Is ArteFill good for forehead wrinkles?

Question

Ryan Mitchell, DO, FAOCO · Answer

Hello, In general, dermal fillers are not very effective for treating horizontal forehead lines.  I believe you are referring to the wrinkles on the forehead that are horizontal or parallel to the ground.  These static (fixed or stationary) wrinkles, of various depths, do not typically respond well to fillers, especially as a single modality treatment.  The best initial treatment for forehead wrinkles is Botulinum Toxin such as Botox, Dysport or Xeomin.  The forehead wrinkles are created by the contraction of the underlying frontalis muscle.  The muscle fibers contract vertically (up and down) and this results in the creation of a perpendicular forehead wrinkle.  Over time the wrinkle becomes deeper and more noticeable.  By partially paralyzing the muscle with Botox, the wrinkles relax and become less visible.  If after Botox is used on the forehead and residual wrinkles remain, one can consider the use of a filler to further improve the appearance of the forehead lines.  Of the available dermal fillers currently FDA approved, Artefill, (now called Bellafill) in my opinion would be a poorer choice since this filler is injected deeper or beneath the skin.  If a dermal filler was used on the forehead to improve horizontal static wrinkles, I would choose a filler such as Restylane Silk or Belotero.  These hyaluronic acid fillers are made up of smaller particles and formulated for injection into more superficial (shallow) skin layers.  No filler is FDA approved for correction of forehead wrinkles so using any filler in this area would be considered off label use.  Restylane Silk has recently been FDA approved for the lips and the vertical (barcode) lines that form around the lips.  Belotero is FDA approved for use in the nasolabial folds as well as other moderate-to-severe etched-in lines and wrinkles around the lips and mouth.  These two fillers may be a better choice for off label use in persistent forehead wrinkles not completely corrected with Botox.  Keep your expectations reasonable.  there is no guarantee that the filler will erase the lines you are concerned about.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would say that, in general, Artefill is not good for forehead wrinkles.  If there is a deep furrow instead of a more superficial wrinkle, then it is possible that Artefill might help.  Botox normally works the best on forehead wrinkles but laser resurfacing or chemical peels can sometimes help with wrinkles as well.  Artefill generally works best to add volume to the lower part of the face.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

I wouldn't use artefill for forehead wrinkles because there is so much movement in this area that you are likely to get nodules. I inject foreheads with diluted Juvederm. Obviously Botox or Dysport is my first choice but if it can't be done because of brow ptosis then I go to filler.

Brian Windle, MD (retired) · Answer

Forehead wrinkles can be
injected with Artefill (recently rebranded as Bellafill).  It is not the best treatment since injecting
these wrinkles does not address the problem or the reason that you get these
wrinkles but when these wrinkles are filled they do improve.  I have had good success with treating very
deep wrinkles in the forehead on patients who do not want surgery with
Bellafill but it takes about 5 syringes to do two or three deep lines that go across
the entire forehead.

Many physicians who are
unfamiliar with Bellafill will discourage you but the safety profile of this
wrinkle filler is excellent and I have added a video for you that addresses
this issue.

I hope that helps.

Best regards.

Is ArteFill good for forehead wrinkles?

Answers (4)

Answer: Artefill (now Bellafill) for Forehead Wrinkles

Answer: Artefill (now Bellafill) for Forehead Wrinkles

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Is ArteFill good for forehead wrinkles?

Answers (4)

Answer: Artefill (now Bellafill) for Forehead Wrinkles

Answer: Artefill (now Bellafill) for Forehead Wrinkles

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about ArteFill

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