37 & frontalis muscles of the forehead is causing a vertical line, best options? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I’m 37 and I’m noticing more and more that I have a line appearing on my forehead. It’s very noticeable to me in certain lights. Can anyone explain the cause and the best options going forward? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The principles for this are actually quite simple. Excessive and/or frequent movement of the muscles of facial expression (in this case the muscles n the glabella region) causes dynamic wrinkles, I.e. wrinkling of the skin with scowling, frowning and squinting. After years of daily frowning, etc., the overlying  "fabric" of the skin becomes permanently creased, much like the permanent creases that occur after a piece of smooth paper is tightly folded. 
The principles of treatment are equally simple. Botox is used to reduce the underlying muscular movement and an appropriate low viscosity, malleable, cohesive HA filler is used to elevate and smooth the skin crease. And voila, problem addressed. You would be wise to consult an experienced,  board certified cosmetic dermatologist injector expert. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

The vertical line you’re noticing on your forehead is likely due to the activity of the frontalis muscle, which is responsible for raising the eyebrows. Over time, repeated muscle movements can lead to the formation of lines and wrinkles, especially as skin loses elasticity with age.

Causes:
Muscle Movement: The frontalis muscle contracts when you raise your eyebrows, which can create horizontal lines across the forehead. However, if you are referring to a vertical line, it might be related to other facial expressions or muscle interactions.
Aging and Skin Elasticity: As we age, our skin produces less collagen and elastin, making it more prone to lines and wrinkles
.
Best Options Going Forward:
Botox or Dysport: These neuromodulators can temporarily relax the frontalis muscle, reducing the appearance of lines by preventing the muscle from contracting as strongly.
Dermal Fillers: If the line is more static (present even when the muscle is not moving), dermal fillers can help by adding volume and smoothing the skin.
Skincare Products: Incorporating retinoids or peptides into your skincare routine can improve skin texture and promote collagen production over time.
Laser Treatments: Resurfacing lasers can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of lines by stimulating collagen production.

In summary:
Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon can help you determine the best treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. They can assess the line and recommend a combination of treatments to achieve the best results.

37 & frontalis muscles of the forehead is causing a vertical line, best options? (Photo)

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37 & frontalis muscles of the forehead is causing a vertical line, best options? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

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