What is happening to my frown area 7 weeks post Botox and has something gone wrong? (Photo)

Question

Hi I had Botox in my frown line 7 weeks ago. The frown wasn't that deep on resting it just looked like a line, I now can't frown completely but my forehead doesn't look any different. I noticed recently I've had a headache I've massaged the area around the frown to relieve the pain and the area goes immediately numb and strange feeling and when I look into the mirror the area is distorted as though it's stuck in a trapped nerve position. It goes back to normal within a minute but what's happening here?

Marek Kacki, MD · Answer

On the second photo a "static" line is apparent. This line was created by years of the repetitive movements and is "etched" in your skin. You will still see the line for few months regardless how much Botox is being used. The point is to relax the skin (no need to freeze it) so it can "heal" the line.Your symptoms of numbness are most likely not related to Botox. There is no nerve to be trapped in the area. Most likely, what you are describing as a brief distortion, is related to immobility of the muscle. Each muscle has a resting tension that, if stretched or distorted in any way, brings it immediately back to its place. If this resting tension is disabled by Botox, the elasticity of the tissue will be the only mechanism to move the tissue back to its natural position. And that takes a bit longer than when muscle has its undisturbed tension. In summary, please be patient and the line will eventually go away. Good luck!

Alexis Parker, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Your muscles are no longer "chiseling" your central line but it is still visibly present in the skin because of years of facial expression.  I recommend using Botox every three months along with good skin care for exfoliation and collagen stimulation over six to nine months and then adding a hyaluronic acid filler like Refyne or Defyne to the line itself in the intradermal plane if it has not disappeared.  The filler could be used sooner, of course, for more immediate correction. The prolonged headache is not a common side effect of Botox and may have another cause.  See your doctor for follow up and examination. All the best. Alexis Parker MD

What is happening to my frown area 7 weeks post Botox and has something gone wrong? (Photo)

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What is happening to my frown area 7 weeks post Botox and has something gone wrong? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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