What’s the Best Treatment for Deep Wrinkles on the Face?
May 6, 2024
Think your wrinkles are too deep for fillers and neuromodulators? Take a look at how we…
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Mabrie Facial Institute
166 Geary Street
Floor 1300
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: (415) 445-9513
Text/SMS: (866) 618-9459
Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Facial expressions can leave their mark on your upper face in the form of lines and wrinkles—between the brows and on the forehead. You may even look stern, sad, or unapproachable, although you feel happy and relaxed. This is a very common concern for our patients, and very treatable with injectables. Dr. Mabrie and his associates use forehead BOTOX and fillers at our San Francisco, CA, Bay Area practice to give you a smoother forehead, and help you keep it that way.
How To Get Rid of Forehead Wrinkles/Frown Lines: Your Treatment Options at MFI
BOTOX for Forehead Wrinkles
Sometimes called “worry lines,” horizontal forehead lines or furrows can add to your worries. Elevating your brows causes the forehead skin to fold horizontally like an accordion, and eventually you end up with worry lines. We treat these very successfully with BOTOX and other neuromodulators, and the results are remarkable. A word of caution: trust this area only to an experienced injector, or you could end up with drooping eyebrows.
This patient wanted a smoother forehead as well as a stabilized brow position. Our expert Injectors created the results he was after through carefully placed BOTOX injections.
BOTOX for Frown Lines
Glabellar lines are sometimes called “elevens” because they’re typically 2 vertical lines between the eyebrows. But some people have a single line, and others may have three or more creases here. This is one of the most common reasons for seeking BOTOX—because no one wants a permanent frown. Our Injectors carefully and conservatively inject a neuromodulator into the three muscles that cause the lines, and in about a week, you look like your youthful, relaxed self again.
Frown lines often present as 2 vertical creases, hence the nickname “elevens.” But they can also be multiple lines or a single line, as was the case for this gentleman. He had a very prominent crease between his eyes that created a permanently concerned look. Skillful application of neuromodulators erased the line and softened his expression.
BOTOX for Forehead & Brow Package
Frown lines and forehead wrinkles often come with other expression lines in the upper face, like bunny lines and crow’s feet. The BOTOX for Forehead & Brow package provides more comprehensive results and represents a cost savings over treating each concern individually.
Our Injector used BOTOX to address this woman’s forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. By skillfully relaxing targeted facial muscles, we created a harmonious result that still allows natural expressions.
Frown Line Filler for Permanent Lines
Sometimes filler is used—either alone or in combination with neuromodulators—when treating certain forehead areas where permanent deep lines have formed. Filler, usually applied over the course of 2 sessions, is used to fill and smooth the deep line. Then, often, we will use neuromodulators to relax the muscles that cause it.
This patient developed a prominent frown line when he was just a teenager. After so many years, it was deeply etched, and 2 applications of filler were needed to smooth the area between his brows. Once the line was erased, we used neuromodulators to relax the muscles that caused the crease to form.
How Much Does Forehead/Frown Line BOTOX and Filler Cost?
A targeted treatment for forehead wrinkles and frown lines includes up to 20 units of BOTOX and is priced based on the Injector and your individual requirements. If you choose to purchase our Forehead & Brow Package, your treatment will include up to 40 units of BOTOX.
Similarly, the cost for filler treatments will also depend on the Injector you choose and how much filler is needed to treat your frown lines. Visit our dedicated pricing page for updated pricing information on all our procedures.
Once you’re happy with your forehead, you’ll enter into the maintenance phase of treatment. This means you only need to come in about every 3 to 4 months for BOTOX touch-ups and 9 to 12 months for filler.
Qualified borrowers may be eligible for 0% financing for 6 to 12 months through CareCredit and Alphaeon medical financing.
The MFI Advantage
MFI focuses exclusively on injectables, and has set the bar in the art and science of fillers for more than 15 years. Dr. Mabrie, trained as a facial plastic surgeon, has dedicated thousands of hours to carefully selecting and training our talented Injectors in the most innovative, effective, and safe techniques for injectables. There is no other practice in the Bay Area with the level of experience, education, and passion for injectables you'll find at MFI.
