Finally, to visibly reduce forehead wrinkles, it is possible to resort to aesthetic medicine techniques. These are numerous: microneedling, radiofrequency, laser, chemical peeling... However, the most common for forehead wrinkles remain botulinum toxin and/or hyaluronic acid injections. Also known as botox, botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that works by temporarily blocking nerve transmission to the muscles, which reduces wrinkles. Its maximum effect appears in two weeks and lasts from four to six months, intensifying as the injections are repeated. If poorly dosed, botulinum toxin can freeze expressions, hence the importance of seeking a qualified practitioner. Side effects are generally mild, such as small bruises. Finally, it is not recommended for pregnant women, people on anti-inflammatory drugs, and those suffering from neurological diseases.
With regards to hyaluronic acid injections, they have a filling effect and allow for the restoration of skin volume, thereby reducing forehead wrinkles. This is possible due to the strong hygroscopic power of hyaluronic acid, capable of attracting and retaining water in skin cells, thus causing a swelling in the skin. Generally safe, hyaluronic acid injections can nevertheless cause temporary redness and swelling and are not recommended for pregnant women, and individuals suffering from an autoimmune disease or a skin infection.
Botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid injections have a temporary effect on forehead wrinkles, which can last from 6 to 24 months depending on the technique used.
To extend their duration and enhance their effectiveness, it is possible to combine them. This was demonstrated in a recent study conducted with 20 volunteers who received injections of botulinum toxin alone on one side of the forehead and injections of hyaluronic acid followed by botulinum toxin on the other side. Blind evaluations were carried out by a dermatologist to assess the effectiveness of managing static and dynamic wrinkles during follow-up visits at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. The results, compiled in the table below, show a synergistic effect of these two injection techniques and an enhanced effectiveness on forehead wrinkles when they are used simultaneously.
Improvement of forehead wrinkles in participants following the injection of either botox alone or a combination of hyaluronic acid and botox.
Source: ALAM M. & co. Treatment of forehead/glabellar wrinkle complex with a combination of botulinum toxin A and hyaluronic acid versus botulinum toxin A injection alone: a split-face, rater-blinded, randomised control trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2013).
Botox and hyaluronic acid injections are not trivial procedures. We advise you to only have them performed by a professional you trust and to closely follow their pre- and post-operative recommendations.