Botox Brow Lift & Forehead Wrinkles

As we age, the brow area often begins to sag and furrow, and dynamic fine lines and wrinkles may become more apparent. These wrinkles can result in a tired or angry-looking appearance. While surgical procedures used to be the only fix, individuals can now turn to Botox injections to lift and refresh the brow area with no associated downtime or side effects. Botox is the gold standard noninvasive cosmetic treatment for reducing the appearance of dynamic fine lines and wrinkles and can provide an excellent non-surgical brow lift. Dr. Green was one of the first providers in New York City to incorporate Botox injections into her patients’ treatment plans, and she holds over two and a half decades of experience in providing safe and effective Botox treatments.

A Botox brow lift is a noninvasive cosmetic procedure that entails strategically injecting botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin more commonly known as Botox, into specific facial muscles to raise the eyebrows. Relaxing these muscles opens the eye area, allowing the forehead’s central muscle to lift without resistance and create a lifted, youthful look and a more defined brow. A temporary Botox brow lift is an excellent alternative to permanent surgical brow lifts that allows patients to customize their treatment plan with each visit. Botox can also be expertly placed in the glabella, forehead, and crow’s feet to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. If you are ready to achieve an elevated brow and a more rejuvenated, youthful look, expert injector Dr. Michele Green in NY is here to help.

Dr. Michele Green in New York City is an internationally renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients worldwide with the best noninvasive treatment options, including the Botox brow lift. Dr. Green is an Allergan Platinum injector of Botox and offers what has been described as the “best Botox injections in New York.” Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors consistently vote for Dr. Green as one of New York’s best dermatologists for her holistic approach and ‘less is more’ philosophy regarding facial rejuvenation treatment. When you consult with her in her private Upper East Side dermatology clinic, she will work with you to help you achieve a more refreshed, youthful look with natural results.

What is a Botox Brow Lift?

A Botox brow lift is a popular, noninvasive injectable treatment designed to lift and lengthen the skin above the brow and forehead. An alternative to invasive plastic surgery, a Botox brow lift opens up the eye area and creates a more defined brow bone without the need for any extensive downtime or side effects. The cosmetic effects from the procedure have lasted several months, and patients regularly engage in maintenance sessions to keep and enhance the treatment results. Although Botox is a neurotoxin, treatment is safe and effective in the hands of a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green. Dr. Green is an expert Botox® injector and platinum Allergan provider. Dr. Green is a master at cosmetic facial injections and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, offering a host of her Upper East Side NYC private office. A Botox brow lift can be just the procedure to help restore a more youthful appearance without any recovery time.

How does Botox work?

Botox is a neuromodulator treatment that contains the active ingredient botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin that blocks the neurotransmitters at the injection site. Botox disrupts nerve signaling when injected into specific facial muscles, causing temporary muscle weakening and stopping the muscle’s ability to contract. The treatment works best when addressing dynamic wrinkles, which are creases that form due to muscle contraction in the face, such as forehead lines when you raise your eyebrows, glabellar lines when you furrow your brow, and crow’s feet around the eyes. When Botox is injected into the muscles responsible for these creases, the muscles relax, and the skin smooths out, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. In addition to lines of the upper face, Botox treats perioral wrinkles in the upper lip, overactive masseter muscles, necklines, and wrinkles in the chin for panfacial rejuvenation.

Can Botox lift the eyebrows?

A Botox eyebrow lift is an effective non-surgical procedure for producing a natural brow lift. Two opposing muscle groups largely control the position of the eyebrows. A group of muscles containing the orbicularis oculi, procerus, and corrugator supercilii pulls the eyebrows down while the frontalis muscle elevates them. Botox can temporarily relax the muscles that pull the brows down and allow the frontalis muscle to elevate the eyebrows unopposed. The result of these Botox injections is a subtle brow lift with a natural-looking appearance.

Where do you have Botox Injections for a Botox Brow Lift?

The exact placement of the Botox will depend on the patient’s specific anatomy. Suppose the patient has very low-set droopy brows. In that case, Botox should be carefully injected into the procerus muscle (between the eyebrows) and the orbicularis oculi muscles (around the eyes) to pull the outer brow up. For some patients, Botox may also need to be injected into the upper portion of the forehead to relax the forehead muscle and pull the brows up further. When you consult with Dr. Green in her private dermatology office, she will assess your facial anatomy to determine the best Botox placement for your brow lift procedure.

