Glabellar lines or forehead wrinkles are the creases that manifest on the skin above your forehead, between and above the eyebrows, and right between your eyes. These wrinkles are predominantly caused by the muscle activity beneath the surface of your skin when you laugh, talk, yawn, or make expressions. The glabella is the skin most affected by this muscle activity. While there is no exact age at which these wrinkles tend to pop up, you can notice them as early as your twenties due to these habitual facial movements.
Forehead wrinkles are primarily a result of the natural aging process. As the years go by, the skin undergoes changes that can lead to visible lines and creases. Here are the primary factors:
Aging: As we age, the skin loses vital proteins like collagen and elastin. Collagen supplies structure and strength, while elastin provides skin elasticity. The reduced production and breakdown of these proteins over time lead to less firm and less elastic skin.
Decrease in Natural Oils: With age, the skin may produce fewer natural oils, leading to drier skin. This dryness can make wrinkles more noticeable.
Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun can accelerate skin aging by damaging collagen and elastin fibers.
Smoking: Smoking affects skin health in various ways. It can constrict blood vessels, reducing the supply of oxygen and essential nutrients to the skin. Chemicals in tobacco are also known to harm collagen and elastin.
Facial Movements: Repeated facial movements, such as squinting, smiling, or frowning, can cause lines and wrinkles to form on the forehead over time.
It’s essential to note that while the factors listed contribute to the development of forehead wrinkles, the exact experience varies from one individual to another based on genetics, environmental exposures, and personal choices.
Luckily, there are many treatments at SpaMedica that can help reduce the appearance of those pesky forehead lines.
Botox is a purified protein used to relax specific facial muscles. It is approved by the FDA and Health Canada and is commonly used to target frown lines, crow’s feet, and worry lines. The study reveals that in 2022, 85.1% of the 9,221,419 Botox procedures were performed on women.
Average Price: At SpaMedica, we charge for Botox Injectable treatments based on the number of units used. If you opt for the services of Dr. Amber Chen, one of Toronto’s leading cosmetic plastic surgeons, the cost per unit will be $18.00 for the first 60 units. Alternatively, if you choose to be treated by one of Dr. Chen’s skilled injection nurses, the cost per unit will range between $8.99 and $12.00.
Procedure Time: Injections can take anywhere between 30-60 minutes, depending on the amount of units administered.
Recovery Time: There is no recovery time for wrinkle relaxers; many patients return to their activities immediately.
Individuals who cannot address their forehead wrinkles with wrinkle relaxers can opt for injectable fillers like Juvederm or Restalyne. These dermal fillers are injected precisely into targeted areas in small doses to smooth out lines and wrinkles on the forehead.
Average Price: Costs will vary for this type of treatment, as there are multiple types of fillers to choose from. The cost will be determined during your consultation.
Procedure Time: Like other injectables, the procedure time will vary depending on the amount of units used. It will take under an hour to complete.
Recovery Time: Results will appear within 1-2 days, and many resume their regular activities after their appointment.
Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure used to rejuvenate the skin by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and imperfections, while also stimulating collagen production. This procedure can be performed using either a fractional ablative or a fractional non-ablative laser.
Average Price: The cost of laser skin resurfacing varies depending on the treatment decided upon during your consultation. The price at SpaMedica starts at $799.
Procedure Time: It takes approximately 30-60 minutes to preform a laser skin resurfacing treatment.
Recovery Time: While there will be some minor swelling for the first seven days, patients can expect a fast recovery.
RF treatments, such as Fractora™, are an effective non-invasive solution to minimize aging damage and restore youthful skin. This treatment uses fractional radiofrequency technology to target the deepest layers of your skin. The most commonly treated areas are the eyelids, smile lines, forehead, cheeks, mouth, and neck.
Average Price: The cost of an RF treatment at SpaMedica in Toronto starts at $2,999.
Procedure Time: A Fractora™ treatment takes about an hour to complete.
Recovery Time: Patients will experience an immediate improvement in their facial appearance after the treatment. Although the face may feel tight, and there might be minimal swelling and redness, these symptoms will subside after 24 hours.
A brow lift, or a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure aimed at lifting heavy eyebrows and giving them a more youthful, rested, and smoother appearance. The procedure also reduces forehead wrinkles, resulting in a younger, refreshed look.
Average Price: The cost of a forehead lift starts at $11,999.
Procedure Time: It takes roughly two hours to preform a forehead lift at SpaMedica.
Recovery Time: Patients can expect to see the final results of the surgery after 3-6 months. It takes 7-10 days to recover and a sufficient time frame for scarring to begin to heal and swelling to subside.
Forehead wrinkles are a natural sign of aging. But they can also develop prematurely. To maintain smooth and youthful skin, adopt certain preventive measures. Here are some effective tips to help prevent the appearance of forehead wrinkles:
UV rays can accelerate the aging process, inducing wrinkles and other signs of aging. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days or during winter. Wearing sun-protective clothing, hats with broad brims and sunglasses can also shield your forehead and eyes from direct sunlight.
Keeping your skin hydrated helps maintain its elasticity and prevents premature wrinkling. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside. Use a good quality moisturizer daily to maintain your skin’s moisture barrier.
What you eat can reflect on your skin. Consume foods rich in antioxidants like berries, nuts, and green leafy vegetables to combat oxidative stress. Include foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds that help maintain skin’s elasticity thanks to Omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin C-enriched citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers can promote collagen production, too.
A consistent and proper skincare routine can make a significant difference. Use a gentle cleanser to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils. Use a mild exfoliant once a week to remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal. Consider products containing retinoids, which can promote collagen production.
Smoking can also speed up the aging process and cause premature wrinkles. The repetitive motion of pursing lips when smoking can also contribute to lines around the mouth.
Believe it or not, chronic stress can lead to early signs of aging. Incorporate yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises into your routine. Ensure you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep to give your skin time to repair and regenerate.
Showcase before-and-after photos or link to the gallery.
Apart from the preventive measures listed above, Botox injections can temporarily relax the muscles causing wrinkles. Always consult a dermatologist before undergoing any procedures.
The main muscle responsible for forehead wrinkles is the frontalis muscle. When it contracts, it raises the eyebrows and creates horizontal lines on the forehead.
SpaMedica offers a range of both surgical and nonsurgical options for treating glabellar lines. To find out which treatment is best suited for you, as well as to understand the risks and considerations associated with each procedure, contact us today to book a consultation!
Works to relax the facial muscles that are responsible for facial movement, reducing and softening signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
A soft tissue dermal filler for facial contour augmentation, for lip enhancement, and improve the appearance of wrinkles.
Juvederm, one of the most popular dermal fillers available, used to soften lines, wrinkles & add volume lost through the aging process.
Fractora is a fractional skin resurfacing and subdermal tissue coagulation tool that is utilized to enhance the results of fractional lasers and surgical procedures.
For a rejuvenated facial look featuring a lifted and youthful brow, a brow lift will tighten the underlying forehead muscles and remove excess skin in the brow area.
