Frown lines, forehead creases and sagging eyebrows can age a person faster than almost any other condition. A brow lift procedure rejuvenates the entire upper face and leaves us looking less tired and angry, as well as taking years off of our appearance. Traditional brow lift surgery still has downtime and surgical risk involved. The question remains, can we use Botox to raise eyebrows or forehead area?
A Botox brow lift is a type of procedure that treats frown lines between our brows. It also elevates the height of our eyebrows with Botox Cosmetic (botulinum toxin type A) injections. Botox smoothes out wrinkles by weakening and relaxing the muscles the cause skin to wrinkle. Apart from smoothing out worry and frown lines, the lifting effect by that the Botox Cosmetic injections create, not only raises the ends of the eyebrows into a more pleasing arch, but also opens the eyes, reducing the "hooded" appearance so common in middle aged eyes.
BOTOX BROW LIFT TECHNIQUE
The procedure to use botox to raise eyebrows removes forehead lines, raise sagging eyebrows and reduce the appearance of upper eyelid hooding. A small amount of Botox needs to be injected above the lateral aspect of the eyebrows to lift droopy brows and provide a lift. By skillfully injecting small amounts of "baby Botox" into key areas of the glabella and forehead areas, the forehead will be raised and we look more relaxed with a more youthful appearance.
There are many ways to inject Botox in the forehead, depending on a patient's anatomy. If there are very low set droopy brows, the procerus muscle needs to be injected (the muscle between the eyebrows) and a carefully placed amount of Botox around the orbicularis oculi muscles (the muscles around the eyes) to pull down the tail of the brow. In addition, there are times when the upper portion of the forehead needs injection to relax the forehead muscle and this helps pull the brows up more.
Non-surgical brow lifts are much preferred over surgical brow lifts since surgery can give a very unnatural "surprised" look. In addition, there are considerable complications from surgical brow lifts including hair loss from the incisions, scars, and localized pain and headaches from the surgery. Thus, the subtle yet elegant enhancement of the non-surgical brow lift using botulinum toxin, or Botox is much preferred.
BOTOX EYEBROW LIFT COST
The cost of Botox to raise eyebrows is priced per unit and depends on the number of units injected. It typically takes between 4-10 units of Botox to lift the brows at $12-$15 per unit. Depending on where one lives and how much product is used, doctors' estimate the cost to be anywhere between $500 and $1,000 per session, with results lasting up to six months.
WHEN SHOULD ONE EXPECT THE RESULTS?
Both the results and recovery from Botox treatments are relatively quick. The process takes mere minutes, and one can start seeing results within a week. However, a 2017 study found that significant results weren't noted until about one month after the initial injections. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Botox injections last about three to four months on average. Some treatments can even last up to half a year.
The short recovery time is one of the reasons why many people choose Botox over surgery. After the procedure, one should be able to get back to his everyday schedule - even work or school. Still, the AAD recommends that work out must be avoided for at least two hours after the injections.
HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST?
The effects of Botox can be seen within three to five days after the injections. The full effects of Botox however are noticeable after fourteen days. The delayed onset is the time it takes for the botulinum toxin to react with the body. The effects of Botox injections can last three to four months depending on the patient.
EYEBROW DROOP AFTER BOTOX
The botulinum toxin contained in Botox injections cause paralysis. But properly administered, these injections can prevent the muscles that cause age lines like forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, and frown lines from contracting. If those muscles can't contract, the age lines are less apparent, giving the face a smoother, more youthful look. Occasionally, when the toxin is injected, it can travel to unintended areas. In some cases, one can experience a droopy eyelid after Botox.
Botox can be injected between the eyebrows or just over the brow to minimize the vertical frown lines that make "11 lines" just above the nose. Occasionally, some of the Botox seeps into the upper eyelid and paralyzes the levator palpebrae- the muscle that holds the upper eyelid up. If this muscle is paralyzed, the upper eyelid will droop.
HOW TO GET RID OF DROOPY EYELIDS AFTER BOTOX?
Botox is a temporary treatment. The treatment can last three to seven months, but the droopy eyelids will typically go away in four to six weeks. If one ends up with droopy eyelids after Botox, which is rare, he might have to wait for the Botox to wear off (about six weeks) for them to return to normal. Or you may consider returning to your doctor for additional treatment to correct the problem.
Apart from waiting, a couple of treatments might alleviate the problem:
- Eye drops, such as Apraclonidine (Iopidine), which can help if the eyelids are drooping, not the brows.
- More Botox, which can counteract relaxed eyebrow muscles if injected in the right place.
There are two key reasons why Botulinum toxin is an exceptionally safe product. The side effects, effectiveness and complications of Botulinum toxin are well scrutinized and declared as an authorized medical product. Moreover, Botulinum toxin has been available on the market for a very long time, and has been applied in hospitals and private clinics for well over forty years. To this day, no negative long-term effects have been observed in this product.
It should always be kept in mind that Botox to raise eyebrows isn't a permanent fix. Good skin care techniques can help maintain a more youthful appearance. Consulting a doctor about all your options before going for brows lifting is always the best option.