Will Botox help wrinkles caused by Accutane on forehead? (photos)

Dear j.w.doyle, thank you for your very interesting question.
Botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, Nabota, etc.) works mainly on dynamic wrinkles, meaning those that are formed during facial expressions such as rainsing your eyebrows, smiling, or closing your eyes.
Fine wrinkles and open pores are related to ageing and loss of collagen/elastin, and their management requires a multimodal approach that may include retinol, and skin resurfacing procedures like microneedling or peelings.

Thank you for your question and photo. If the forehead wrinkles are present without muscle movement, Botox is unlikely to diminish their appearance. Though you’re already doing microneedling treatments at home, you may benefit from RF microneedling to reduce the appearance of these wrinkles. This treatment uses radiofrequency technology with the microneedling to stimulate the body’s collagen production and improve the skin’s elasticity while reducing lines and wrinkles.

I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon or expert injector. They will be able to discuss your concern with you and determine the best treatment option.

Neurotoxins will help these wrinkles soften over time, but there are unlikely to ever completely disappear. This is caused more by a drooping brow than the Accutane use, which is more common in men and can appear at a younger age than women. The furrows in the skin may never completely go away, but regular neurotoxin use can diminish their prominence.

Neuromodulators (such as Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau) and soft tissue fillers like Belotero can improve the appearance of the forehead by reducing lines, wrinkles and folds. Deeper lines and wrinkles need a combination approach with Botox, fillers, lasers, and microneedling/PRP. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer

Unfortunately, I am hardly surprised at the lack of success with the microneedling and the topicals used, since they really don't address the two major factors contributing to the development of these lines. The two primary components that contribute to the formation of deeply etched-in horizontal forehead "worry lines." The underlying muscles of expression are responsible for the wrinkles, which after time leave their marks as "etched-in" creases within the overlying "fabric" of the skin. So, in order to really deal with this problem, both issues should ideally be addressed. First, an appropriate cohesive, low viscosity filler an be injected to elevate and smooth the existing lines and then Botox can be used to quiet the activity of the underlying muscles that are the major contributors to their formation. You would do well to consult an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

Hi @j.w.doyle! Botox is great at reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles. I recommend going to a licensed practitioner for a microneedling treatment since the at home microneedling devices cannot penetrate as deep as a medical grade microneedling device. Great job incorporating Vitamin C, HA, and Retinol in your skin routine!

Thanks for the question. There are "static wrinkles" and "dynamic wrinkles"-- wrinkles that are present without any movement of the facial muscles and wrinkles that are only present when you're actively moving those muscles. If these wrinkles are there without movement, botox will help prevent them for worsening, but will not get rid of what is already there. In addition to skin care you are performing you should see your doctor to consider lasers and peels that may also help. Take care.

Thank you for your question and the photo. Looking at your photo, you seem to have deep wrinkles which are present without any facial expression which is called static lines. Botox helps with dynamic wrinkles which appear when using your facial muscles but wouldn’t get rid of static wrinkles although could prevent it from deepening further. You may need Botox followed by RF microneedling/fractional laser/resurfacing laser. I would recommend you to see a dermatologist/aesthetic doctor as these treatment would depend on other factors such as any contraindications, comorbidities, downtime etc.

Botox paralyses the facial muscles. It is best for lines that are the result of muscle movement dynamic wrinkles. So it can be helpful for the forehead if the wrinkles are due to muscle activity. Wrinkles that form through normal aging and not from muscle activity are called static wrinkles and usually will not be improved by paralysing muscles with Botox. Remember that Botox treatment wears off after 2-3 months so has to be repeated regularly to keep any effect and it is expensive.I advise you to consult a suitably qualified and experienced plastic surgeon for their advice.

You may see softening of the forehead wrinkles with Botox. You can combine this with Morpheus8 treatments for added results. We also recommend using medical grade skin care products like Transform MD and wearing sunscreen every day.