Can Botox Really Help Lift Your Eyebrows?
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Move over, caffeine! The ultimate pick-me-up has nothing to do with your morning cup of coffee. Instead, it’s all about that little potion known as Botox.
A firm favourite for improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Botox has become one of the most common tweakments (lip fillers aside) around.
But alongside offering a de-wrinkled forehead, can Botox also lift your eyebrows?
The answer is yes. With careful placement of *just* the right amount of Botox into specific areas of the face, you can achieve a subtly lifted brow that looks beautiful in its natural shape.
We spoke to board-certified dermatologist Dr William Kwan and board-certified antiageing expert Dr Saulis Banionis to find out *exactly* what a non-surgical brow lift is, how it works, and (most importantly) how much you can expect to pay for this non-invasive treatment.
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Can Botox lift eyebrows?
While Botox is commonly known as a wrinkle-reducing injection, it can also be used to lift and shape droopy brows.
This procedure is called a Botox brow lift, and it’s a popular choice for those who want to raise their brows without surgery.
Dr Kwan tells us, “Botox can be used to lift the eyebrows slightly by injecting it into specific muscles that cause the eyebrows to droop.
“This can create a subtle lifting effect, giving a more youthful and refreshed appearance.”
Cleveland Clinic says that “a nonsurgical brow lift procedure uses Botox® (botulinum toxin) or another brand of injections to smooth out wrinkles on your forehead. Nonsurgical brow lift options are available if you want to improve your appearance, but prefer to avoid surgery, long recovery times and scarring.”
Many people choose to opt for Botox because it produces natural-looking results that usually last for up to 3-4 months. This means you only need a few touch-up injections per year to keep your face looking bright.
This area usually requires just a small amount of the solution to achieve the desired results.
Botox is typically injected near the ends of the eyebrows and in the overall eye area. However, the specific spots are determined by a skincare professional after assessing the patient’s needs.
How does a Botox brow lift work?
Botox (Botulinum toxin type) is most commonly used to smooth out wrinkles by temporarily paralysing underlying facial muscles like the frontalis muscle.
As Dr Banionis explains, “Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a popular cosmetic treatment used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
“It is primarily used to temporarily paralyse the underlying muscles that cause these wrinkles.”
However, when it comes to lifting the eyebrows, the way it works is slightly different.
The muscles of your face are in a harmonious balance – some pull up, and others pull down. The specific muscles that pull your eyebrows down are in the area between your eyebrows and on the outside part of your eyes.
Cleveland Clinic explains that “for the procedure, your provider will inject the medicine in between your eyebrows and at the corners of your eyebrows.”
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When they are relaxed with Botox injections, the opposing muscles that pull your eyebrows up become stronger and lift the eyebrows, creating a subtle, natural-looking lift.
The eye area is a delicate place, so it’s important to remember that the goal is not to completely paralyse your facial muscles. Your practitioner will use just the right amount of Botox to relax these specific muscles while still allowing you to make facial expressions without creating more wrinkles.
Dr Banionis tells us, “Botox can be used to shape and lift the eyebrows, creating a more youthful and open appearance.”
A Botox brow lift makes the brow area look smoother and more youthful but also helps define the eyebrow shape in a flattering way. It’s a great alternative to more invasive surgical procedures like eyelid surgery that require a longer recovery time.
The first port of call if you’re thinking of having a Botox eyebrow lift is to arrange a consultation at your doctor’s office to see if you’re a good candidate for the cosmetic procedure. This is also your chance to ask any questions you have, discuss any potential risks and talk about the exact results you’re hoping for.
On the day of your treatment, your expert will apply numbing cream to the your brow area before injecting a small amount of Botox to the forehead muscle at the tail of the brow and at the inner part of your eyebrows. If you have “elevenses” that you want to tackle, they may also inject some further solution into your glabellar muscles.
What other areas can Botox treat?
It’s no surprise that Botox can be used in numerous areas of the face to enhance your appearance.
Dr Banionis explains, “while Botox is commonly associated with treating wrinkles on the upper face, it can also be used in other areas, including around the mouth.”
It can also be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth, cheeks and neck, as well as create a subtle lift in the jawline.
Here are some of the most popular treatments.
