Neurotoxins like Botox are widely known and loved for their ability to smooth forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet, but did you know they have another super cool use when injected into your forehead? Meet the Botox brow lift (often called Browtox), which subtly lifts your brows to give you a fresher, brighter look—even if you haven’t gotten the recommended eight hours of sleep a night in years.
A Botox brow lift is temporary, but it may be just what you’re looking for if you want a subtle brow lift effect without going under the knife and dealing with the associated costs and downtime of plastic surgery. Below, I got the scoop from three experts on their take on Botox brow lift, along with how long it lasts, what the pros and cons are, and whether or not they think it’s worth it.
Can Botox Lift Your Brows?
Yes, “you can effectively create a subtle but aesthetically pleasing outer brow lift by injecting Botox into the fibers of the orbicularis oculi—the muscle that surrounds the eye and is located at the tail of the eyebrow,” says the dermatologist. Rachel WestbayMD.
Basically, strategically injecting a neurotoxin (such as Botox, Jeuveau, Xeomin, Dysport, or Daxxify) into certain muscles at the tail of your brow can relax those muscles that pull the brows down. “This allows the muscles that raise the eyebrows to work more efficiently, resulting in a slight lift,” she says. Christina Kitso, registered aesthetic and infusion nurse. This technique can help open up your eyes and create a more ~refreshed~ look.
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How long does a Botox brow lift last?
Similar to injecting other areas of the face, the brow lift effect from Botox will generally last about three to four months on average, Kitsos explains. However, factors such as your metabolism, muscle strength, dosage, and the type of neurotoxin used can affect how long your brow lift lasts. For example, Daxxify lasts about six months on average for most patients (but costs almost twice as much compared to Botox or Xeomin).
Is a Botox brow lift worth it?
Whether a Botox brow lift will be “worth it” for you depends on a number of factors, including your expectations. A Botox brow lift is a non-invasive way to achieve a subtle lift in the brow area without surgery—but the key word there is “subtle.” If you’re expecting a surgical-level lift that gives you inches more space below your browbones, you probably won’t achieve that look and may be disappointed with your results.
It’s also important to keep in mind that Botox brow lift is only temporary and only lasts a few months, Kitsos reminds. “If you want something permanent, surgery is the only other effective option,” he notes. In that case, “Consult with a plastic surgeon to determine what’s the right option for you,” Kitsos says.
However, Dr. Westbay notes that most of her patients are very happy with the results of their Botox brow lift. “The question of its value, of course, depends on how desirable the result is in relation to one’s budget—and this is true of all cosmetic procedures,” adds Dr. Westbay.
What are the disadvantages of Botox brow lift?
The disadvantages of a Botox brow lift are generally longevity and price. Because your results only last a few months, you’ll need regular treatments to maintain them, which can get quite expensive over time. While it’s a great option for those who want a subtle lift, it may not achieve the same results as surgery for those looking for a more significant change in brow position, Kitsos says.
There are also possible side effects, such as “temporary bruising, redness, or mild pain at the injection site,” Kitsos says. However, in terms of results, any drawbacks are closely related to your injector, injection technique and whether or not they have used the correct number of units.
Some potential concerns that patients may have, Dr. Westbay says, could be the placement of the injection, which when done incorrectly could potentially result in a drooping of the brow instead of a lift (although this is very rare). If your injection is placed too high above the tail of your brow, it could potentially inadvertently hit the lower frontal muscle fibers and could paradoxically lead to drooping of the brow. In the glandular complex (AKA where you get what people refer to as “11” lines), misalignment can also lead to brow heaviness/depression and in rarer cases, could potentially cause the eyelid to droop, referred to as fall. Likewise, injecting too high above the longus muscle (the muscle between your eyebrows) can cause the middle brow to droop, giving the appearance of an angry face. “These usually subside as the results wear off,” Kitsos says.
However, this is why it is so important to go to an injector you trust and talk about the results you are looking for. Go for a consultation to meet your injector before doing any treatment and research the practice. Look at treated before and after pictures, previous DM patients to ask them about their experience and check reviews.