Botox injections for frown lines

In addition to creating a non-surgical brow lift, Botox injections are an excellent cosmetic procedure for reducing fine lines and wrinkles on the upper face. The forehead is one area that many people are concerned about because the wrinkles and lines that form in this area are very visible. Wrinkles in the forehead occur naturally as we age, but their appearance can make a person look overly severe and are sometimes known as “worry lines.” Lines and wrinkles can also develop due to genetics, sun damage, repeated facial expressions, stress, and smoking. Botox injections are FDA-approved for treating forehead wrinkles, frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), and lines around the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet). When injected, Botox reduces the activity of the facial muscles that pull the skin and form these lines, leaving patients with smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

Who is a good candidate for a non-surgical brow lift?

The best candidate for a non-surgical brow lift with Botox is based on a patient’s anatomy and the degree of facial sagging. If you have a noticeable drooping of the brow line or deep lines across the forehead or between the eyebrows, you may be a good candidate for a Botox brow lift. A Botox brow lift may also be the answer for an uneven (asymmetric) brow line or a “worried” or “angry” appearance.

Patients are not good candidates if they are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the safety of using Botox has not yet been studied. Patients should not have Botox injections if they have a history of allergic reactions to any ingredients found in Botox or any other botulinum toxin, including Dysport, Xeomin, or Myobloc. During your consult with Dr. Green, she will review your medical history before treating you with Botox for a brow lift.

What is the process for a Botox brow lift?

The first step in achieving a Botox brow lift is consulting with Dr. Green in her Upper East Side dermatology office in New York City. After reviewing your medical history and assessing your facial anatomy, she will confirm that the Botox brow lift procedure is best for you. Dr. Green will review the Botox procedure, the areas she will need to inject the Botox into, and all pre- and post-procedure instructions. Medical photography will be taken at this time to track your future progress with treatment.

To reduce the risk of bruising, blood thinners like Coumadin, Aspirin, Aleve, Advil, or Motrin should be avoided for one week before Botox injections. Multivitamins, vitamin E, fish oil, or St. John’s wort should also be discontinued for one week before injections, and alcohol should be avoided for two days before treatment. For patients prone to bruising, Dr. Green recommends taking Arnika Forte, an oral herbal supplement, for several days before the procedure to prevent bruising further.

The treatment area will be cleaned and sterilized on the day of your Botox brow lift procedure. Dr. Green will inject the Botox into key facial muscles to give you a flawless, natural-looking brow lift. Afterward, ice will be applied to minimize swelling and bruising, and aftercare instructions will be provided. Patients are welcome to follow up in two weeks to see if any additional touch-up of Botox is needed.

What are the side effects of the Botox brow lift procedure?

Few side effects are associated with the Botox brow lift procedure. Patients may experience mild redness or swelling at the injection sites, which resolve independently within a few days of treatment. Localized bruising can also occur and will dissipate a few days after treatment. A potential side effect of Botox treatments in the forehead area is the “Spock brow” or “Jack Nicholson look.” This effect happens when the side portions of the forehead muscle pull harder than the central portion of the forehead, and an unnaturally arched eyebrow occurs. This “Spock look” can be easily corrected with a small amount of Botox injected laterally in the forehead. In addition, if too much Botox is injected into the forehead, the brow can look heavier and move the eyebrows down, resulting in the eyes looking smaller and the eyelids heavier.

As Botox is a neurotoxin, having a Botox brow lift with an inexperienced provider can lead to more severe side effects, including dizziness, muscle weakness, asthma symptoms, and vision problems. Having your Botox brow lift performed by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green is crucial for having a safe and effective non-surgical brow lift. Dr. Green has been a master injector of Botox for over 25 years and prides herself in not over-injecting patients, creating a beautiful and natural-looking appearance with little to no side effects.

What should I do after my Botox brow lift?

After any Botox injections, Dr. Green recommends being upright for 4 hours to allow the Botox to settle into the areas. Patients should also avoid any hard pressure or massages to the injected area for three days. Refrain from heavy exercise, saunas, or hot tubs for 24 to 48 hours after treatment to reduce the risk of swelling or infection. Patients taking Arnika forte oral supplements can also continue for another three to four days to prevent bruising. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 24 hours of treatment.

