
The frontalis muscle is the only muscle that raises the eyebrows. It is a large, fan-like muscle that extends from the eyebrow region to the forehead. Its contraction elevates the eyebrows, creating wrinkles in the forehead skin. This muscle is crucial not only for keeping the brows out of our field of vision but also for conveying emotions and non-verbal cues in our daily social interactions. The frontalis muscle is often considered in cosmetic procedures, as its relaxation with wrinkle treatments or tightening through surgery can impact one's appearance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Name | Frontalis Muscle |
| Muscle Type | Forehead Muscle |
| Muscle Structure | Two large fan-like muscles, thin, quadrilateral form, broader than the occipitalis muscle, with longer and paler fibres |
| Muscle Location | Forehead, from the eyebrow region to the hairline |
| Blood Supply | Supraorbital and Supratrochlear arteries |
| Nerve Supply | Frontal nerve, the superior branch of the facial nerve |
| Function | Elevates eyebrows, creates facial expressions, conveys emotions and non-verbal communication |
| Associated Conditions/Issues | Wrinkles, hooding of eyelids, tension, migraine headaches |
| Treatments | Botox, Xeomin, Dysport injections, brow lifts, forehead lifts |
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What You'll Learn

The frontalis muscle is the only elevator muscle for the brows
The frontalis muscle is considered a weak retractor of the upper eyelids. Elevation of the brow can cause 2mm of elevation of the upper eyelid. Contraction of the frontalis muscle causes horizontal furrows in the forehead. The absence of frontalis over the tail end of the brow accounts for brow hooding, often seen with age.
The frontalis muscle is also involved in expression. It is the only muscle that raises the eyebrows, and its function goes beyond simply keeping the brows out of one's visual field. It is also necessary for conveying emotions and nonverbal communication.
The frontalis muscle plays an important role in one's appearance. Plastic surgeons consider the frontalis muscle in cosmetic facial surgery. A hyperactive or tense frontalis muscle can be temporarily relaxed with wrinkle relaxers, such as Botox, Xeomin, or Dysport injections.
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Its contraction causes horizontal forehead wrinkles
The frontalis muscle is the only muscle that raises the eyebrows. It is a thin, quadrilateral-shaped muscle that covers parts of the forehead of the skull. It originates from the galea aponeurotica and inserts at the skin of the eyebrows and nose. Its contraction causes horizontal wrinkles on the forehead, technically known as rhytids.
The frontalis muscle is involved in facial expressions and non-verbal communication. It is also important for appearance, as its contraction can lead to the formation of prominent forehead lines or wrinkles. Some patients may be born with weaker or stronger frontalis muscles, affecting their facial expressions and appearance. Those with weaker frontalis muscles may have smoother skin, while those with stronger frontalis muscles may exhibit more noticeable forehead wrinkles.
The frontalis muscle is often considered in plastic surgery, particularly in procedures involving the forehead and eyebrows. Injecting neuromodulators, such as Botox, into the frontalis muscle can temporarily relax it, reducing its lifting action and smoothing out horizontal wrinkles. However, over-injecting can lead to brow ptosis or droop because the muscle can no longer counterbalance the downward pull of the surrounding muscles.
The frontalis muscle works in conjunction with other muscles in the forehead, including the orbicularis oculi, corrugator, and procerus muscles. These muscles contribute to pulling the eyebrows down, creating a tug-of-war effect. The balance between these muscles determines the position and shape of the eyebrows.
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It is thin, quadrilateral, and adherent to the fascia
The frontalis muscle is the only muscle responsible for raising the eyebrows. It is also involved in facial expressions and non-verbal communication. This muscle is thin, quadrilateral, and adherent to the fascia. It is located in the forehead, extending from the hairline to the eyebrow. There are two frontalis muscles, one on each side of the forehead, with a gap in between.
The frontalis muscle is covered by a thick layer of skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is encased in the galea aponeurotica, a superficial fascia of the forehead. This fascia also originates the muscle, which then inserts into the skin of the eyebrows and nose. The frontalis muscle is the sole elevator of the eyebrows, while other muscles, such as the orbicularis oculi, corrugators, and procerus, pull the brows down. This creates a tug-of-war effect, with the dominant muscle group determining the position of the eyebrows.
The frontalis muscle is an important consideration in cosmetic facial surgery, particularly in procedures involving the forehead and eyebrows. Its contraction causes horizontal wrinkles in the forehead, which can be smoothed out with muscle relaxers or neuromodulators like Botox. However, over-injecting neuromodulators into the frontalis muscle can lead to brow ptosis or drooping due to the loss of counterbalance against the downward pull of the other muscles.
The frontalis muscle is a key player in our day-to-day social interactions, conveying emotions and nonverbal cues through eyebrow movements. Its function goes beyond keeping the brows out of our field of vision. The muscle's weakness in retracting the upper eyelids is also notable, with its contraction causing a slight elevation of the upper eyelid.
