Frontalis muscle: function and forehead wrinkles

The frontalis is the broad, thin muscle that covers the forehead. It is part of the occipitofrontalis and inserts into the skin of the eyebrow region. When it contracts, it lifts the eyebrows and forms the horizontal forehead lines, as in an expression of surprise.

The frontalis is the only eyebrow lifter. On the opposite side are the depressors: the corrugator muscle, the procerus and the lateral part of the orbicularis oculi. The position of the eyebrow results from the balance between these forces.

Why does it matter in facial harmonization?

Forehead lines are dynamic wrinkles caused by contraction of the frontalis. Over the years, they can become etched even at rest. Many people use the frontalis all the time to compensate for heavy eyelids or low eyebrows, which deepens the lines.

This changes the planning. Blocking the frontalis too much in someone who relies on it to keep the eyes open can leave the eyebrow low and the eyelid heavy. That is why the assessment of the upper third looks at the forehead, the glabella and eyebrow position together, and often treats the depressors in the same session.

What care is involved in treatment?

Botulinum toxin in the forehead is an established use. The most cited unwanted effects are eyebrow drop, a feeling of heaviness, asymmetry and exaggerated lifting of the lateral part of the eyebrow. Injection points, doses and technique are defined by the licensed professional, after assessment.

In Harmy

The Harmy marking has no dedicated point for the forehead. The Glabella point covers treatment between the eyebrows, and the forehead assessment continues to be done at the consultation.

Also called: frontalis, frontal belly of the occipitofrontalis.