Experts Reveal How to Treat Forehead Wrinkles
As we all know, forehead wrinkles are common in the process of aging. But just because fine lines are inevitable features, doesn’t necessarily mean we have to like them. In fact, many of us despise them, working tirelessly to prevent or get rid of the marks that are symbolic of old age and dwindling youth. Luckily for us, there are plenty of injectables, topical products, and skin tightening devices that can help us to achieve radiantly smooth skin. But with this vast range of treatments, how do we know which options are best for us?
Well lucky for you, we consulted the experts, including Dr. Stafford Broumand, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with 740 Park Plastic Surgery and Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist and Founder of PFRANKMD & Skin Salon, for the scoop on how to effectively treat forehead wrinkles. And we’ve even included a few of our favorite wrinkle treatments to shop.
What are some of the major causes of forehead wrinkles?
There are many factors that can cause forehead wrinkles, ranging from use of various muscles in your face to a loss in skin elasticity that comes with age. "The major cause for forehead wrinkles is the activity of the frontalis muscle which elevates the eyebrows, and therefore causes wrinkles across the forehead," says Dr. Broumand. Broumand notes that the orbicularis oculi, a muscle around the eye, can also cause radial wrinkles, including crow's feet, forehead lines, and wrinkles above the eyebrow lines. Additionally, two other muscles on your face, the procerus muscle and corrugator muscle, can lead to frown lines or "eleven" lines on the forehead.
What are the treatment options available to combat forehead wrinkles?
According to Dr. Frank, neuromodulators, a group of cosmetic injections that includes Botox, are generally the go-to treatments for forehead wrinkles. Essentially, Botox works to alleviate forehead wrinkles by inhibiting chemical signals from nerves that cause muscles to contract, which ultimately softens fine lines.
Dr. Frank also recommends a product called Xeomin, which is a similar treatment to Botox that allows "for wrinkle reduction but natural movement of the area." Other alternatives include ultrasound treatments, which help to tighten skin on the forehead, and brow lifts, which are small incisions in the scalp's hairline that create a tightened appearance.
Who is a good candidate for each treatment option?
"If you’re starting to see traces of lines in your mid-to-late twenties or early thirties, it is best to clean your room before it gets dirty," Dr. Frank revealed. "If someone is expressive with their face and prone to getting lines, they should consider exploring a preventative neuromodulator. The later you start the more difficult it is to achieve the ideal results."
However, Dr. Broumand cautions against overdoing treatment, as using too much Botox can cause an unnatural, and stiff apparence. There’s a careful balance he claims: "you need to have a little bit of movement, but not an active enough movement which causes wrinkles."
How often should patients receive treatment, and how long does each treatment last?
Dr. Frank advises that patients come in once or twice a year for Botox and fillers. Dr. Broumand, on the other hand, recommends receiving treatment every 10 to 12 weeks, and adds that each treatment lasts three months. “I liken it to filling up a gas tank on your car— you don’t want it to get to zero and then fill it up again, you try to tend to it before it’s empty” says Dr. Broumand.
What results can you expect after treatment?
After treatment, you can expect smoother, tighter skin with less wrinkles. "Botox is a wonder drug," Dr. Broumand said. "It keeps people looking young and when done well and in an experienced practitioner’s hands, it looks very natural." But results are not immediate after a procedure, as Dr. Frank explains that it can take between three and five days to see the full results of your treatment.
What are the risks or side effects to consider when undergoing a treatment for forehead wrinkles?
Dr. Frank notes that the risks are minimal with injectable treatments, and if there are any long term side effects, they are most likely a result of a poor cosmetic outcome. “Rarely can [injectables] negatively affect the shape of the eyebrows or the eyelid muscles,” says Dr Frank. On the other hand, short term reactions include minimal side effects including bruising or headaches, both of which are resolvable.
However, it’s important to be mindful of the amount of injectable treatments you’re receiving, as too much too much can “paralyze the muscle too aggressively in a way that inhibits brow movement and causes your eyelids to feel a little too heavy,” explains Dr. Broumand. But no need to worry, as this effect will wear off over weeks.
How much does each treatment cost?
The overall cost depends on where you get your treatment done, and how much product you use. "Botox can cost as little as $300 to as much as $2,000, depending on how much you put in and where you want the injections done," Dr. Broumand revealed
Are there any other ways to treat forehead wrinkles?
Beyond seeing a plastic surgeon or dermatologist to administer an injectable treatment, there are other ways to combat forehead wrinkles. Dr. Frank recommends healthy lifestyle choices to keep your skin looking tight and fresh through the years. "Dehydration from alcohol and excessive amounts of sugar in one's diet can affect the skin and cause wrinkles down the line," Dr. Frank said. "If you cut these things out in your 20’s and 30’s you will look significantly younger in your 40’s and 50’s."
Dr. Broumand also recommends daily use of an easy preventative product—sunscreen. "Always use sunblock," says Dr. Broumand. "It will diminish wrinkles everywhere and slow down the aging process caused by sun damage."
And in addition to sunscreen, other skincare options such as creams, serums, and masks can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. See below for our editor-approved products that help to hydrate and soften skin.
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