Forehead wrinkles
Forehead area wrinkles are one of the most common issues people face, and Botox can help to reduce the appearance of these horizontal lines with attention to this treatment area.
Crow’s feet
Another popular area for Botox injections is around the eyes, which are often referred to as “crow’s feet.” This treatment can help minimize the prominence of fine lines and wrinkles that form in this area from smiling or squinting.
Glabellar lines (frown lines)
The glabellar region is the area between the eyebrows, which can often become creased with frowning. Botox helps to relax these muscles and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Bunny lines
The term “bunny lines” refers to the wrinkles that appear on either side of your nose caused by scrunching or concentrating. Most people notice them more when they smile, but Botox can help reduce the appearance of these types of lines.
Jawline
Botox can also be used to help create a more defined jawline. The injections target overactive muscles in the face that are causing sagging or jowls. This can help create a smoother, refreshed look.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Botox can also be used to relax the jaw and reduce tension in people with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). It’s typically injected into the masseter muscle and can help reduce clenching or grinding of the teeth.
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Botox injections can also be used in areas like the underarms to reduce excessive sweating seen in conditions like hyperhidrosis. It is a versatile solution with a wide variety of applications that can help you look and feel your best.
How long does Botox brow lift last?
Botox will generally last between three and four months, so you’ll need at least a few injections per year to keep the effect.
There are multiple factors that affect how long your Botox will last though (like how often you work out). To find out more, take a look at our full guide to how long Botox lasts here.
How much is a Botox brow lift?
The price of a Botox brow lift varies depending on where you live and the expertise of the plastic surgeon or aesthetician performing the procedure.
It’s also important to note that in the US Botox is typically priced per unit (meaning that the more units you need the higher the cost), while in the UK you generally pay per treatment area.
Dr Kwan explains, “Botox is measured in units. The number of units required can vary depending on the area being treated and the desired outcome.
“Your healthcare provider determines the appropriate dosage based on factors such as muscle strength, wrinkle severity, and individual needs of the patient.”
Botox injections are typically $10-$25 per unit in the US. A procedure like a brow lift can use anything from 4 units of Botox (if you’re just lifting your outer brow) to 30 units (if you’re also looking to de-wrinkle forehead lines).
That means the total cost can range considerably, but expect to pay around $300 to $1,000 in the US.
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In the UK, Botox is priced around £135-£350 per treatment area, meaning the total cost of a brow lift will generally fall somewhere in that price range.
Prices will fluctuate depending on the specific treatment plan and how many injections are needed though.
And you should also factor in any follow-up treatment costs, like additional injections or maintenance appointments. Most patients only need a few touch-ups per year, but this can vary depending on your aesthetic goals.
It’s common for medical offices to provide free consultations to discuss your specific needs and expectations, as well as the cost estimate. Being informed about total costs and treatment plans will help you make the right decision when choosing a provider.
What are the risks?
It’s important to be aware that there are some potential side effects whenever you have Botox.
These can include minor risks like bruising, redness and swelling at the injection site. More serious side effects can include muscle weakness, infection or allergic reactions.
This is one of the reasons it’s so important to only ever use an expert you trust for the procedure.
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The takeaway
A Botox brow lift is an excellent way to gain a more youthful appearance without having to go through invasive surgery. It’s a quick procedure that can be completed in just minutes with minimal downtime afterward. Plus, the results can last up to three to four months with occasional follow-up treatments as needed.
It’s important to remember that Botox should only ever be administered by an expert practitioner or plastic surgeon. These trained professionals have all of the tools and experience needed to perform cosmetic treatments safely and effectively.
Be sure to do your homework when finding an expert, going for the best of the best will help you get the best results with minimal side effects and complications.
Meet the experts
Dr Saulis Banionis is board certified by The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and was trained extensively in aesthetic and regenerative medicine to become an expert in anti-aging medicine, which he practices at PB Antiaging. He has also worked as a Medical Expert for the Florida Board of Medicine.
Dr William Kwan is a board-certified dermatologist at the prestigious Lasky Skin Center in Beverly Hills, offering a wide spectrum of cosmetic procedures such as botulinum toxin injections and dermal filler injections for many types of skin improvement.
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