Forehead WrinklesForehead Wrinkles

Forehead wrinkles include horizontal lines across the forehead and vertical lines between the eyebrows, known as glabellar lines or frown lines. They begin as dynamic wrinkles created by repeated contraction of the frontalis muscle, which raises the eyebrows, and the corrugator and procerus muscles, which produce frowning expressions. As the skin loses collagen and elasticity over time, these expression-driven creases can become permanently etched and remain visible when the face is at rest.

3 min read · Last updated: 2026-02-08 · Reviewed by Dr. Julia Tzu , MD, FAAD, FACMS

• Forehead lines develop from repeated contraction of the frontalis and corrugator muscles during facial expressions [2]
• Lines between the eyebrows, also called glabellar lines or frown lines, form from frowning and squinting [1]
• Botulinum toxin works by blocking chemical signals that cause muscles to contract [3]
• Dynamic wrinkles appear during muscle movement, while static wrinkles remain visible even when the face is at rest [5]

• Horizontal lines running across the forehead
• Vertical lines between the eyebrows (glabellar region)
• Lines that deepen when raising eyebrows or frowning
• Creases visible even when face is relaxed (static lines)
• Appearance of looking tired, worried, or angry
• Loss of smooth forehead texture
• Skin laxity in the brow area

• Desire for professional evaluation of cosmetic treatment options
• Interest in neurotoxin treatments like Botox
• Concerns about the appearance affecting confidence or self-image
• Wanting to understand the difference between dynamic and static lines
• Interest in preventive treatments before lines become permanent

Have questions about forehead wrinkles? Our team is here to help.

• Repeated facial expressions (raising eyebrows, frowning, squinting)
• Frontalis muscle contraction creating horizontal lines
• Corrugator muscle contraction creating vertical frown lines
• Natural aging and collagen loss
• Sun damage and photoaging
• Genetic predisposition to expression lines

We offer a service to help manage this condition: Botox .

• Dynamic wrinkles (visible only during expression) respond well to neurotoxin treatment
• Static wrinkles (visible at rest) may require combination treatments
• Regular neurotoxin treatments can help prevent lines from deepening
• Results from botulinum toxin typically last 3-4 months
• Consistent treatment over time may reduce the frequency of needed maintenance

Triple board-certified cosmetic and surgical dermatologist · Manhattan's Financial District

Trained at Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Penn & NYU

✓ Softening lines while keeping the brow mobile

The forehead is the easiest area to over-treat, which is how brows end up heavy and frozen. Dr. Julia Tzu doses around your own facial movement to soften horizontal and frown lines while keeping the brow expressive – the natural-looking results she's been known for across more than 15 years of cosmetic dermatology.

More About Dr. Tzu →

1. What are the symptoms of Forehead Wrinkles?
2. When should you seek care for Forehead Wrinkles?
3. What causes Forehead Wrinkles?
4. How are Forehead Wrinkles treated?
5. Prognosis
6. FAQs
7. Sources

This article draws from 5 peer-reviewed sources.

• [5] PMC – Wrinkles (Review Article)

• [1] Mayo Clinic – Wrinkles Symptoms and Causes
• [2] Cleveland Clinic – Wrinkles & Fine Lines: Types, Causes & Prevention
• [3] Cleveland Clinic – Treatments to Reduce Wrinkles

• [4] AAD – Wrinkle Remedies

Medically reviewed by Dr. Julia Tzu , MD, FAAD, FACMS · Last reviewed: 2026-08-31