Why Did I Get an Indentation on Forehead After Botox?

Question

A few weeks after receiving botox injections in my forhead, I noticed an indent starting from my left eyebrow up towards the hairline. My doctor said that botox did not cause it. I am a little worried. Is anyone farmiliar with this? Will it go back to normal when the botox wears off? Thanks.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

You may be noticing an indentation since your brow is weak and immobile from the Botox. When your forehead is smooth, contour irregularities may be more noticeable. Botox injections do not lead to indentations.

	If the area is bothersome, and you're not satisfied by the explanation of your doctor, then certainly get a second opinion from a board-certified, experienced Botox injector.

	I hope this is helpful for you.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

This is highly unlikely to be permanent and will likely resolve when the botulinum toxin effect dissapates between 3-5 months.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Unfortunately your description does not provide enough information to offer an intelligent guess regarding what is going on. The most common type of issue is a change in how the forehead muscles contract following an unbalanced BOTOX treatment causing new wrinkling in the forehead due to muscle recruitment.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Was there a vein that has disappeared after Botox, whether coincidentally, or related to trauma, which can happen with any injection and any injector? Is this a sleep crease from lying on the pillow on your side and seeing a diagonal line? See your doctor to see what they think. It probably is temporary.

Kristin Egan, MD · Answer

The dent in your forehead is not likely to be due to the Botox itself but rather due to the effect of Botox on the underlying muscles. Botox paralyzes the muscle, smoothing it out which may uncover underlying irregularities of the bone of the forehead. It should lessen as the Botox wears off.

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS · Answer

It may be that there was once an indentation or contour that wasn’t noticed until now because the surrounding muscles have been relaxed from the BOTOX. If that is the case, the indentation will go back to normal after the BOTOX wears off.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Never have heard, seen or believe Botox could have caused what your are describing. Please post photos from differing views. This could help us discuss.

	Regards from MIAMI DR. B

Bruce E. Genter, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I cannot think of any mechanism for a Botox injection to create an indentation in your forehead. Perhaps there is a change in the muscle contraction that is making this irregularity. A photo would be very useful.

Why Did I Get an Indentation on Forehead After Botox?

Answers (8)