Can Botox work on frown lines in isolation?

Question

I’m 36, and had Botox last year. I didn’t really have any lines. I received Botox to my forehead and frown lines and ended up entirely paralysed, which was a horrible experience. I got some movement back by having Botox placed under the brow, but the injector said I have weak forehead muscles which lead to the paralysis. The Botox has now worn off. Is it Possible to receive Botox to frown lines while not affecting the rest of the forehead? How can I avoid being frozen?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Botox was originally used exclusively for treating frown lines back in the very late '80s. It was in fact the FIRST aesthetic use of Botox. So, the answer to your question is a resounding, Yes, of course it can." As to the muscles of your forehead being frozen, this is certainly undesirable and freezing of muscles has been considered poor practice for at least the past 15 or more years. The object is not to freeze muscles to the point of creating a Kabuki dancer's face, but simple to calm the overactive muscles of facial expression whose repetitive movements are leading to the creasing of the overlying skin. Even a five year-old child is able to emote, so freezing of the muscles is simply unnatural and undesirable. You would be wise to make sure that you are consulting a board certified aesthetic physician with experience and expertise. Best of luck.

Rita Rakus, MBBS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. We always recommend a face-to-face consultation for advice however from what you have provided here yes botox can be injected just to the frown which will not drop the brows or make you feel heavy- if you still want the horizontal forehead lines treated this can be with a veyry small dose of botox in the forehead.
I hope that helps, please always a seek a qualified and experienced practitioner for any cosmetic treatment, best wishes

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  Yes you can treat just the frown lines and not the forehead lines if you prefer.  Hope this helps.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

The muscles that make the frown lines and the muscle that raises the eyebrows are different muscles.  So, it is possible to use Botox to just treat the muscles that causes the frown lines and not treat the forehead.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox can be injected to treat your glabella without affecting your forehead.  Make sure that you see an expert injector for treatment.  Your injector will take specific notes during treatment as to where and how many units were injected into a given site.  This helps to duplicate the look in a future treatment, or if necessary to tweak it.

Can Botox work on frown lines in isolation?

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Answer: Botox only for frown lines

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Can Botox work on frown lines in isolation?

Answers (10)

Answer: Botox only for frown lines

Answer: Botox only for frown lines

Answer: Botox

Answer: Botox

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

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