fbpx

You may not look like Gordon Ramsay yet, but if you are unhappy with the horizontal lines running across your forehead, they can be greatly softened and made almost invisible with an anti-wrinkle injectable.

We develop horizontal lines across out foreheads from the muscles that contract each time we raise our eyebrows. Some people do this more than others in the course of making normal facial expressions; they have hyperkinetic lines caused by frequent movements of the facial muscles.

Over the age of 40, we tend to use these forehead muscles much more habitually to hold our eyebrows up to make our eyes look more open as ageing makes our upper lids droop. Women often do this unconsciously whilst applying eye makeup in the mirror in order to access the whole upper eyelid.

How we make expressions

There are several muscles in the forehead which help to form facial expressions, with a range of different motions that are used separately or together to form expressions of surprise; a questioning look, or concentration/anger with a frown.

It’s the occipitofrontalis muscles that can raise the eyebrows, either together or singly. The corrugator supercilii muscles can pull the eyebrows inwards and down, forming a frown, and the procerus muscles can pull down the centre portions of the eyebrows.

Wrinkles from muscle movement

The movements of the muscles in the forehead produce characteristic wrinkles in the skin. It’s the occipitofrontalis muscles that are responsible for the horizontal lines than run all the way across the forehead.

Treatment with botulinum toxin (BTX) type A has become increasingly important in various clinical areas in dermatology and is the most frequently used method of correcting these horizontal forehead lines. Botox works by relaxing the muscles underneath the skin that cause the wrinkle in the first place.

One of the desirable effects of using anti-wrinkle injectables in the forehead area is a subtle degree of brow lift, which makes the patient look more rested and youthful.

A light touch

Natural-looking results are very important when injecting the forehead as an over-eager injection will result in eyebrows that are raised too high, like Dr. Spock, far above their natural arch.

The degree of brow lift will depend on the shape of the patient’s face and their hairline, as well as the positioning of their eyebrows, but realistically should be between .5 and 2 mm.

Avoiding a frozen or plastic look; rather achieving minimisation of the lines and a more youthful look is the goal. A light hand will be able to achieve the right amount of muscle paralysis using botox so that the wrinkles are released without making the forehead look tight or shiny.

Results are visible after a few days and last for up to 6 months. To book your consultation and find out what you can do about any wrinkles of concern, call Cosmetic Doctor on 01 685 3100.