Forehead Lift Using Botulinum Toxin

Abstract

Background: The principle of dynamic muscular activity affecting eyebrow height and shape is well known. We postulate that similarly, dynamics of the fronto-galea-occipital muscles affect forehead height.

Objectives: To present a forehead lift technique using Botulinum toxin injection and evaluate its clinical efficacy and safety.

Methods: Twenty-nine female patients comprised the study group. Forty units of prepared abobutolinumtoxinA (Dysport, 10 U/0.05 mL) were injected into 4 points in the hair-bearing scalp, simulating the points of frontalis origin. The glabella and forehead regions were treated with 50 U each. Standard photographs and measurements were taken before and at 2 weeks following treatment. Forehead height was measured bilaterally drawing a vertical line from mid-pupil to frontal hairline (MPFH) and from medial canthus to frontal hairline (MCFH). We assessed outcome differences in patients with low vs high forehead (cutoff value 5.5 cm forehead height).

Results: Mean age was 48 years (range, 29-66 years). Two weeks following treatment, mean frontal height had increased significantly in all measurement points (MCFH right: 4.1 ± 1.8 mm, MCFH left 4.4 ± 1.8 mm, MPFH right 4.4 ± 2.0 mm, MPFH left 4.7 ± 2.3 mm; P <0.001). Low forehead subgroup achieved significantly higher forehead lift compared with high forehead subgroup both in MCFH (6.9% ± 2.0% vs 5.3% ± 2.2%, P = 0.043) and MPFH (8.6% ± 2.5% vs 5.7% ± 2.6%, P = 0.008). No adverse events were documented in any participant.

Conclusions: Botulinum toxin type A injection into frontalis origin can effectively and safely extend forehead height in selected patients. The effect of this technique is greater on patients with low foreheads.