Forehead Concerns

• Injectables
• Conditions
• Forehead Concerns

Medically Reviewed 8th May 2024, by Dr. Susan Mayou (GMC: 2405092) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading dermatologists

Which Conditions Can Affect The Forehead?

Ageing can have several effects on the forehead and upper area of the face. Collagen and elastin loss, dehydration, thinning of the skin and the appearance of lines and wrinkles can all have an impact around the forehead.

The speed that concerns begin to develop, and their severity, can be exacerbated by lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, dehydration, genetics and facial weight changes. Some concerns can also appear naturally, with no external factors causing them, such as Forehead Lines.

Here, we look at some common forehead concerns, as well as some popular Injectable options which can effectively treat these conditions without surgical intervention or significant downtime. 

Forehead Lines

Forehead Lines run horizontally across the forehead. Initially they only appear when the face moves, such as raising the eyebrows, squinting, or frowning – known as dynamic lines. Over time they can turn into static lines, which also show when the face is relaxed.

Horizontal Forehead Lines are typically caused by the breakdown of collagen and elastin which occurs as a natural part of the ageing process. This can be accelerated by lifestyle factors such as smoking, insufficient sun protection, or a lack of hydration.

Forehead Lines can exacerbate the appearance of other concerns affecting the forehead and eye area, such as Glabella Lines, Crow’s Feet or Sunken Eyes.

Glabella Lines

Also known as Frown Lines, Glabella Lines are short vertical lines which appear between the eyebrows, extending upwards into the forehead. For many people they are the first signs of ageing that are visible and may be the first concern that they seek treatment for. This is because the area between the eyebrows is very mobile, resulting in dynamic lines appearing sooner than other areas. Over time, they may become static and show permanently without the face moving.

Similar to Forehead Lines, Glabella Lines are primarily caused by the breakdown of collagen and elastin as part of the ageing process. Between the eyebrows is one of the first places where this breakdown takes place as it is a very mobile area of the face. Lifestyle factors including smoking, not using regular sun protection and not drinking enough water can cause Glabella Lines to either occur or become static more quickly.

For many people, Glabella Lines can make the face look closed or angry, which may cause people to feel self-conscious. They may also lead to concerns such as Forehead Lines, wrinkles around the eyes or Droopy Eyelids looking more severe. 

Injectables for Forehead Concerns

Injectables are an effective non-surgical option to treat aesthetic forehead concerns, reducing the severity of lines and wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

If you are considering injectable treatments for your forehead concerns, organise a consultation with a Consultant Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist who specialises in aesthetic treatments at our award-winning clinic in Chelsea, London. They will assist you in undertaking a bespoke injectables treatment plan to address your needs and concerns, in the best way to suit you. 

Anti-Ageing Injectables for Forehead Concerns

Anti-Ageing Injectables are primarily used to treat lines and wrinkles. They can be used to reduce the impact of dynamic lines and to smooth static lines. This can also have the effect of slowing down the process of dynamic lines becoming static or even prevent them from becoming static at all.

Anti-Ageing Injectables’ active ingredient is a neurotoxin, which alters the function of the nerves which influence the movement of muscles. By targeting specific facial muscles this can improve the appearance of forehead concerns:

• Forehead Lines – Injecting Anti-Ageing Injectables into the forehead muscles causes them to relax which has two effects. First, it smooths the forehead skin, reducing the appearance of any horizontal Forehead Lines. Secondly, it limits the amount the forehead can continue to move, which reduces the appearance of dynamic lines, but also may prevent dynamic lines from becoming static in future.
• Glabella Lines – Anti-Ageing Injectables are one of the most effective and popular treatments for Frown Lines. By relaxing the muscle between the eyebrows the area is smoothed, reducing the appearance of dynamic lines and static lines. This results in a more open appearance to the forehead which prevents the unappealing angry look, which people want to address.

Anti-Ageing Injectables last for different lengths of time, depending on the patient’s natural metabolism rate and the areas treated. Most people find that they require follow-up appointments every 3-4 months initially, however consistent treatments can lead to the treatments having a compounding effect and lasting longer, allowing longer periods of time between top-up sessions. 

