Treatment of deep wrinkles of forehead

Deep wrinkles of the forehead are commonly seen in an aging face. They are usually seen in the area between the eyebrows. They tend to give a serious look to the affected individual. In the beginning, these wrinkles become apparent during facial expressions. Later on, they become fixed and are constantly present. Lowering of the eyebrows can be associated with the appearance of these wrinkles.

Because of their position, these wrinkles are immediately apparent to an onlooker. The wrinkles are as a result of the contraction of underlying muscles of the forehead. The skin becomes thin with age and as a result of the contraction of the underlying muscles, the overlying tissues gets folded in like an accordion. These wrinkles can be improved by both nonsurgical and surgical techniques.

Nonsurgical treatments:

This is comprised of injections with botulinum toxin and dermal fillers. The nonsurgical procedures are preferred by many as these are performed as outpatient procedures. They do not have a downtime and patients can get back to their routines soon after the procedure.

1. Botulinum toxin injection:

Botulinum toxin acts on the junction between the nerves and muscles to prevent transmission of impulses. This causes relaxation of the forehead muscles which are responsible for wrinkles. A small needle is used to inject to treat the targeted muscles. The full effect of the injections takes approximately one week. The effect lasts for around six months. For continuing action, these injections need to be repeated once the effect wears off.

2. Filler injections:

As the name suggests they 'fill up' areas. As we age we undergo volume loss of the soft tissues. This includes the skin and deeper tissues of the face. Fillers counteract these changes by addition of volume. There are various fillers which differ based on their constituent molecule, and duration of action. The most commonly used fillers are made of hyaluronic acid. They are injected into the skin with the help of fine needles. They soften the wrinkles by making the skin firmer. Filler injections can also be used at a deeper level adjacent to the bones.

Deep and static wrinkles of the forehead usually need treatment with a combination of fillers and botulinum toxin injections.

Surgical treatment:

Unlike nonsurgical treatments, surgical therapy is more invasive. A brow lift is a technique used for surgical rejuvenation of the forehead.

Brow lift:

A brow lift is also known as a forehead lift. It addresses age-related changes such as:
1. the wrinkles of the forehead,
2. the wrinkles between the eyebrows,
3. the lowering of the eyebrows. It results in a higher resting position of the eyebrows and,
4. improves the hooding of the eyelids as a result of the lower position of the eyebrows.

A good candidate for a brow lift would be one who is in good health, has reasonable expectations about the procedure and is a non-smoker.

A brow lift is performed under general anesthesia. The incision is placed usually behind the hairline. The tissues of the forehead are elevated to a higher position and excess skin is trimmed away. Brow lift requires an overnight stay in the hospital. A drain may be placed temporarily to prevent collection at the operated site. The sutures are removed at ten days. Patients can return to work at the end of a week. Most of the swelling following brow lift abate by the end of one month. The results of the brow lift, though invasive last much longer than the office-based procedures.

Deep wrinkles of the forehead can be managed effectively both by means of simple office based procedures and a surgical brow lift. They vary in their indications, downtime, and permanency of results.