A Botox brow lift is a non-invasive alternative procedure to a surgical brow lift. With just a few injections and in just a few minutes, the procedure can help subtly lift the brow. Botox is effective at reducing the appearance of frown lines, and the results can last several months. More than 6.2 million Botox procedures were performed worldwide in 2019, making this an exceptionally popular procedure and one that our patients ask about frequently.
But what exactly is a Botox brow lift and how does the treatment work?
What is Botox?
Botox is a treatment that has been used in the beauty industry for decades. It also has uses in the medical industry.
Made from botulinum A toxin, Botox injections temporarily paralyze muscles, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Botox injections work by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles, causing them to freeze. Because the muscle can no longer contract, wrinkles relax, soften and become less noticeable.
Botox is commonly used to address:
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
- Fine lines between the eyebrows
- TMJ
For those who want a more youthful look, Botox brow lifts are a great alternative to surgery.
How Do Botox Brow Lifts Work?
Botox brow lifts use Botox injections to create the same or similar results as a surgical brow lift. When done properly, this type of brow lift will soften glabellar lines, or those horizontal lines that stretch across the forehead.
Botox injections will allow your forehead muscles to relax, elevating the brow and creating a more youthful appearance.
The treatment works similarly to any other Botox injection procedure. Injections are made in the treatment area to freeze the muscles underneath the skin.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Botox Brow Lift?
Adults over the age of 18 can receive a Botox brow lift, but it is important to ensure that the treatment is performed by a licensed professional.
Good candidates for this procedure are individuals who have:
- Moderate to severe frown lines between the brows. These are caused by years of contracting the frontalis muscles whenever we raise our eyebrows.
- Drooping or hooding upper eyelids. Over time and as we age, droopy tissue can accumulate, leading to a tired or angry-looking appearance. In some cases, the droop can be so dramatic that it obstructs the patient’s vision.
You may not be a good candidate for Botox injections if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What Causes Frown Lines?
Frown lines can be caused by many things, but age is usually the culprit. Other causes can include:
- Genetics
- Sun damage (exposure to UV rays can lead to deeper wrinkles and fine lines)
- Stress
- Alcohol
- Smoking
Repeated frowning, squinting and other facial expressions can also cause frown lines.
Can Botox Also Lift Your Eyelids?
Many patients are interested in a Botox brow lift because they also want to get a subtle lift in their eyelids. Elevating the brow also helps gently lift the eyelid. We’ll make injections along the tail of the brow, revealing some of the eyelid in the process.
That said, a Botox brow lift may not be the best option if you want a more dramatic lift in your eyelids. In this case, we may recommend eyelid surgery.
The Advantages of a Botox Brow Lift Over a Surgical Brow Lift
Many patients come into our office wanting a Botox brow lift because they want a more youthful appearance but don’t want to go under the knife. It’s a valid concern because with any surgery comes risk.
There are many advantages to choosing a Botox brow lift over a surgical lift.
A Natural Look
One big advantage of a Botox brow lift is that it produces natural, subtle results. Injections can help reshape the brow while allowing your natural features to shine through and turning back the clock.
Surgical brow lifts can sometimes create an unnatural, surprised look. And because surgery is permanent, correcting the results can be difficult.
With Botox, if you’re unhappy with the results, they will eventually fade away after a few months.
Non-Invasive
Many patients prefer Botox brow lifts because they’re non-invasive. Surgical brow lifts, while effective and long-lasting, are invasive and have greater risks compared to a simple injection.
Unlike with a surgical procedure, you can get right back to work and your normal routine after your appointment.
There’s also a greater risk of complications with a surgical procedure, including:
- Hair loss
- Scars
- Pain and headaches
- Infection
Invasive procedures such as a surgical brow lift can also have a lengthy recovery period. You may be required to take time off of work to heal.
Comparable Results
When a Botox brow lift is performed by an experienced injector, the results are comparable to a surgical brow lift.
While Botox brow lifts aren’t permanent, the results can last up to four-six months. This means that you can maintain your look without having to return to our office too frequently. Best of all, you can avoid having to undergo surgery to achieve your desired look.
What to Expect During the Brow Lift Procedure
A Botox brow lift is a straightforward procedure. You’ll be in and out of the office before you know it. But first, we’ll have a consultation to discuss your needs and the potential risks. Some patients will need to stop taking their blood-thinning medications, but we will discuss this in greater detail during our consultation.
Once we’re ready to get started, you’ll find that the procedure is quick and simple.
In most cases, the treatment takes less than 20 minutes. Many patients come in for their appointment on their lunch breaks.
Is the Procedure Painful?
Many patients wonder whether the procedure will hurt, and the answer is - not usually.
Most patients find that the procedure doesn’t hurt at all. In fact, many don’t even request numbing cream or local anesthesia.
That said, some patients are more sensitive than others. If you know that you’re sensitive to injections, then we may also recommend applying a topical anesthetic an hour before the procedure to minimize the risk of discomfort.
We can also apply a special cream after the procedure or provide ice to help alleviate immediate discomfort. You should be able to get right back to your day after your appointment.
How Much Botox is Needed?
How much Botox is needed for this procedure? It depends on several factors, including your own unique features and goals.
Most patients will need:
- 15-30 units for lines along the brow
- 10-18 units for horizontal lines along the forehead
- 20-35 units for glabellar lines between the brows
Men may need more Botox because they have more prominent facial muscles. For people wanting reduced baby botox dosages those numbers can be cut in half.
We’ll discuss how much Botox you will need during your consultation. The number of units you need will affect the cost of the procedure.
Aftercare
Once the treatment is complete, you can go on with your normal routine. We will discuss aftercare in greater detail, but there are a few important things you’ll want to do right after your treatment:
- Avoid massaging or rubbing the treatment area
- Avoid laying down all the way for at least four hours
- Avoid exercise for at least 24-48 hours
- Avoid wearing makeup or using skincare products for at least 12 hours
Increased blood flow or laying down too soon can cause the Botox to migrate and affect the end results.
It’s important to remember that Botox is not a permanent solution. To maintain your new look, you’ll need to come back every 3-4 months for treatment.
Are There Any Risks with a Botox Brow Lift?
Botox injections are considered a safe and effective procedure, but there is always a risk of side effects with any procedure. The great news is that even if you do experience side effects, they typically disappear within a week.
Mild side effects can include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Soreness
- Numbness
- Headaches
- Bruising
During your consultation, we will discuss the potential side effects that you may experience.
Serious side effects are rare, but they can include:
- Droopy eyelids or brows
- Trouble breathing
- Speech changes
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
If you experience any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention right away.
How Quickly Can You See Results?
The great thing about Botox injections is that they produce quick results. Most people see results within a week of their appointment, but for others, it can take a month to see any changes.
Injections can last anywhere from three to four months, but some people will have their results last six months.
Final Thoughts
Botox brow lifts are a great alternative to a surgical brow lift. The procedure is quick, non-invasive and offers comparable results to its surgical counterpart.
If you want to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles between your brows, a Botox brow lift is a great option.
Contact our office today to learn more about Botox brow lifts, how we can help you achieve your desired look, and book your consultation.
