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

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.

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.

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!