Schedule Me
The MFI Advantage
MFI focuses exclusively on injectables, and has set the bar in the art and science of fillers for more than 15 years. Dr. Mabrie, trained as a facial plastic surgeon, has dedicated thousands of hours to carefully selecting and training our talented Injectors in the most innovative, effective, and safe techniques for injectables. There is no other practice in the Bay Area with the level of experience, education, and passion for injectables you'll find at MFI.
Schedule MeWhat Causes Forehead Wrinkles/Frown Lines?
Everyone gets forehead wrinkles and frown lines when they look surprised, frown, squint, or scowl. But when they linger, you start to see that tired-looking face in the mirror. Let’s break down the causes so you can more easily understand the cure.
Repeated Facial Expressions
You start frowning, squinting, and making surprised expressions in infancy. And every time you make these expressions, your skin creases in specific areas like across the forehead and between the brows. It makes sense that after decades of living and expressing yourself, those creases become etched into your skin just like a fold or a pleat in fabric.
Overactive Muscles
Strong muscles are a good thing, but sometimes our facial muscles can take their job a little too seriously. Sometimes the muscles get “overtrained” and don’t fully relax. This can cause tension which creates lines or creases on the overlying skin. It can also pull down on the brows, causing them to look heavy or low.
Aging/Stressed Skin
Your skin gets thinner and less resilient as you get older. That’s because fat breaks down, collagen production slows, and facial ligaments lose their elasticity. Add environmental factors like sun exposure, pollutants, and stress, and you get skin that doesn’t “snap back” the way it does when you’re a teenager.
The reason all those “Better than BOTOX” products out there don’t really work for frown lines and forehead wrinkles is that they don’t address the root causes. Most of them work at the surface level, adding temporary hydration and texture improvements. They may make your skin “glow,” but they can’t erase lines because they don’t treat the underlying muscles.
Consultation and Planning for Your Forehead Wrinkle/Frown Line Treatment
The expert Injectors at MFI have perfected the subtle but effective application of BOTOX for these concerns. Here’s how they get you looking refreshed and help you stay that way.
Your First Visit
Your initial visit is the beginning of a beautiful relationship. It is where we lay the groundwork for creating and maintaining results you’ll love. You meet with members of our expert team, who listen to your goals and educate you about your options. Together you:
- Go through a comprehensive facial assessment in multiple lighting scenarios (directional lighting, light and shadow, revealing lighting)
- Take clinical photographs for use in tracking your improvements
- Identify and clarify your goals
- Develop and document your personal treatment plan
If at your initial appointment, we agree that BOTOX is right for you, we will usually proceed with treatment immediately. We will have you wash your face with an antiseptic cleanser to prevent infection, followed by “before” photos and marking the injection sites.
Your BOTOX or Filler for Forehead/Brow Procedure
Neuromodulators are introduced with a very fine needle into specific facial muscles. The product blocks nerve signals to the muscle, and over approximately 4 to 10 days, the muscle will relax. BOTOX injections themselves take only seconds.
Forehead line filler is applied using a blunt-tipped microcannula, which improves comfort and reduces bruising. Your Injector eases the flexible cannula under the skin to inject the filler precisely where it’s needed. Your filler injections take only a few minutes.
Your Forehead Wrinkle Filler Results May Look Better After Two Treatments
You may enjoy better results if your frown line filler treatment is staged over 2 appointments. This approach allows us to create superior, natural-looking results. Too much filler all at once can create obvious results, and it’s better to build and layer until we get it just right.
We wait 1 to 3 months between treatments to allow for swelling to subside before placement of the next layer of filler. We evaluate the results of your initial treatment, then make any adjustments needed to give you the results you want.
For more information about your treatment, visit Your Treatment Timeline.
Example of Two Treatment Process
The case below shows how BOTOX and filler can ease permanent frown lines in a subtle, naturally refreshing way.