How long does it take Botox to “kick in”?

While some patients may feel the effects of Botox within a few days of treatment, it takes roughly two weeks for Botox to fully “kick in.” Dr. Green always welcomes her patients to come back to the office at that time to evaluate the treatment area and ensure that the injections are effective.

Do Botox injections for a nonsurgical brow lift hurt?

Botox injections do not hurt when injected for the brow lift and the forehead, crow’s feet, furrows, or other facial muscles. However, some patients are more sensitive to cosmetic injections than others. If you are sensitive to injections, Dr. Green recommends applying a topical numbing cream one hour before your treatment to minimize any potential discomfort from the Botox injections.

How much does a Botox brow lift cost?

The price for Botox varies based on the injector’s experience. If you consult an experienced board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Green, versus a nurse injector, the cost of a Botox brow lift will be higher. Medspas may have untrained injectors and are generally less expensive. When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will examine the treatment area to create the treatment plan that will be most effective for you. Once the treatment plan has been developed, her office will provide you with a nearer estimate of the total cost of the treatment.

How many Botox units are needed for a brow lift?

The number of Botox units needed for a brow lift depends on the patient’s facial anatomy and muscle strength. A typical Botox brow lift can take 4 to 6 units at the lateral aspect of each eyebrow. Patients commonly have a vertical frown line at the glabella area, which needs treatment, and 20 to 25 units of Botox are typically required there. In addition, if some patients need the forehead lines treated, 10 to 30 units of Botox may be necessary for the best results.

How long does a Botox brow lift last?

A Botox brow lift can last approximately 3 to 6 months, depending on the strength of the patient’s facial muscles. The “freezing” effect dissipates when the Botox wears off, and the brow returns to its natural position. Patients can return to Dr. Green’s office 3 to 4 times yearly for a touch-up appointment to maintain and enhance the treatment results.

Skincare to augment the results of Botox injections

Proper skin care is essential to the overall anti-aging process. Sun damage increases fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin damage. Dr. Green will recommend the best skin care to treat sun damage and wrinkles and prevent future damage. Since Botox treats isolated muscles of facial expression but not skin tone or texture, it is essential to incorporate the proper skincare into your daily routine.

Dr. Green’s MGSKINLAB line of products has been formulated with powerful antioxidants, like her Vitamin C serum and essential retinol, as in the Antioxidant Infusion. Combining the best anti-aging products into your daily skincare can reverse fine lines, sun spots, and skin discoloration. Everyday sunscreen use is also critical for maintaining the best overall skincare routine, and Dr. Green’s line of products has some of the best sunscreens and eye creams.

Restylane under eye, 4 weeks later

Are Botox brow lifts permanent?

Botox brow lifts are not permanent, which is one of the many reasons patients turn to the procedure for facial rejuvenation. Many patients new to cosmetic treatments worry about the permanent nature of a surgical brow lift, which will provide dramatic results that are difficult to reverse. Botox brow lifts, on the other hand, give the patients a naturally lifted look to the forehead for a youthful appearance. As Botox is not permanent, Dr. Green can tailor and customize the brow lift procedure with each visit. Additionally, patients who are hesitant about the procedure do not have to commit to a lifted look for a lifetime. However, many patients find that they love the look of the Botox brow lift treatment, which can be repeated every 3-4 months to maintain the procedure results for patients looking for a long-lasting solution.

Which Botox lasts longer?

Five types of injectable neurotoxin treatments are available on the market: Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify, and Jeuveau. Each of these treatments serves similar cosmetic functions but differs in composition and what precisely they are FDA-approved to treat. While all five are composed of the active ingredient botulinum toxin type A, Dysport is a more diluted form of neurotoxin. Dysport injections can be made deeper than Botox, covering a more expansive treatment area. Xeomin is also a “purer” form of the botulinum toxin, meaning that it can act more quickly than Botox, though the effects of the treatment are ultimately the same. Jeuveau differs from Botox in its manufacturing process, using a purifying technique known as “Hi-Pure.” Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, and Jeuveau all last for approximately 3-4 months before the effects of the treatment begin to fade. Daxxify differs from the other four neurotoxin treatments in terms of longevity. Where the other botulinum toxin type A treatments last 3-4 months, Daxxify may have visible results for up to 4 months or more. All five treatments can be repeated to maintain the cosmetic results.

