Botox only in Lateral Frontalis muscle?

Question

Hi, I have very arched eyebrows that make me look naturally angry. I want a straight set masculine eyebrow look naturally. Previously I have done Botox in the full frontalis (medial and lateral). It has worn off now and I wonder if I only do a bit of Botox in the lateral portion of the frontalis muscle will it relax my arch? And in turn make the eyebrows straighter

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the use of Botox to achieve a more masculine eyebrow appearance. Adjusting the position of the eyebrows with Botox is a common request, and focusing on specific areas can indeed help achieve your desired look. Here’s some information that might help:

Targeting the Lateral Frontalis:
Injecting Botox into the lateral portion of the frontalis muscle can help relax the muscle in that area, which may reduce the arch of the eyebrows and create a straighter, more masculine appearance.

Considerations:
It’s important to approach this carefully, as the frontalis muscle is responsible for lifting the eyebrows. Over-relaxation could lead to a heavy brow or an undesired droop. A skilled injector will be able to balance the treatment to avoid these outcomes.

Customized Treatment:
The amount and placement of Botox should be tailored to your specific anatomy and aesthetic goals. A consultation with an experienced practitioner is crucial to determine the best approach for you.

Gradual Adjustments:
Sometimes, achieving the perfect brow shape may require gradual adjustments over a couple of sessions. This allows for fine-tuning and ensures a natural result.

I recommend discussing your goals in detail with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has experience in cosmetic injectables. They can assess your facial structure and provide personalized advice to help you achieve the results you’re looking for.

Ella Fedonenko, MD · Answer

I would inject 20 units of Botox into orbcularis oculi and corrugator supercilii muscles to try to achieve straighter eyebrows.

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! Injecting Botox only into the lateral frontalis can indeed help reduce the height or peak of arched eyebrows, potentially creating a straighter, more masculine brow shape — but it must be done carefully.

The frontalis muscle lifts the eyebrows, and it runs vertically across the forehead, and the lateral fibers elevate the outer portion of the brows, contributing to a high arch. Injecting only the lateral frontalis weakens this outer lifting effect, which can lower the tail of the brow, reducing the arch and making the brow line appear straighter.

Things to consider: 
If the medial frontalis remains active, it continues to lift the inner part of the brow — that balance could flatten or even downward tilt the brow.

The risk is that over-injecting laterally without addressing the glabella (procerus/corrugators) or adjusting the medial frontalis could lead to brow ptosis (drooping) or an angry/sad look.

Best approach:
A conservative dose only laterally, if done precisely, can soften the arch.
In some cases, adding a small amount to the glabella complex (between the brows) helps relax the pull down on the inner brow, allowing for a more harmonious, flatter brow line.

To summarize, yes — Botox in the lateral frontalis only can help reduce the arched brow look and create a straighter, more masculine appearance, but technique is critical. Be sure to see a skilled injector who understands brow dynamics and facial aesthetics in men. They might also consider combining this with minimal glabellar treatment for best results.

I hope this helps! 
Genie Alexander, RN BSN 
for Anna Petropoulos, MD FRCS 
Center for Classic Beauty
Boston & Danvers, MA

Falguni Patel, MD, FACOG · Answer

Yes, this is possible. The placement in theory should help to achieve the results you desire. You would most likely still need to treat the full frontalis, but I would recommend increasing your dose in units to give you the best results.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

One or two microdroplets of Botox injected in the proper lateral portion of the forehead frontalis muscle is often used to lower the height of lateral, arched eyebrows, especially if they impart the "Spock" or "Mephisto" look. You would be wise to make sure to consult with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist Botox injector, since placement of the injections is critical to achieving the desired outcome. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Glenn Murray, MBBS · Answer

Hi there.

I would be mindful in treating just the lateral areas of the frontalis as you may find you develop a subsequent bulge of the medial aspect of the muscle. 
I would suggest still placing a small amount of Botox in the medial part of the frontalis too.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes Botox can be injected into only a portion of the muscle so that only a portion is affected.  Be sure to visit with an experienced injector and explain what you are hoping to accomplish with your treatment.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Your assumptions are correct. After a careful observation of the muscles of the forehead, the doctor can inject the portion of the frontalis muscle in order to bring a portion of the eyebrow down. I hope this helps and good luck from Leonard Grossman MD organic Plastic Surgery

Botox only in Lateral Frontalis muscle?

Answers (8)

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