What are these lines on my forehead? And how to get rid of them? (Tried Botox & didn't work) (Photos)

Question

I've already tried botox and it didn't work. The V shape lines are still visible. What are they? Are they veins OR are they my forehead muscles? How can i get rid of them?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

If Botox didn’t work and you’re still seeing V-shaped lines on your forehead, it’s possible that what you’re noticing may not be dynamic wrinkles (which Botox is designed to treat), but rather other anatomical structures or static features, such as:

Possibilities:
Forehead veins – These can become more prominent with age, sun damage, or thin skin. They usually appear bluish or purplish and don’t go away with Botox since they aren’t related to muscle movement.

Muscle or tendon definition – Some people have visible frontalis muscle bands, especially if they’re lean or have thin skin.

Static lines or creases – These are permanent lines that form over time and don’t smooth out with Botox because they’re etched into the skin, not caused by movement.

Skin thinning or volume loss – Makes underlying structures more prominent, especially in the forehead area.

Treatment Options If Botox Didn’t Help:
Depending on what exactly the lines are (a dermatologist can confirm), here are some alternatives:

Dermal fillers – If the issue is due to volume loss or deep static lines, fillers like hyaluronic acid (e.g., Juvederm, Restylane) may help plump and smooth the area.

Laser treatments – Fractional lasers (like Fraxel) can improve skin texture and reduce visible lines or superficial veins.

Microneedling with radiofrequency – Stimulates collagen production and can improve skin thickness and texture over time.

Sclerotherapy or laser vein treatment – If these are actually veins, a vascular laser or sclerotherapy might help reduce or remove them.

Topical retinoids – Improve skin thickness and reduce the appearance of static lines over time (though slow-acting).

Recommendation:
It’s best to see a board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon for an in-person evaluation or a virtual consultation with photos. They can determine exactly what the lines are (muscle, vein, or wrinkle) and suggest a targeted treatment plan.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. The lines on your forehead are likely dynamic wrinkles, which form as a result of repeated facial expressions, such as raising your eyebrows or frowning. As we age, the skin loses elasticity and collagen, making these lines more prominent. If Botox hasn’t provided the results you were hoping for, CO2 laser resurfacing might be a suitable alternative to address these concerns. CO2 laser resurfacing targets the deeper layers of the skin, removing damaged outer layers and stimulating collagen production. This treatment can help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead, providing a more youthful appearance. The laser energy promotes skin regeneration, leading to improved texture and tone over time. Many patients report significant improvements in their skin’s appearance after just one session. During the procedure, a specialized laser precisely removes the outer layer of skin while encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin beneath. While there may be some initial redness and swelling following the treatment, these symptoms typically subside within a few days. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Beauty Bar - Calhoun · Answer

Those lines are vessels (veins) that run down the center of your forehead. These vessels are more prominent on some patients. Botox will not help these.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The "lines" that form a V shape appear to be veins.  These would not be corrected with Botox.  For the horizontal lines and texture you could consider SkinPen.  This is a microneedling treatment which can address overall skin tone and texture.

Mauricio Castano, MD · Answer

Hi, first of all we should know that there are 2 types of "lines" or wrinkles: Static and Dynamic. The first one are the lines that are present even when you are not doing any facial expression or movement, this lines will not disappear with "botox" they might decrease, but will not erase. The dynamic lines are the ones that appear once you do facial movements/expressions, this are the lines that will decrease and might disappear at all with the use of "botox". 
Looking at your picture you have some horizontal lines (static wrinkles), and the "V" lines you refer, these ones to me looks like they are veins, this ones cant be treated with botox. 
Hope this helped you, have a good day.

What are these lines on my forehead? And how to get rid of them? (Tried Botox & didn't work) (Photos)

Answers (5)

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