These days, announcing you’re going to get Botox is like saying you’re running to the grocery store. Injectable therapy has become popular over the past two decades as a solution to reducing the appearance of existing wrinkles and preventing the formation of new ones, as well as various medical uses, such as excessive sweating. It’s so common, in fact, that botulinum toxin injections (which include the brand name Botox as well as injectables like Dysport and Xeomin) were the most commonly prescribed cosmetic treatment in 2019 and 2020, according to American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
The versatility of Botox is probably a major reason why it is so popular. When it comes to cosmetic uses alone, people rely on Botox to reduce forehead wrinkles, lift the upper lip, or even create a temporary brow lift. But what exactly is a botox brow lift and what can it do for your face? Keep scrolling to learn more about the popular procedure.
First, what is Botox and how does it work?
You probably already know that Botox can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It does this thanks to a protein called botulinum toxin, says John Layke, DO, plastic surgeon and co-founder of Beverly Hills MD. When a provider injects small amounts into a muscle, the botulinum toxin temporarily prohibits muscle contraction. “These proteins work by blocking the receptors that allow muscle contraction,” explains Dr. Layke. This temporary paralysis of the muscles can prevent the movement that causes the skin to wrinkle, and therefore, Botox can contribute to the appearance of smoother skin and fewer or less pronounced wrinkles.
Botox treatments are not permanent and results usually last three to four months. Since 2002, Botox has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cosmetic use to treat “crow’s feet” (at the sides of the eyes), forehead lines, or “11 lines” between the eyebrows. (Thus, additional off-label uses are common, and many experts believe they are also safe.) Common side effects of Botox include bruising or swelling at the injection site, while rare side effects include temporary headaches or eyelid droop that may last a few months.
So what is Botox Brow Lift?
Since Botox can temporarily stop your ability to contract a muscle, when injected into the forehead, it can lift your eyebrows slightly. For a Botox brow lift, “Botox is used to balance the muscles of the forehead to create a lifting effect on the forehead,” explains Dr. Layke. To create this effect, the doctor will use “a range of 20 to 30 units, which are placed in the central part (Glabella) between the eyes and along the brow in a specific pattern to achieve a lift of at least 5 mm”. Using Botox to lift the brows is considered an “off-label” use of the injection, but it’s still a common practice among many board-certified injecters.
A brow lift is a common strategy to create a youthful appearance, as the brow can droop with age as the muscles stretch and the skin loses some elasticity. according to Mount Sinai. At the same time, a brow lift can smooth forehead wrinkles and make the eyes look more awake. Injectors may use Botox or other botulinum toxin injections to create a temporary eyebrow lift.
A Botox brow lift is less invasive than a surgical brow lift, which requires incisions and a week or more of downtime, according to American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. On the other hand, a surgical brow lift can have a more dramatic effect because the surgeon can remove excess muscle and skin from the forehead area, which can ultimately make the skin on the forehead look taut.
Can a Botox Brow Lift Go Wrong?
You may have seen someone online or on TV with an extremely raised eyebrow that creates a permanently surprised look. If you’re thinking about getting a brow lift but want to avoid it, make sure you check out before and after photos of clients your doctor has treated to get a feel for their work. “Typically, if placed incorrectly a joint results in peaking of the outer brow, creating a ‘spock-like’ look,” says Dr Layke.
If it’s already too late for that, you’re not necessarily out of luck. Injectors can fix a Botox brow lift gone wrong by injecting “small amounts of additional Botox in the right areas,” says Dr. Layke. If the entire brow is already raised too high for your liking, unfortunately there’s not much you can do. You’ll just have to wait 10 to 12 weeks for the botox to wear off and the brows to fall back.
What else you need to know before Botox brow lift
If you’re interested in the treatment, the best way to find out if Botox brow lift is right for you is to meet with an experienced, specialized injector. (A board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist are your best options, although other doctors can administer Botox after training, as can registered nurses and physician assistants in some states.) They can evaluate your brow shape in the office and give you update predictions about how the injections will change the appearance of your eyebrows. Note the word “predictions” as even experienced injectors cannot say for sure how the results will look on your face.
Typically a brow lift with 20-30 units of Botox will cost about $350 to $500, says Dr. Layke. After you are injected, you should begin to notice the effects of Botox within first 48 hours Treatment.
Whether you want to smooth out forehead wrinkles, create more space between your browbones and eyelids, or just want to look more awake, a Botox brow lift can help you achieve the look you want. Just make sure you do your research and go with a provider you trust.