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The frontalis muscle is preserved in plastic surgery
The frontalis muscle is the only muscle that raises the eyebrows. It extends from the eyebrow region to the top of the forehead, and its contraction causes horizontal wrinkles in the forehead. This muscle is essential not only for keeping the brows out of one's visual field but also for conveying emotions and nonverbal communication. Given its role in facial expression, the frontalis muscle is carefully considered in plastic surgery.
In plastic surgery, the frontalis muscle is significant in cosmetic facial surgery, particularly in procedures involving the forehead and eyebrows. Patients seeking facial cosmetic surgery often present with concerns about forehead lines or wrinkles, which can be influenced by various factors, including sun damage, muscle tension, and genetics. Plastic surgeons must have a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the frontalis muscle to achieve successful surgical outcomes.
One common procedure involving the frontalis muscle is brow lift surgery, which can be performed alone or in combination with other procedures such as upper and lower eyelid surgery. This surgery aims to rejuvenate the brow and improve the appearance of the forehead by reducing wrinkles and elevating the brows. Preserving the frontalis muscle during these procedures is crucial to maintaining the functionality and expressiveness of the eyebrows.
Frontalis suspension surgery is another technique used in plastic surgery, particularly for treating blepharoptosis (droopy eyelids). This procedure involves suspending the frontalis muscle to elevate the upper eyelids and improve eyelid symmetry. The choice of materials and techniques for frontalis suspension surgery can influence the cosmetic results and recurrence rates. For example, a frontalis sling operation using a silicone rod has been shown to provide better cosmetic results and lower recurrence rates compared to using preserved fascia lata.
Additionally, muscle relaxers and wrinkle relaxers, such as Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin, may be used before or after brow surgery to relax the frontalis muscle and smooth out wrinkles. Fillers, such as Belotero, can also be used to fill in creases and folds in the forehead region. These non-surgical approaches to treating the frontalis muscle can enhance the appearance of the forehead and brows while preserving the muscle's functionality.
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Botox injections can relax the muscle
The frontalis muscle is the only muscle that raises the eyebrows. It extends from the eyebrow region to the top of the forehead and originates from the galea aponeurotica. This muscle is also responsible for wrinkles in the forehead skin. When Botox is injected into the muscles that pull the eyebrows downward, such as the corrugator muscles, the depressor supercilii muscles, and the orbicularis oculi, they relax, allowing the frontalis muscle to elevate the eyebrows without resistance. This results in a subtle yet natural-looking brow lift.
Botox injections can be used to relax the muscles that lower the eyebrows, creating a more youthful and refreshed appearance. This technique can be used to treat a single eyebrow to correct asymmetry or both eyebrows to achieve a brow lift. The dosage and injection technique may vary depending on the patient's facial anatomy, muscle strength, and desired outcome. It is important to take a cautious approach, especially with new patients, and to manage expectations by being realistic about the achievable results.
The corrugator and procerus muscles, along with the orbicularis oculi, pull the eyebrows down, while the frontalis muscle elevates them. By injecting Botox into the orbicularis oculi muscle, for example, the eyebrow can be lifted with minimal risk and side effects. This muscle is involved in restraining the eyebrow and pulling it down, so by relaxing it slightly, a lift can be achieved. Similarly, injecting Botox into the corrugator and depressor supercilii muscles can help counteract their downward pull, resulting in a natural-looking brow lift.
Botox brow lifts are a popular, non-invasive treatment option that can elevate the eyebrows, resulting in a more alert and youthful appearance. This procedure opens up the eye area, enhances the brow bone definition, and reduces dynamic wrinkles between the eyebrows. It is a safe and effective alternative to invasive brow lift surgery, with minimal downtime and side effects. However, it is important to note that brow lifts using Botox usually result in subtle refreshing effects rather than dramatic changes.
Botox injections can be strategically placed into specific muscles to achieve a subtle lift of the brows. This can be done in isolation or in combination to achieve bespoke results. For example, injecting Botox into the lateral part of the orbicularis oculi muscle can raise and arch the brow, making the eyes appear more open. Additionally, injecting Botox above the outer part of the eyebrows can elevate droopy brows and provide a lift. This treatment is particularly effective for dynamic wrinkles, which are creases formed by muscle contractions in the upper face, such as forehead lines and crow's feet.
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Frequently asked questions
The frontalis muscle is the only muscle that raises the eyebrows.
The frontalis muscle is involved in facial expressions and non-verbal communication. It is also responsible for wrinkles on the forehead.
Removing the frontalis muscle during surgery can cause the eyebrows to feel heavy and develop hooding of the eyelids.











































