Forehead wrinkles are horizontal lines located on the forehead.
At first, they are dynamic expression lines, only visible when raising the eyebrows.
Over time, the skin breaks, and these wrinkles become static – present even at rest.
Forehead wrinkles contribute to a tired and worried appearance and make the face look older, hence the aesthetic and social demand (a tired look can impact professional life).
Forehead wrinkles – how to reduce them effectively ?
There are several options to reduce forehead wrinkles.
Botulinum toxin injections are the gold-standard treatment for smoothing forehead wrinkles. A natural and expressive result depends on the physician’s expertise in maintaining mobility in this area.
Hyaluronic acid injections to fill forehead wrinkles are not particularly effective and are rarely performed.
Anti-wrinkle creams containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and other antioxidants can help hydrate the skin, stimulate collagen production, and delay skin aging.
Forehead wrinkles are caused by the action of the frontalis muscle.
In the face, muscles are attached directly to the skin. With repeated facial expressions, the frontalis muscles (right and left) become increasingly strong and pull the skin when raising the eyebrows. These are known as expression lines.
The skin, stressed by these movements and weakened by the natural reduction in hyaluronic acid and collagen over time, deteriorates and static wrinkles (present at rest) appear. These are referred to as resting wrinkles.
The age of onset varies and depends on genetically determined muscle tone and individual expressiveness. This explains why these wrinkles can be visible before the age of 18.
Forehead wrinkles progress through several stages of severity, from superficial lines to deep creases. A personalized and early approach can help slow down their progression and maintain a more youthful appearance.
Stage 1 : fine and superficial lines
Description
At this stage, forehead lines are light and shallow. They appear only when the face is moving, such as when expressing surprise or concentration. They disappear at rest.
Recommended treatment
Preventive care such as moisturizers, retinol-based serums, and light aesthetic treatments like gentle chemical Peels or microdermabrasion.
Stage 2 : moderate wrinkles
Description
Wrinkles become more visible and begin to appear even at rest, indicating a loss of skin elasticity. They are deeper than those in stage 1.
Recommended treatment
Botulinum toxin injections are indicated and effectively treat these wrinkles.
Stage 3 : pronounced wrinkles
Description
Forehead wrinkles are now deep and cover a larger area. The skin may appear permanently creased and lined. There is significant loss of skin elasticity and thickness.
Recommended treatment
Combined treatments – Botox and hyaluronic acid injections – may be necessary to achieve optimal results.
Stage 4 : very deep wrinkles and folds
Description
At this advanced stage, wrinkles are extremely deep and may be accompanied by marked skin folds, giving the forehead a severely wrinkled appearance. The skin has lost elasticity and collagen.
Recommended treatment
Combined procedures including Botox and hyaluronic acid injections, along with laser resurfacing techniques, may be required if the goal is to eliminate wrinkles.
More and more women are using facial gymnastics to reduce and slow the progression of forehead wrinkles.
The exercise consists of placing three fingers above the eyebrows, pulling them downward while raising the eyebrows at the same time.
This should be done ten times a day for five seconds.
Facial gymnastics is therefore a natural and effective method for reducing the appearance of forehead wrinkles.
Creams do not erase wrinkles – their purpose is limited to maintaining skin hydration.
Botox injections block the action of the frontalis muscle.
The frontalis muscle runs from the base of the skull to the eye sockets. For forehead wrinkle treatment, only its anterior portion – from the hairline to the eyebrows – is targeted.
The technique and expertise of the doctor are crucial for achieving a natural and pleasant result. The number of injection points, the dosage per point, and the placement of each point make all the difference from one practitioner to another.
The goal is to avoid a frozen forehead or drooping eyebrows, and instead maintain a natural expression and open gaze.
Of course, if the patient desires, a complete block is possible.
The injection takes no more than one minute. A slight warming sensation may be felt.
Doctor Romano always recommends combining this injection with treatment of the frown line and crow’s feet to open the gaze (explained further below).
The result appears progressively : it becomes visible from the second day and is final after seven days. A follow-up appointment is scheduled one to three weeks later for a free touch-up.
The result lasts five to six months.
Treatment of forehead wrinkles must always be combined with treatment of the frown lines and crow's feet wrinkles.
In fact, at the eyebrow level, there is a muscular balance :
Botox blocks or weakens the action of a muscle.
If the only lifting muscle is blocked without blocking the two depressor muscles, the result is predictable : the eyebrow will drop.
It is essential to consult an experienced doctor, as this ensures safe, natural and long-lasting results.
An experienced doctor has in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and masters injection techniques. This ensures that the injections are administered precisely into the correct muscles, thereby maximizing treatment efficacy and minimizing the risk of complications.
Every face is unique, and an experienced practitioner knows how to adapt the dosage and technique based on each patient’s specific needs. This customization makes it possible to achieve natural, harmonious results, avoiding frozen or artificial expressions.
An experienced practitioner can identify contraindications and determine whether the patient is a good candidate for the injection.
While Botox injections are generally safe, they still carry some risks, as with any medical procedure. An experienced doctor is trained to minimize these risks and manage any potential complications, such as bruising or asymmetry.
