Erasing these fine horizontal forehead lines after tretinoin? Fractional laser or Botox? Skin type 3 olive skin, 25 yrs. (photo)

Question

I have been using tretinoin for 4 months at 0.5% strength consistently on my face and forehead. Extreme sunbathing has caused a dull look of my skin but I also noticed very faint fine lines on my forehead which are obvious in the mirror when I raise my eyebrows and then for a few minutes afterwards. What else can I do to fix these static forehead lines? They are faint but it seems tretinoin has made no difference to them. It seems like the only answer I have been reading is Botox Botox Botox.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for asking your question. As you mentioned, Retin A helps improve the quality of the skin, but does not get rid of lines caused by movement (dynamic wrinkles). The horizontal lines caused by elevating the eyebrows are best treated with Botox. Make sure an experienced board-certified doctor performs the treatment in order to avoid any of the common complications seen with forhead injecting.Good luck,

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Botox and other neuromodulators can be used to spot muscle movement and the resultant creasing of the skin.  Prevention of this repetitive damage to collagen and elastic fibers in the skin leads to decreased appearance of fine lines.  Although laser and other resurfacing treatments can help improve lines, it is important to prevent the increased creation of lines as well.

Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Often times, patients are very satisfied with the results of botox cosmetic to treat horizontal forehead lines. A consultation at a facial plastic surgeon's office would be most beneficial to you so you can be fully evaluated and explained realistic results by a nurse, or physician. You may also be over-drying your skin with the tretinoin. While exfoliating with this ingredient is largely beneficial, you will want to make sure your moisturizer is occlusive enough to balance the skin's moisture. Fine lines and wrinkles are always more noticeable when the skin's moisture barrier is compromised. All the best to you,Dr. Todd Hobgood, MD

Daniel J. Ritacca, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Forehead lines tend to respond very well to botox injections. By having those muscles relaxed it softens and prevents etched in lines. I would recommend to see an experienced injector to determine your candidacy.Dr. Daniel Ritacca

Steven Swengel, MD · Answer

These lines are referred to as dynamic lines and will not respond to topical therapy.  It is the intrinsic muscles on the face that begin to pleat and line the face as we age.  Botox will relax those muscles and in return you will see the 'dynamic lines' disappear.

Erasing these fine horizontal forehead lines after tretinoin? Fractional laser or Botox? Skin type 3 olive skin, 25 yrs. (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Botox

Answer: Botox

Answer: Lines on forehead that did not respond to Retin A.

Answer: Lines on forehead that did not respond to Retin A.

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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

Erasing these fine horizontal forehead lines after tretinoin? Fractional laser or Botox? Skin type 3 olive skin, 25 yrs. (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Botox

Answer: Botox

Answer: Lines on forehead that did not respond to Retin A.

Answer: Lines on forehead that did not respond to Retin A.

Browse related questions

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.