Is It possible to smooth the entire forehead with Botox, but keep natural movement of the brows?

Question

I get Botox and have noticed that my mid-forehead gets very smooth while I have three deep-ish wrinkles above each brow. Is this normal if I want to keep movement of my brows?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Technique is very important with Botox. The lines that appear above the brows can be tricky for some injectors. Too much Botox can drop the brows and make them feel heavy. A small and conservative amount could fade the lines, but compromise the most natural movement that you desire. Due to lack of photos, this question is best expressed in-person with an experienced injector versus an online platforms.  I strongly recommend that you seek a consultation with an injector who is knowledgeable with facial anatomy and experienced in Botox injections around the brows. Best, Dr. Anil Shah

Muhammad Mirza, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is possible to maintain natural movement, however, precision is necessary when injecting Botox in the forehead. Be sure to schedule a consultation with an experienced physician for optimal natural looking results. Hope this helps. All the best!

Monica Boen, MD · Answer

It may seem that Botox is a common and relatively straightforward procedure, but it actually requires a tremendous amount of precision and an intimate knowledge of facial anatomy to achieve an optimal outcome. That said, it may not be possible to get the delicate balance you are looking for, even with an expert injector. Make sure the doctor you work with is both board certified and has expertise in Botox treatments. State your goals as clearly as possible and see if your provider thinks those results are possible.

Mark Hamilton, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you can not have a raised brow and smooth forehead if you do have lines just above the brow.   Injecting right above the brow in most cases will cause the eyebrow to droop.  It is recommended that all injections are at least 1 centimeter above the brow to prevent drooping.  In some cases, adding  Botox to the tail of the brow can  help minimize these lines.  Seeing an experienced injector or facial plastic surgeon for your Botox treatment would be ideal.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The challenge is baby Botox where a very experienced injector uses their clinical judgement to perform a balanced forehead treatment that reduces but preserves forehead movement. There is no established formula for every individual. That makes these services highly unpredictable. I have patented a method called the Microdroplet Lift® that only treats the eyebrows and crows feet and leaves the forehead alone. The forehead lines reduce and in some cases disappear all together. I am providing you a link below to a webpage that shows a comparison between the Microdroplet Lift® and a pan forehead baby botox treatment.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear srmullen9,
Most of patients see the first changes after 4-7 days and the final results after 10-14 days. It depends on the amount of Botox and area where it is injected, but it usually last for 3-4 months. Botox is generally an on off switch for muscle activity. I get a fair amount of actors/actresses in my practice that are looking to reduce wrinkles but keep some expression. Finding an experienced physician injector is your best bet.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery - Grand Rapids · Answer

Hello there,
       If you want to maintain brown movement, then wrinkling above the brown is almost inevitable. To remove this wrinkling, muscle movement has to be reduced/removed. This area is very challenging for even the most experienced injector, since every patient is so different. We have to stay high enough to avoid dropping the lid or brow, but low enough to soften what lines we can, based on the patients' goal. Hope this helps.
Sarah RN BSN

Selena Lantry, MD · Answer

It is possible to have a smooth forehead and still maintain the movement of your eyebrows.  This requires very specific placement of the Botox to achieve this result.  Given that your 3 wrinkles are above your brow, I would discuss your concerns and desired outcome with your provider.

Morgan Rabach, MD · Answer

You will absolutely still be able to move your eyebrows after a treatment of Botox. 
The key is where the medication is placed and the amount of units used. It is always best to start off with the treatment slow and then add more units IF needed. 
Less is more with this treatment.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Botox works by decreasing the movement of the muscles where it's injected.  This is what provides the smoothing effect of the forehead.  However if Botox is injected too close to the brow it can drop the brow.  I recommend speaking with your injector about your goals for treatment to see if adjustments can be made to further smooth the areas that concern you.