What Is Botox Brow Lift?

Botox, a widely sought-after cosmetic procedure, has gained significant popularity in recent years. As a medical alternative to traditional surgical interventions, Botox offers patients numerous advantages, including cost-effectiveness, enhanced comfort, and reduced risk.

One of the primary applications of Botox is the “eye lift” procedure. This cosmetic treatment entails making small incisions slightly above the eyebrows to lift and tighten the skin around the eye area, effectively addressing forehead wrinkles and similar concerns.

Conventional methods typically result in thin yet noticeable scars, come with a hefty price tag, a considerable healing period, and offer more or less permanent outcomes. However, Botox allows patients to pursue their desired aesthetic appearance without unnecessary concerns.

This article will discuss the Botox eyebrow lift treatment, its principle of action, benefits, side effects, and aftercare.

How Botox Works

The movement of muscles beneath the skin causes the appearance of facial wrinkles. These muscles are unique as one of their ends is connected to the skull bone, while the other end’s fibers are interlaced within the skin region. When the muscle contracts, it pulls the overlaying tissue with it – thus exhibiting a specific emotion on the face. As we age, the structure of the skin changes, and a breakdown forms at the attachment point of the muscles that work the most. Therefore, when the muscle is immobilized, such as with Botox, there is no force exerted on the skin, causing it to become smooth and wrinkle-free.

Botox is based on a substance produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. When injected into a muscle in a sufficient dose, it interrupts the connection between the nerve and the muscle. This effect is temporary, lasting 6 to 9 months. It ends when a larger nerve rebuilds other “bridges” to the right muscles.

While the nerve “block” is active, the skin at the site of the previous fracture will undergo regeneration. It produces substances (including hyaluronic acid) that restore its internal structure and appearance. Therefore, the procedure has a rejuvenating effect. 

Botox is used not only to remove wrinkles: if injected intradermally, the botulinum toxin will interrupt the nerve’s command to the sweat glands.

Botox for Brow Lift Explained

Botulinum toxin type A blocks neuromuscular transmission, causing temporary muscle relaxation. The lifting effect is achieved as a response to the relaxation of certain muscles, while others, on the contrary, become toned. For example, when the central part of the frontal muscle is relaxed, its lateral areas partially take over its function, leading to raising the eyebrows. In other cases, the medication is injected into the outer region of the eye. The circular muscle of the eye relaxes, and the eyebrow tip rises, creating a beautiful curve.

If botulinum toxin is injected into the area between the eyebrows, the eyebrows will rise to the side and upwards. After this method of injection, the patient’s eyebrows stop frowning.

Patients can use Botox to raise eyebrows by 1-5 mm. The degree of eyebrow lift with Botox depends on the individual anatomic structure of facial muscles and the injected dose of the preparation. In addition, Botox injections can successfully solve ‌asymmetric eyebrows.

Procedure overview

To reduce the likelihood of bruising, it is advisable to abstain from smoking and consuming alcohol prior to the procedure. If the patient takes blood thinners (aspirin, heparin, warfarin), it is necessary to consult a doctor before the procedure.

1. Cosmetics are removed, and the skin is thoroughly cleaned.
2. A marker is used to mark the injection points.
3. The injection area is treated with an anesthetic, which takes effect within 20 minutes. During this time, the beautician opens the package with Botox, dilutes the preparation with saline, and fills the syringe with the solution.
4. The drug is injected into the pre-marked points.
5. The patient’s skin is treated with an antiseptic solution.

Botox eyebrow lift procedure takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the treatment area. Afterward, small swellings may occur, which pass fairly quickly. 

It’s important to remember that the procedure’s effect will only be noticeable after a certain period. Even the slightest mechanical damage can take up to 10 to 15 days for the skin to fully recover. During this time, the medication will take effect within the tissues, blocking muscle impulses and aiding the healing process.

Benefits & Side Effects

Let’s start with the benefits:

1. Cost. Using Botox to lift eyebrows is generally much less expensive than a surgical brow lift.
2. Convenience. The Botox lift takes less than half an hour, is performed as an outpatient, and allows you to return to everyday life almost immediately.
3. Quick effect. In just a few days, patients get visible results from Botox injections. 
4. Minimal invasiveness. Unlike surgery, the patient receives only a few injections. 
5. Minimal pain. For most patients, the procedure is painless because ultra-thin needles are used.
6. Temporary effect. A brow lift using Botox provides a temporary solution, giving patients the flexibility to either repeat the procedure or allow their eyebrows to return to their natural expression.
7. Natural-looking results. A qualified professional can provide an elegant, natural-looking Botox brow lift.

Contraindications

Like any other cosmetic procedure, injections have a list of restrictions. It is advisable to avoid doing them during menstruation due to heightened sensitivity, increased pain, and the risk of bruising. In addition, patients should abstain from consuming alcohol the day before the procedure, and should consider postponing or canceling the procedure in the following situations:

• Pregnancy and lactation;
• Presence of malignant or benign formations;
• Disorders of the hematopoietic system;
• Individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
• Acute exacerbation of any chronic disease;
• Febrile condition;
• Epileptic seizures;
• Skin rashes or inflammations in the treated area.

Side Effects

Botulinum toxin is a relatively safe medication in therapeutic doses with few adverse effects. Common adverse effects include:

• Muscle weakness;
• Fatigue;
• Flu-like symptoms;
• Dry mouth;
• Dizziness;
• Skin rash.

Aftercare

When the anesthetic cream wears off after the injections, there is slight soreness at and around the treated area. When touching the treated area, the patient may feel bumps as small lumps under the skin after injections. This swelling and bruising is limited and usually subsides by the second or third day.

The effect is noticeable from day five but can appear later depending on the patient’s sensitivity. The face should not feel like a fixed mask: it is normal if the patient can wrinkle his forehead or furrow their eyebrows. The maximum effect is observed after two weeks.

For the drug to have a longer-lasting effect, it’s best to avoid sleeping on your stomach, massaging or rubbing your face, washing it with warm water, or exposing it to direct sunlight on the first day after receiving Botox treatment. 

Restrictions for two weeks apply to:

• Exercise;
• Alcohol;
• Sauna;
• Taking antibiotics;
• Salty foods;
• Facial massage;
• Heat treatments;
• Tanning;
• Large amounts of fluids.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Botox offers a range of benefits for individuals seeking a brow lift treatment. With its non-surgical approach, cost-effectiveness, and reduced risk compared to traditional surgical methods, Botox provides an attractive option for rejuvenating the appearance of the eyebrows and addressing forehead wrinkles. While minor adverse effects, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms, may occur, they are generally well-tolerated

FAQ

How many units of Botox do you need for brow lifting?

The quantity and/or concentration of medication has to be calculated for each individual situation, taking into account the facial features and severity of the muscle hyper-function. If brow arches have drooped slightly, about five units will be required, although more serious cases may require up to 30 units.

How long does the effect last?

The effect of the drug lasts 4-6 months. The procedure often has a long-lasting impact, lasting for up to 12 months. During this time, the patient gradually loses the habit of actively contracting their facial muscles. 

Can Botox lift eyebrows for men?Botox for eyebrows is suitable for patients of any gender. Restrictions apply only to the age of patients – not before the age of 18.