Is botox better than brow lift surgery?
Botox is not necessarily “better” than a surgical brow lift. it depends on the look you’re going for. “Brow lift surgery may be more appropriate for people with more significant brow droop, while Botox injections may be better for people with mild to moderate sagging or those looking for a less invasive option,” says Dr. Westbay.
The desired height of your eyebrows also plays a role. “With the correct placement of Botox, the eyebrow can be lifted 1 to 3 mm in height,” says the dermatologist Ryan Turner, MD. “In comparison, a surgical brow lift can achieve over 5mm of lift.”
Brow lift surgery also offers long-lasting results, often several years, compared to Botox, which only lasts a few months. However, Botox simply involves a few jabs from a tiny needle, while brow lift surgery is a more invasive procedure, requiring incisions and one to two weeks of swelling and bruising. “Ultimately, the choice comes down to your goals, tolerance for downtime, budget and extent of remediation needed,” Kitsos says.
Does Botox Brow Lift Make The Forehead Look Smaller?
“A brow lift can give the illusion of a slightly smaller forehead,” Kitsos explains, but it won’t actually make much of a difference. Botox brow lift primarily affects the position and shape of the brows, creating a more lifted appearance. but it shouldn’t change the look of your overall forehead. These lifts only raise the eyebrows by 1 to 2 mm, which is not enough to really change the size of your forehead.
How much does a Botox brow lift cost?
On average, the cost for a Botox brow lift can range from $300 to $1,000 per treatment session. According to Dr. Westbay, the price will vary depending on the location’s competitive pricing, the injector’s credentials (board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons tend to charge more than NPs, PAs, and especially medspas), units used, and which muscle groups are treated. “A full lift, meaning injections into the brow muscles and tail, could run from $350 to as much as $1,000 in cities like Manhattan,” says Dr. Westbay. “For the queue alone, prices can range from $100 to $350,” she says. It’s important to consult a qualified professional for an accurate estimate and cost estimate tailored to your specific needs—no Groupons, plz.
Botox eyebrow lift after treatment:
Immediately after injecting Botox or other neurotoxins, there may be a slight raised bump that subsides briefly after ice and pressure in the office, warns Dr. Turner. She recommends icing at home to minimize the risk of bruising (try a reusable ice pack or an ice roller), as well as limiting physical activity for a few hours after the injection. She also suggests avoiding facial compression, such as lying on your face for a massage, for a few days after the procedure.
Final Verdict:
A Botox brow lift can give your brows a slightly taller appearance—anywhere from 1 to 3 mm in height, to be exact—without the high price and downtime of a brow lift surgery. However, according to Dr. Turner, the effects of Botox and other neurotoxins are temporary, so a repeat treatment is needed every few months to maintain the results. And of course, as with any type of injectable, there are side effects such as bruising and swelling, as well as possible risks of eyebrow drooping. All of this is why it is so important to research your injector and consult before trying the treatment. You’ll never regret spending a little extra time and money to make sure your results are good, bb.
Meet the experts:
- Rachel WestbayMD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Marble Medical in New York, New York. She is also a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital.
- Ryan TurnerMD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, New York, who is its founder his own practice. He is also its co-founder TRNR skina range that combines actives and botanicals.
- Christina KitsoRN, is a registered cosmetic nurse with over 15 years of experience in injectable products such as Botox and fillers. It is based in Los Angeles, California, and New York, New York. She is also its founder her own skin care line which features serums, cleansers and masks.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Iman Balagam is beauty factor in Cosmopolitan with nearly three years of experience writing beauty stories ranging from phenol peels to laser hair removal services. She is an authority on all skin types, but specializes in Botox, thanks to years of personally researching and testing various facial treatments and services.
Iman Balagam is a freelance writer who has been working in the beauty industry for almost five years. She has written and contributed to leading women’s magazines and digital brands such as Harper’s BAZAAR, Allure, Byrdie, Elle and more. She will try *almost* anything and spends a lot of time looking for new ways to store her beauty products in a small apartment in New York.
