How to get rid of this stubborn line that appeared after Botox? (Photo)

Question

I get Botox regularly (about every 4 months) and recently this line appeared in between my forehead that won’t go away after treatment. Do I just need more Botox or how can I get rid of it? Injector won’t put filler in that area

Ella Fedonenko, MD · Answer

It’s not recommended to use a filler in this area. I recommend trying additional 5 units of Botox in this area to try to smooth this line.

Behnoush Zarrini, MD · Answer

What you’re noticing is a static line &mdash; a crease that remains visible even after Botox has relaxed the underlying muscle. Botox works by stopping muscle contraction, so it prevents future lines from deepening, but it can’t erase an etched-in crease once the skin has folded that way over time.
Options to address it:
More Botox isn’t the solution if the muscle is already fully relaxed.
Skin resurfacing treatments like microneedling, RF microneedling (Morpheus8), or laser resurfacing can stimulate collagen and soften etched-in lines.
Chemical peels or regular medical-grade skincare (retinoids, peptides) can also improve skin quality.
Filler in the glabella (between the brows) can sometimes help, but it’s a high-risk zone (due to blood vessel anatomy), which is why many injectors avoid it.
Key takeaway:Botox prevents expression lines but does not erase static creases once they’re present. Collagen-stimulating treatments are typically the best way to smooth this stubborn line. An experienced injector or skin specialist can guide you toward the safest and most effective option.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin - Winnetka & Chicago. This is a great question. A persistent line near the glabellar area that remains even after regular Botox treatments may be what's known as a "static line"—a wrinkle that has become etched into the skin over time due to repeated muscle movement. Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles to prevent dynamic wrinkles (those that form with facial expressions), but once a line becomes static, it may not fully disappear with Botox alone. Since your injector is cautious about using filler in that area—which is understandable due to the risk of vascular complications—other options may be worth considering. These include skin resurfacing treatments like microneedling, laser therapy (such as fractional CO2 or erbium lasers), or even radiofrequency-based treatments, all of which help stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. Topical retinoids and consistent sun protection can also aid in skin repair over time. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Nick Slenkovich, MD · Answer

Hello! I’m Lauren, the aesthetic injector here at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center. Yes, you may need a dose increase of Botox to fully address that line. Another factor to consider is that forehead lines can sometimes result from side sleeping, so it may help to be mindful of your sleeping position as well.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

What you're experiencing is a common concern, especially in patients who have been getting Botox regularly. This stubborn line likely represents a static line, meaning it's now visible even when your facial muscles are at rest. Botox is effective for dynamic wrinkles (those that form with movement), but static lines can remain even after muscle activity is relaxed.

Here's what may help:
Time + Consistency with Botox
Sometimes consistent Botox over time softens static lines gradually. Ensure you're not waiting too long between treatments and that the units used are adequate, particularly in the glabellar complex.

Microneedling or Laser Resurfacing
These treatments help rebuild collagen in the dermis and can improve the depth and texture of static lines.

Topical Retinoids
Prescription-strength retinoids (like tretinoin) can help increase cell turnover and improve the appearance of fine lines over time.

Skin Boosters / Biostimulators
While traditional dermal fillers in the glabella carry higher risk, alternatives like Skinvive (hyaluronic acid microdroplets) or Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) in surrounding areas may stimulate collagen production and improve texture indirectly.

Hydration and Barrier Support
A compromised skin barrier or dehydration can make lines appear more prominent. Using serums with hyaluronic acid and moisturizing regularly can help plump the skin slightly.

Final Thought
Your injector is correct to avoid filler in that area due to vascular risk, but there are still non-filler solutions worth exploring. With a combination approach (botox + collagen-stimulating treatments + topicals), you can likely see gradual improvement.

Let me know if you'd like specific product or treatment recommendations to discuss with your provider.

Michael Chung, MD · Answer

Treatment options for these persistent lines include very carefully placed filler directly within the superficial dermis, using a very soft product and a very conservative approach. This must be done only by an experienced injector or plastic surgeon familiar with the anatomy, since the deeper layers are close to blood vessels where complications can occur. Another option in the right setting is facial fat transfer, sometimes using nanofat. Good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you are still able to animate this area even after your Botox treatment then additional Botox may help.  If not, this is a static line.  Potential options for treatment are microneedling or Morpheus8 treatments to address skin tone and texture.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

The photo shows a light vertical line in the area medial to the eyebrow options would be injections of some type of HA filler every 3 to 6 months most likely skin capital VIVE or for Bella. Other option would be end delays the area with combination of RADIESSE/S CULPRA fee $2500 for that option best to virtual consult with for better understanding.

How to get rid of this stubborn line that appeared after Botox? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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