Experience allows the doctor to perform injections that preserve and enhance the face’s natural appearance. An experienced doctor knows how to improve proportions and deliver results that are both subtle and effective.
Thanks to precise technique and an in-depth understanding of the products used, an experienced doctor can deliver longer-lasting results. This means longer intervals between treatments and greater satisfaction.
The result of botulinum toxin injection is progressive : visible after two days and final on the seventh day. The forehead appears smooth.
The patient is seen again 7 to 10 days later for a free touch-up.
The result should look natural, unless otherwise requested by the patient. Mobility must be preserved : the eyebrows should still be able to rise.
It is absolutely necessary to avoid brow ptosis. On the contrary, the goal is to open the gaze, which brightens the face.
Occasionally, a triangular lifting of the outer part of the eyebrow (the Mephisto effect) can occur. This is caused by individual hyperactivity of the outer portion of the frontalis muscle. It cannot always be predicted at the time of the initial injection, but it can be corrected during the touch-up.
The result lasts between four and six months.
The injected area may appear red and slightly swollen for about twenty minutes. Headaches are a common side effect but typically do not last more than two days.
The same day, it is advised not to touch the treated area. Avoid intense heat and exercise for two days. Shampoo and eyebrow care are allowed as of the next day.
In certain cases,hyaluronic acid injections can improve forehead wrinkles.
There are two ways to treat this concern :
The result of hyaluronic acid injection is immediate. A slight, short-lived swelling is common.
For forehead augmentation or hollow correction, the result lasts around two years.
The result of wrinkle filling, unfortunately, only lasts a few months.
| Type of consultation | Generally practiced rates |
|---|---|
|
Hyaluronic acid for
|
600 CHF per syringe |
|
Botox
|
WOMAN one zone : 300 CHF two zones : 450 CHF three zones : 600 CHF MEN one zone : 350 CHF two zones : 500 CHF three zones : 650 CHF |
Forehead wrinkles can start to appear as early as the late twenties, but they are generally more visible from the thirties onwards. Genetic factors, lifestyle habits and skin care play an important role in determining the age at which they appear.
The application of creams does not replace injections and is of little benefit. It is advisable to use creams containing effective active ingredients.
Retinol: Retinol stimulates collagen production and accelerates cell renewal.
Hyaluronic acid: creams containing hyaluronic acid intensely moisturise the skin.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin and stimulates collagen production.
Peptides: Peptides help to strengthen the skin's structure and improve its elasticity.
Applying sun protection is important to protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and to prevent wrinkles.
Forehead wrinkles in men are just as common as in women and can be treated in the same way.
Men can benefit from the same treatments as women: Botox, hyaluronic acid and chemical peels.
To prevent forehead wrinkles, it is essential to protect the skin from the sun by using sunscreen, moisturise regularly, eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, avoid smoking and manage stress. Facial gymnastics can also help strengthen facial muscles.
How long the results last depends on the treatment carried out. Botox injections generally last six months. Laser treatments and chemical peels can have long-lasting effects, but maintenance sessions are necessary to maintain the results.
Although results vary from person to person, facial gymnastics is a natural method that complements medical treatments.
These exercises consist of specific movements that tone the muscles and stimulate collagen production.
Some patients prefer to avoid Botox injections. Although there are alternatives, the reference treatment is botulinum toxin.
The age of onset depends on a number of individual factors. It is advisable to start preventive treatments as soon as the first static wrinkles appear.
The choice between botox and hyaluronic acid depends on the severity of the problem and the patient's wishes.
Botox: Botulinum toxin injections are the gold standard treatment. Results last around six months.
Hyaluronic acid: hyaluronic acid cannot be used to fill in forehead wrinkles. The only indication is the presence of a hollow in the forehead. Injecting it stretches wrinkles.
Combining the two: for some patients, the combination of Botox and hyaluronic acid offers the best results, treating both dynamic and static wrinkles.
To choose the right doctor, it's important to look for a qualified and experienced professional who specialises in aesthetic treatments. A preliminary consultation allows you to discuss your expectations and ask any questions you may have before starting treatment.
Yes, Botox injections are safe when carried out by an experienced doctor. It is a non-invasive procedure that temporarily relaxes the muscles responsible for wrinkles, and the results are natural. Side effects are generally mild and temporary: bruising or slight sensitivity at the injection site.
The treatments are not very painful. It is not really necessary to apply an anaesthetic cream before the injections.
To prevent forehead wrinkles, we recommend using products containing moisturisers, antioxidants and retinol. Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential to protect the skin from UV rays.
Forehead wrinkles are a sign of skin ageing. There are several ways to treat and prevent them.
Forehead wrinkles can appear even in young people, as they are caused by repetitive movements of the forehead muscles and other factors such as exposure to the sun, stress, insufficient hydration and genetic predisposition.
It's not possible to have a smooth forehead naturally, but certain habits are beneficial.
Yes, skin rejuvenation treatments can be effective in reducing forehead wrinkles, if the indication is the right one.
The services described on this website apply to Swiss territory; there are differences between countries.
Contact
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
Dr Valeria Romano - All rights reserved.