Can Botox give a brow lift?

Absolutely! Botox injections can provide the eyebrows with a lifted, defined appearance. By relaxing the muscles that pull the eyebrows down, Botox allows other muscle groups to elevate them without opposition. Dr. Michele Green in NYC is an Allergan Platinum injector of Botox with decades of experience providing her patients with what has been described as the “best Botox in New York,” including the Botox Brow lift. When you consult Dr. Green for Botox injections, you can discuss your unique skin concerns and ideal cosmetic results with her. Dr. Green will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that best addresses your needs and provides optimal natural-looking, long-lasting results.

How to avoid brow ptosis?

Brow ptosis is when the brow appears droopy or heavy, which can occur improperly when Botox injections are done. If too much Botox is injected into the frontal muscles, the brow can become over-relaxed, leading to a drooping appearance. Ptosis can also appear if the injections are performed too low along the brow line or if the injector fails to balance forehead injections with glabellar muscle injections. If you have already received Botox treatment from another institution and the brow appears heavy, rest assured that the cosmetic effects of Botox are temporary and generally will resolve on its own as the Botox disappears. To avoid side effects of a Botox brow lift, such as ptosis, it is essential to seek treatment from an expert, board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green, who understands facial balance and a less-is-more approach.

Does a Botox brow lift help hooded eyes?

No, a Botox brow lift cannot help with hooded eyes. Hooded eyes result from excess eyelid skin folding from the brow bone to the eye line. Botox can subtly lift your eyelids by elevating the brow but cannot eliminate hooding. Additionally, hooded eyes can become worse if too much Botox is injected or not injected in the correct areas. If you want a profound effect of eyelid lifting, consider a blepharoplasty or surgery to remove any excess eyelid skin.

Surgical vs. non-surgical brow lift

A surgical brow lift is the domain of the plastic surgeon and is no longer a standard surgical procedure, thanks to the advent of Botox injections.

A surgical brow lift, often referred to as a traditional brow lift, is an invasive procedure plastic surgeons use to lift the brow. Many plastic surgeons perform a “coronal incision,” where an incision is created from ear to ear across the top of the head, within the hair-bearing skin, and behind the hairline. The forehead lift is performed to create a smoother forehead and higher brow. This surgery is most commonly done through an endoscopic brow lift under anesthesia. Many patients will also opt for additional cosmetic surgery at this time, especially eyelid surgery. As we age, the skin around the eyes becomes lax, contributing to the appearance of hooding and tiredness or aging. While a Botox brow lift can raise the brow area, it cannot affect the skin around the eye area, and a blepharoplasty may be advised in patients with an excess amount of skin in their upper eyelids.

While a surgical brow lift is permanent, the procedure is costly and carries longer recovery times, serious side effects, surgical incision scars, and localized pain. Additionally, surgical brow lifts often create an unnatural, “surprised” look on the face. Dr. Green prefers the subtle yet elegant enhancement of a non-surgical brow lift using Botox to raise sagging eyebrows without downtime or side effects. A small amount of Botox is injected above the lateral aspect of the eyebrows to raise droopy brows and provide a lift. By skillfully injecting small amounts of “Baby Botox” into critical areas of the glabella and forehead, the forehead will be lifted, and you will have a relaxed and more youthful appearance.

Where is Botox injected for a brow lift?

Typically, Botox is injected into the procerus muscle between the eyebrows and the orbicularis oculi muscles around the eyes. These muscles are responsible for pulling down the eyebrow; when injected into these muscles, Botox relaxes them, allowing the frontalis muscle in the forehead to lift the brows. Some patients may additionally need Botox injected into the upper portions of the forehead to pull the brows up further.

How many units for Botox brow lift?

It’s hard to say exactly how many units an individual may need for a Botox brow lift. A typical patient may need 20 to 25 units of Botox in the glabella area and 4 to 6 units around the outer aspects of the eyebrow. Patients needing Botox in the upper portion of the forehead may also require additional units, possibly 10 to 30. Facial anatomy and aesthetic goals also affect how many units may be needed. Some patients have strong facial muscles and will need more units, while others prefer a “baby Botox” treatment with fewer units for the most natural results. Dr. Green will assess your specific anatomy and desires to determine how many units are needed for your Botox brow lift.

How much does Botox cost for the eyebrows?

