Forehead Wrinkles

The cause of forehead wrinkles

Forehead wrinkles are the lines that form across the forehead due to facial movements and expressions, as well as sleep lines. Forehead lines can also occur in tandem with volume loss as a result of fat atrophy in the ageing process, causing them to become more prominent.

The underlying mechanism causing wrinkling is the contraction of the frontalis muscle. This muscle is responsible for lifting the brows and making certain facial expressions.

The frontalis muscle is activated to help lift the brow and upper eyelid to improve the field of vision; that is, it ‘opens the eyes’. Therefore, it is particularly active in those with excess skin on their upper eyelids, which causes partial occlusion of the visual field. When upper eyelid skin causes a significant reduction in the visual field, it is possible that the frontalis muscle can become constantly activated (contracted) to lift the brows/eyelids to keep the eyes more open. The more active the frontalis muscle, the more significant the presence of horizontal lines in the forehead.

UV exposure seems responsible for 80% of visible facial ageing signs. The face is commonly exposed to the sun, and with prolonged or consistent UV exposure, it is prone to skin changes such as fine wrinkles, freckling, sun spots, solar damage, or skin cancers. Those with fairer skin are at higher risk of solar damage and need to be particular about their sun protection.

Skincare is a way to protect the skin, including the daily application of sunscreen. The sunscreen should ideally be SPF50+, and applied daily in the morning.

FAQs

Can I get rid of my forehead wrinkles?

Forehead wrinkles can be treated, but treatment is not permanent. Wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process and the ageing process continues after treatment, but there are a few things you can do to try and prevent or reduce premature fine lines appearing on the forehead. Lifestyle changes that you can make to avoid premature wrinkles include:

• Protect your skin from harmful sun exposure using sunscreen and hats
• Manage your stress levels by getting enough sleep every night, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water every day
• Stop smoking – the chemicals in tobacco smoke have been proven to reduce collagen levels, leading to premature ageing
• Using skincare containing Vitamin A and Vitamin C can reverse some skin changes caused by ageing and photodamage. There are many options of Vitamin A and Vitamin C skincare available.

The number of treatments required and the expected longevity will be determined by the treatment performed and the severity of the forehead wrinkles. Your doctor will be able to provide guidance on this during your initial consultation.

Can forehead volume be replaced?

The forehead loses volume with ageing due to loss of fat, bone resorption and thinning of the muscles and skin. This causes concavities to form in the forehead and the bony outline of the skull to become more evident. Furthermore, the loss of collagen in the ageing process can increase the visibility of forehead wrinkles.

Options for forehead volume loss can be discussed with your doctor during your consultation.

Who is a candidate for a forehead wrinkle consultation?

A candidate for forehead wrinkle consultation is someone who:

• Has visible forehead wrinkles – Individuals with noticeable lines or creases on their forehead, whether they are static (present at rest) or dynamic (appear with facial expressions)
• Has forehead volume loss – Those who have noticeable volume loss due to ageing or weight loss
• Overall good health – Candidates should be in generally good health and free from any serious medical conditions that could interfere with the treatment or healing process.
• Has realistic expectations – It’s important for candidates to have realistic expectations about the results that can be achieved with forehead wrinkle treatments.
• Is committed to post-treatment care – Individuals who are willing to follow post-treatment care instructions to achieve the best possible results and minimise any potential side effects.

How much does forehead wrinkle treatment cost?

The cost of your treatment will depend on your individual needs and the treatment prescribed. The price will be discussed in your initial consultation, at which time you will received a detailed quotation. Consultation fees can be found on our pricing page.

What are the risks and side effects of forehead treatment?

Treatments for forehead wrinkles do carry risks and there will be a period of downtime following treatment.

The potential risks, side effects, and downtime will vary depending on which treatment is performed; however, you may generally experience redness, bruising, swelling, asymmetrical results, or infection.

Last updated July 2024