Dermal Fillers for Forehead Concerns

Dermal Filler is used to add volume to the face, smooth deeper lines and wrinkles, and add support to loose areas of skin. It can be used in combination with other injectables or as a standalone treatment. This can be highly effective in areas that are affected by dynamic lines (which are common around the forehead) as well as improving the appearance of deep static lines.

The primary ingredient in Dermal Filler is Hyaluronic Acid, a natural substance which is found throughout the body in the skin, joints and eyes, maintaining structure and hydration. Dermal Fillers can be used to address forehead concerns by creating a smooth and even result to the skin:

• Forehead Lines – In cases where Forehead Lines have become static and are deeper set, Dermal Filler can be used to push the skin up and fill the are to create a smooth and even result. This can be used alongside Anti-Ageing Injectables to relax the muscles and prevent the lines from worsening.
• Glabella Lines – It is normal for Glabella Lines to become deep set quite quickly as they occur in a mobile area of the face. Filler is a highly effective treatment for filling the deep-set lines and maintaining a youthful and smooth appearance.

Dermal Fillers are also a temporary solution, and most people find they notice the effects for 6-12 months. To maintain optimal results, follow-up appointments with your consultant are needed around every 6 months, but this may be longer if the Filler takes longer to break down. 

Profhilo for Forehead Concerns

Profhilo is an injectable treatment, which is related to Dermal Fillers and made from the same ingredient – Hyaluronic Acid. Unlike conventional Fillers which are designed to remain in one place, adding volume, Profhilo spreads throughout the skin, increasing hydration and naturally plumping up the skin. It is administered into set injection sites around the face, and then spreads throughout the whole area.

Profhilo is an effective way of treating forehead concerns and can often have more subtle results than other treatment options:

• Forehead Lines – Lack of hydration can make Forehead Lines appear more prominent. By treating the skin with Profhilo the hydration levels in the skin are increased longer term than is possible with topical serums as the Hyaluronic Acid is able to reach a deeper level in the skin. The increased hydration reduces the appearance of the horizontal Forehead Lines by naturally plumping up the skin.
• Glabella Lines – For people who are noticing the first signs of Glabella Lines, Profhilo is an effective option for reducing their appearance, before using treatments such as Anti-Ageing Injectables or Dermal Filler. By increasing the hydration levels, the skin becomes more flexible which can help to slow the progress of lines forming.

Profhilo is initially administered over two appointments, around 4-6 weeks apart. After this the effects usually last 6-12 months, depending on how quickly your body naturally breaks down Hyaluronic Acid. This can depend on your skin’s natural hydration levels. Most people find they need follow-up sessions around every 6-8 months.

Sculptra for Forehead Concerns

Sculptra is another injectable treatment which is an alternative to Dermal Fillers. Instead of using Hyaluronic Acid to directly add volume to sunken and hollowed areas, Sculptra uses Lactic Acid to promote collagen and elastin production creating a natural fullness to areas that are losing volume or need some extra support.

For patients who are looking for an effective, but more natural approach to Fillers, Sculptra is a popular option:

• Forehead Lines – Sculptra can be injected into the forehead to fill the horizontal lines that develop across the forehead. For some people this is a better option than Anti-Ageing Injectables as it smooths the area but doesn’t stop or limit movement.
• Glabella Lines – As well as being effective for smoothing and filling Glabella Lines, Sculptra is a popular treatment option as it provides support for any loose skin which can worsen the appearance of drooping eyelids.

Following the initial treatment, Sculptra’s effects typically last around 2 years. Some patients report that they can still see the effects between 5 and 10 years following their treatment. For most patients, follow-up treatments are needed annually to monitor results and make adjustments if they are needed. 

Conditions affecting the upper face and forehead are often some of the first signs of ageing and can impact confidence. This can lead to the whole face looking sad and closed. Injectable treatments can quickly and effectively improve these issues and enhance the appearance of the eye area. 

How To Find Us

The Cadogan Clinic is based at 120 Sloane Street in Chelsea, just off Sloane Square and the Kings Road.

We are accessible by all major bus routes that pass through Sloane Square and Sloane Street, as well as Sloane Square tube station.

We are just a 5 minute walk northwards up Sloane Street once you have arrived at Sloane Square.

Local pay parking is available just around the corner from the Clinic on Cadogan Gate, Cadogan Square and Cadogan Gardens. Our local residential parking zone is the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Address: 120 Sloane Street, Chelsea, London, SW1X 9BW