Botox Brow Lifts
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Almost all of us develop lines in between our brows as we age and our skin begins to lose elastin in that area. To soften these lines patients can undergo a surgical procedure called a brow lift or they can use a neuromodulator like Botox to raise the eyebrows. In this article we’ll explore what a Botox brow lift is, who may benefit from one, and how much it costs.
What is a Botox brow lift?
A Botox brow lift is a procedure that uses Botox to raise the eyebrows and eliminate the frown lines in between the eyes. The Botox injections relax the muscles creating the frown lines which allows the forehead to pull the brow upwards.
Small doses can also be placed under the eyebrow or at the tip of the eyebrow to release the pull from the orbicularis oculi, the circular muscle that goes all around the eye and also pulls the middle and outer brow down. See photo below.
What types of neuromodulators can you use for a brow lift?
Some patients may find that they build resistance to Botox or Dysport due to a protein coating that they build antibodies to (more info on this can be found here). These patients are typically able to use a “Naked” Botulinum toxin like Xeomin to obtain the same results.
Who should get a Botox brow lift?
Almost everyone is a good candidate for glabellar Botulinum Toxin injections. Those with heavy lids, heavy brows, flat brows, or with 11’s lines will see the most benefit. To read more about general information about Botox read the article below.
Is a Botox brow lift safe?
Botox brow lifts are safe and fast when performed by trained injectors. To ensure that you’re getting the best results and the safest procedure make sure to find a trained injector like Ali from Elite Medical & Aesthetics. Keep reading to find out more about some of the potential side effects of this procedure.
What should I do to prepare for a Botox brow lift?
As with any procedure, talk to your injecting provider about what to expect and how to prepare for your appointment. In general though, some of the major things to do before your Botox brow lift might include:
- Researching your injector thoroughly. Check out their reviews and their credentials prior to booking.
- Tell your injector what medication you’re currently taking.
- Consider taking zinc prior to your appointment. Zinc may help the Botox last longer.
- Schedule your appointment for a good time when you can have a moment to recover without work or activities.
- Consider icing the area prior to being injected if you’re nervous. It will make the procedure less painful and may reduce post injection bruising.
Some things to consider not doing before your appointment include:
- Taking things that will thin your blood like aspirin, ibuprofin, omega-3, ginseng, and fish oil (unless prescribed for a health condition) as they can increase bleeding and bruising.
- Smoking cigarettes, smoking impacts how long it takes for you to recover.
- Drinking alcohol prior to your appointment. It has the potential to slow recovery time and make bruising worse. You also cannot legally consent to your procedure if under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Using skincare products that could irritate your skin prior to your appointment.
- Wearing makeup to your appointment. Your injector will need to easily see where they’re injecting.
For more info on what to do and what to avoid before getting Botox, check out our guide.
What is a Botox brow lift like?
A Botox brow lift is a very simple outpatient procedure that generally takes under an hour. The procedure itself may only be a few minutes. A good portion of the appointment will be a discussion with the injector and some prep. The injections themselves will be brief and shouldn’t be too painful, feeling like minor pricks. If you are worried about the pain involved, talk to your injecting provider about this, they may have solutions.
When will I see results from a Botox brow lift?
What is Botox brow lift aftercare?
Most injectors will have specific aftercare instructions so be sure to follow your specific injectors instructions, but common consideration for aftercare treatment may include:
- Avoiding lying down for 4 hours after your injections. This is a theoretical precaution to stop the medication from migrating.
- Wait at least 8 hours before resuming strenuous exercise and preferably 24 hours. Exercise increases blood flow to the face which theoretically could also cause migration of the medication. Sweat may also irritate the injection sites.
- Use a cold compress or ice pack on the area injected to reduce redness and swelling if you need it.
Is there any downtime after a Botox brow lift?
There is very little downtime for Botulinum Toxin injections. Following the aftercare instructions above, you should be able to get back to work or other light activities immediately after.
The most common after effects to plan for are small bumps that look like mosquito bites, those typically resolve within 30-45 minutes. Minor redness will resolve within this amount of time as well. Very rarely does bruising occur and it usually just looks like a tiny freckle, usually under the eyes.
What are the side effects of a Botox brow lift?
Mild side effects of Botox brow lifts can include:
- Soreness
- Headaches
- Pain or swelling at injection site
- Temporary Numbness
- Mild bruising
Talk to your injector about all the potential side effects prior to receiving your treatment.
Can a botox brow lift help hooded eyes?
Hooded eyes occur when an extra portion of skin covers the crease of the eye. This gives the eyes the appearance of the eyelid being smaller. This can be genetic or occur with aging. When the muscles that pull the brows down are deactivated with Botox this allows the brows to lift, therefore lifting the extra “hooded” skin.
How much does a Botox brow lift cost?
A Botox brow lift can take anywhere from 20-40 units of Botox (or up to 120 if Dysport is used). This can cost anywhere from $200-$500+ depending on units and what your provider charges. For more on pricing click the pink button below.
How long does a Botox brow lift last?
Botulinum Toxin injections will last 3-4 months for most people between the brows in the 11’s area (the glabella). The small doses around the eyes to aid in the brow lift may only last 6-8 weeks because the dose is smaller and it’s a high movement area. For tips on how to make your Botox last longer, read the blog below.
How does a botox brow lift compare to a surgical brow lift?
A surgical brow lift will lift the brows permanently (until further aging occurs at least) whereas a Botox brow lift is only temporary. The Botox can also only do so much depending on each person’s unique anatomy.
For someone with heavy lids, they would likely need an eyelid surgery called a blepharoplasty. This surgery is also permanent (until further aging occurs). So a younger person, or someone looking for a mild change, could consider the Botox brow lift. An older person, or someone seeking a more drastic and permanent change, should consult with a board certified Plastic Surgeon to talk about surgical options.
Is a Botox brow lift worth it?
Aesthetic procedures like a Botox brow lift, are a personal choice that only you can decide on. A Botox brow lift may be the right answer for those with heavy lids, heavy brows, or 11’s lines. If you would like to learn more, and are located in the Lone Tree, CO ares, book a consult at Elite Medical & Aesthetics below.