The cost for Botox in the eyebrow area will depend on many factors, including the injector’s experience level and the office’s geographic location. Some offices charge per unit of Botox, while others charge by the area. Although MedSpas may be more cost-efficient, severe side effects can occur if injected by an inexperienced provider. It is always recommended to consult a plastic surgeon or board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green when contemplating a Botox brow lift. Dr. Green is an expert injector with over 25 years of experience administering Botox injections to her patients. Among the first in NYC to incorporate Botox in her treatment plans, she offers what is described as the “best Botox in New York City.” When you consult her for your Botox brow lift, she will work with you to determine a personalized brow rejuvenation plan that best suits your concerns, goals, and budget. At this time, the cost of treatment will be provided.

Combining Botox brow lift with other cosmetic procedures

In addition to a non-surgical Botox lift, Dr. Green offers an extensive range of cosmetic procedures designed to reduce signs of aging. While some cosmetic procedures can provide similar benefits to a Botox brow lift, others are perfectly designed to complement the Botox procedure for beautiful pan-facial rejuvenation. Often, Dr. Green will combine a Botox brow lift with other cosmetic procedures to get you feeling and looking like your younger self again.

One of the newer ways to create a brow lift is through radiofrequency technology. Radiofrequency has been proven to tighten the skin around the jowls and neck for years. However, a newer use for Thermage®  is to give you a noninvasive brow lift, raise the eyebrows, and treat the periorbital lines around. Through the new Thermage FLX, there is no downtime, no needles, and no discomfort. The radiofrequency laser heats the skin, creating new collagen deep within the dermis to tighten and lift the brow. Thermage treatment results can last a year and a half, with patients regularly engaging in maintenance sessions to keep and enhance results.

Many patients combine a Botox brow lift with Fraxel laser resurfacing to smooth out the skin’s surface and fine lines for a more youthful complexion. The Fraxel® laser has a 1550nm wavelength setting to treat fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, uneven texture, and stretch marks and a 1927nm wavelength setting to treat sun spots, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. The Fraxel laser is a “magic eraser,” removing signs of aging with minimal recovery time. Patients typically experience redness that resolves within two days of treatment, with an additional three to five days of slight peeling for patients treated with the 1927nm wavelength.

Patients with more moderate lines, wrinkles, and folds due to volume loss can pair their Botox brow lift with dermal fillers for pan-facial rejuvenation. Dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero are formulated with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that restores volume, hydration, and new collagen to the injected area. Sculptra, another dermal filler, is formulated with poly-L-lactic acid to stimulate collagen production for a smoother appearance. While each filler varies in its compositions, formulations, and targeted areas, each filler works to restore lost volume, fill in lines and wrinkles, and enhance facial features for a more youthful appearance. Dermal filler treatment can last six to twelve months or more, depending on the filler. Minimal side effects, including mild redness, swelling, and bruising, are associated with dermal filler injections. Dr. Green will use a combination of Botox and dermal filler injections, known as a “liquid facelift,” to treat facial sagging, frown lines, heavy brows, and jowls in her discreet New York City dermatology office.

How do I get started with a Botox brow lift?

If you are considering a non-surgical cosmetic treatment option for achieving the appearance of a lifted brow and open eye area, a Botox brow lift may be the best solution for you. Botox works to relax the facial muscles by pulling the eyebrow down, allowing other muscle groups to lift the eyebrow. Unlike a traditional brow lift, a Botox brow lift requires no anesthesia, downtime, or adverse side effects, providing patients with a safe and effective option for facial rejuvenation. As a Botox brow lift is temporary, patients can look forward to customizing their procedure with each visit. Expert injector Dr. Green will administer your Botox brow lift to help you achieve a more refreshed, rejuvenated look.

Dr. Michele Green was one of the first board-certified dermatologists in New York City to incorporate cosmetic Botox injections into her patients’ facial rejuvenation treatment plans. Dr. Green has over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best noninvasive cosmetic treatments, including Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, and more. Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, The New York Times, and Super Doctors consistently name Dr. Green as one of New York’s best physicians for her holistic approach, ‘less is more’ philosophy, and dedication to her patients and expertise. Dr. Green will work with you to customize your brow lift treatment plan best to suit your unique needs and overall aesthetic goals. Contact us online today or call the NYC-based office at 212-535-3088 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green and get started with your Botox brow lift.