Botulinum Toxin to Treat Horizontal Forehead Lines: A Refined Injection Pattern Accommodating the Lower Frontalis

Area of Science:

• Aesthetic Medicine
• Dermatology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Traditional botulinum toxin type A injections for horizontal forehead lines avoid the lower frontalis to prevent brow ptosis.
• This conventional approach may lead to persistent or worsened wrinkles in the lower forehead.
• Untreated lower frontalis muscles can compromise overall aesthetic outcomes for forehead rhytides.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a refined injection pattern for botulinum toxin type A targeting the lower frontalis.
• To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of this novel injection technique for horizontal forehead lines.
• To assess the impact on wrinkle reduction and brow position.

Main Methods:

• Patients were classified into four types based on forehead wrinkle patterns.
• Upper forehead wrinkles were treated with a 'safe zone' technique; lower forehead wrinkles utilized the Microbotox technique.
• Standardized pre- and post-treatment photographs and brow height measurements were performed.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in forehead wrinkle severity was observed post-treatment (P < 0.05).
• Brow heights remained statistically unchanged (P > 0.05), indicating no brow ptosis.
• High patient satisfaction was reported, with no severe adverse events documented.

Conclusions:

• The refined injection pattern, incorporating the Microbotox technique, is effective and safe for horizontal forehead lines.
• This method successfully treats the lower frontalis muscle without adverse effects on brow position.
• The technique offers an improved approach to managing forehead rhytides, enhancing patient outcomes.