Skin ExpertsSkin TreatmentsSoft-tissue Fillers for Frown Lines and Forehead Furrows

 

Treatment Options

Soft-tissue Fillers for Frown Lines and Forehead Furrows

As we age, the natural loss of the skin’s collagen, hyaluronic acid and elasticity results in wrinkles and a loss of fullness in around the eyes and brow. The injection of soft-tissue fillers (e.g., Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane, Sculptra, Belotero) can temporarily improve the skin’s appearance.

Why choose soft-tissue fillers for frown lines and forehead furrows?

The procedure is minimally invasive.

What you need to know about soft-tissue fillers

During the procedure, your doctor will mark injection points on your face before cleansing it with an anti-bacterial agent. A topical numbing agent, ice or a local anesthesia is applied to keep you comfortable during the injections. The filler – usually a form of hyaluronic acid or a collagen-stimulating chemical – is injected with a very small needle. Some patients experience stinging or burning as the filler is injected. Some patients may require a series of treatment session to achieve desired results.

Before (left) and after (right) hyaluronic acid filler to perioral area and lips.

Before (left) and after (right) hyaluronic acid filler to perioral area and lips.

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD - Los Angeles, California

Before (top) and after (bottom) hyaluronic acid filler to perioral area and lips.

Before (top) and after (bottom) hyaluronic acid filler to perioral area and lips.

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD - Los Angeles, California

Sculptra progression

Sculptra progression

Photo courtesy of Cheryl M. Burgess, MD - Washington, DC

Before (left) and after (right) Bellafill injections for chicken pox scars.

Before (left) and after (right) Bellafill injections for chicken pox scars.

Photo courtesy of Cheryl M. Burgess, MD - Washington, DC

Before and after Voluma to cheeks; Juvederm to nasolabial folds; marionette lines and Restylane to tear troughs.

Before and after Voluma to cheeks; Juvederm to nasolabial folds; marionette lines and Restylane to tear troughs.

Photo courtesy of Tracy M. Katz, MD - Houston, TX

What to Expect After the Procedure

  • Bruising, which may last up to a week
  • Swelling
  • Redness

All soft-tissue fillers are temporary, lasting anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the filler and type of procedure. Some patients require maintenance treatments to achieve the best results.

How to Prepare for the Procedure

Before the procedure, an ASDS dermatologist will review the patient’s medical history. This is the time for the doctor and patient to discuss expectations, potential risks and outcomes of the procedure. You should tell your doctor if you use or have recently taken:

  • Prescription medicines
  • Over-the-counter medicines
  • Herbal supplements

Possible Risks

All medical procedures carry some risk. In the past, the most widely used soft-tissue fillers were based on collagen and sometimes required allergy testing prior to treatment. A newer class of hyaluronic acid fillers is based on a sugar found naturally in human skin. Allergic reaction is extremely rare for these fillers. Your ASDS dermatologist will discuss what filler will work best to fulfill your personal goals.