
I agree with the others who have commented on your question. Why use something with questionable benefit to address your concern when there is the perfect solution in Botox or Dysport?
Personally, I am finding Dysport to be a terrific product for forehead lines as it diffuses more readily than Botox. Plus, this diffusion often extends to some of the lower forehead lines I have been reluctant to touch for fear of a brow drop.