By Dr. Mark Kohout, Cosmetic Surgery Specialist
www.drmarkkohout.com.au
Dr. Mark Kohout, RESCU’s Plastic Surgeon, has seen every kind of wrinkle and knows exactly how to freshen up the most furrowed of brows and create a more youthful appearance.
No-one likes wrinkles. But at least crow’s feet and laugh lines around the eyes and mouth can be happily dismissed as the result of a life well lived. Wrinkles on the forehead however tend to be associated with frowning or worrying – two things that make us seem overly serious, tired or worse, downright grumpy.
So, what can be done about those horizontal lines across the forehead and the vertical grooves between the brows known as “elevens” for their resemblance to the numeral?
As we age, the forehead and eyebrows may sag or head south. Frown lines appear due to the action of underlying forehead muscles. These factors lend a heavy and tired look to the forehead and upper eyelids.
Muscle relaxants
No discussion on banishing wrinkles would be complete without mentioning Botox, the most famous of all injectable muscle relaxants, especially when it comes to the vertical lines between the brows. Yes, those pesky “elevens”. Approved by the Australian TGA for use in the treatment of facial wrinkles, it’s very effective in minimising facial lines and wrinkles on the forehead.
Treatment takes only 15 minutes and results last up to six months. You won’t notice the effects immediately because it takes at least a few days to kick in. But interestingly the results actually get better with time. So the more treatments you have, the longer the effects of subsequent injections will last.
Dermal fillers
We’ve spoken about fillers before, but it’s worth mentioning temporary and permanent dermal fillers in the context of forehead wrinkles too. Since these products plump up the skin, they provide an excellent remedy for really deep lines, especially those between the eyebrows that can project a worried and tired look. These fillers take the form of products such as Restylane, Aquamid or even your own fat and we can advise on whether permanent or temporary injectables are best for your needs.
Skin peels
Depending on the depth of wrinkles, you may like to consider a skin peel. They come in a variety of different strengths so your doctor can choose the best formula for your needs. Mild peels, like glycolic, lactic or AHA peels, treat fine wrinkling with minimal or no downtime.
Meanwhile, stronger peels, such as TCA, help reduce the appearance of more significant lines. The five to seven day downtime isn’t too hard to justify when you consider it also addresses uneven pigmentation and a range of other conditions such as acne and dryness to give a smoother, more even tone to skin overall. This is an excellent option if the lines are not too deep and you are looking to improve your skin condition and widespread lines (including around the eyes and mouth.
Brow lift
Another option is an endoscopic browlift to reposition the brow to a higher, more youthful position. This is usually the last option after the above treatments have been considered. It is very effective when the brows have dropped to a point where you are constantly trying to keep them up (and the eyelid skin out of your eyes) so that the forehead lines get deeper and deeper.
Endoscopic browlift can now be done through small “keyhole” incisions within the hairline. As the small muscles of the brow and forehead are lifted, frown lines are weakened. This means the whole area looks smoother giving a brighter, younger look to the entire face.
An endoscopic browlift is usually performed as a day-stay procedure under general anaesthetic or twilight sedation. But if you’re not ready for surgery, there are other options to restoring a youthful, well-rested look and banishing forehead lines.
To discuss your suitability for non-surgical procedures with Dr. Kohout, please phone 1300 551 151 or email info@drmarkkohout.com.au
More info on Dr. Kohout and his work can be found at www.drmarkkohout.com.au
More of Dr. Kohout’s Rescu. blogs:
1. Dr. Kohout discusses the latest lip enhancement treatments to give you luscious, Angelina Jolie style lips
2. Make age spots disappear with expert advice from Dr Mark Kohout, RESCU’s cosmetic surgery specialist
3. From Botox to better body slimming techniques, Dr Kohout explains the latest developments in cosmetic surgery
4. How lipo can transform your body
You can read more of Dr Kohout’s earlier blogs @ rescu.com.au/_blog/Dr-Mark-Kohout-Cosmetic-Surgery
