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

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,

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. 

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