Indentation on forehead after botox - advice? (photos)

Question

I have been having Botox for about 6 years, in the last year or so I now have developed 2 long indentations down my forehead. It literally feels like my skull is coming apart. It’s very noticeable in the day light. I can run my finger along it from the top of my brow up to my hair line and it gets deeper and almost squidgy. I had a 7 months break from Botox which is where I noticed it even more, done some Botox but it’s now getting even more noticeable

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There can be some swelling and/or lumps which can last 1 to 2 weeks. You can apply firm pressure between two fingers on the lips for a few days, for 5 minutes at a time, in order to help decrease swelling and even out the lumps. See an expert for a better evaluation. This is not from botox this is the space your forehead has veins and this becomes more prominent with time and with thinning of the forehead muscles with botox. you need to strengthen collagen on your forehead with lasers and dermarolling (see link). fillers can be added but have risk. Best, Dr. Emer​​

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear charlie134, 
Thanks for sharing your photos. I do see the vertical demarcation you are concerned with. This is most unusual for an injectable muscle relaxer. I appears to be a long "U" or "V" shaped trough from the glabella to the hairline and maybe associated with over-injection, i.e., many Botox sessions or larger amounts of Botox just in this one area creating atrophy of the central frontalis fibers. 
Please obtain a second opinion consultation from a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or ENT to evaluate your concern. 
I hope this helps and I wish you well!

Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD · Answer

This indention is not likely caused by Botox, since Botox is relatively harmless and wears off after 3-4 months. Always consult with a board certified medical practitioner for safe and best results.

Indentation on forehead after botox - advice? (photos)

Answers (3)