Preparing for Your Procedure
For the best experience, follow these tips in advance of your appointment:
- A few days before your appointment, restrict blood thinners such as anti-inflammatories, fish oil, and alcohol. Limiting these will reduce your risk of bruising from filler or BOTOX injections.
- DO NOT discontinue prescribed, medically necessary, medications.
- Eat and drink a normal breakfast or lunch prior to your appointment; low blood sugar can make patients lightheaded during treatment.
Recovery & Aftercare
Some common injection-related reactions may occur, such as swelling, bruising, pain, itching, discoloration, and tenderness at the injection site. These are normal side effects and are most apparent 24 to 48 hours after treatment. They can last up to 2 weeks, but typically subside within 2 to 5 days. Most patients return to their routine activities the same day.
Swelling
- While swelling from BOTOX is typically minimal, it peaks the day after treatment; swelling from filler may last several weeks
- This may cause temporary asymmetry, lumps, or bumps
- Swelling from filler will gradually resolve to reveal your final results over 4 to 6 weeks
Bruising
- While bruising is possible, it is usually minimal
Redness & Discomfort
- Often minimal and lasting just a few days
- Your forehead may be tender to the touch
Downtime
- No downtime required
- May return to work immediately after treatment
- May resume normal exercise the next day
Recovery After Frown Line Filler
Because we know you have questions about your recovery process, we created an entire page dedicated to BOTOX and dermal filler aftercare.
Forehead Line/Wrinkle Treatment FAQs
How long do forehead BOTOX and filler results last?
BOTOX and other neuromodulators produce results that typically last about 3 to 4 months. However, studies have shown that over time, the duration of results increases with regularly scheduled treatments. Your forehead line filler should last about a year, but we can keep your face fresh indefinitely by scheduling touch-ups around every 9 months.
Does forehead filler or BOTOX hurt?
The needle used for neuromodulator injections is very tiny, as is the blunt-tipped microcannula we use for filler. An initial “pinch” is usually felt from the needle, which feels similar to a toothpick on the skin. Our fillers come pre-mixed with anesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel discomfort after the initial injection. Most individuals experience very little discomfort during their procedure, but you may have bruising or swelling after treatment.
Is BOTOX safe?
BOTOX Cosmetic has been FDA approved for the treatment of wrinkles since 2002. BOTOX has actually been used medically since the 1960s for conditions like muscle spasms and misalignment of the eyes (strabismus). Additionally, the extremely low volumes of neurotoxin used for cosmetic purposes make the risk of negative health effects practically zero. These botulinum-based products have a very extensive safety record.
What’s the difference between BOTOX and fillers?
Neuromodulators like BOTOX are used to relax the muscles which cause many facial lines and unwanted facial expressions. Fillers fill lines, creases, lips, tear troughs, and also defects like acne scars. Sometimes BOTOX Cosmetic is used in combination with fillers when treating permanent deep lines resulting from overactivity of the muscles, for example, some frown lines on the lower forehead or wrinkles around the lips.
Will my forehead look surprised or tight after BOTOX?
The surprised, tight look is typically the result of an aggressive surgical brow lift. The beauty of using injectables is that your results should look natural and subtle. Our team takes a conservative approach to BOTOX for the forehead and brow, with the understanding that we can always “build” on your results at future touch-up appointments. This is all part of our unique treatment process, Illumination 360°.
We’d Love To See You
If you’d like to speak to one of the expert Injectors at MFI about smoothing your forehead wrinkles and frown lines, request a consultation online, or call us at (415) 445-9513 to schedule your first 2 appointments with one of our highly trained specialists. If you’ll be visiting us from outside the area, our Fly in for Your Procedure page was created just for you to help make planning your trip as smooth as possible.
A Reputation Built on Results
Dr.Mabrie has really good aesthetic judgment. He gave me a holistic suggestion for the entire face....
Well, Lets start with how LONG my treatments last. I went over a year between my last treatment and...
Love my experience here! My results are so natural! I really felt like they listened to my concerns...
Look…. Let’s be honest. You’re probably already getting injections and it’s hard finding a new spot....
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