Can I get Botox instead of a brow lift?
Botox injections and a surgical brow lift are both effective ways to rejuvenate the upper face. Some patients can achieve the brow lift effect they desire with Botox-type injectables, while others may be happier with a surgical procedure. Here, Bryn Mawr plastic surgeon and expert injector Dr. R. Brannon Claytor explains when Botox can substitute for a brow lift and when surgery would better suit your goals.
A Botox brow lift
Botox can create a lifted, youthful brow appearance by targeting the muscles that pull the eyebrows down, allowing the muscles responsible for elevating the brows to take over. Achieving this Botox brow lift effect requires precise injection placement, typically in three key areas for optimal results:
- Glabella (between the eyebrows): The muscles between the eyebrows (the corrugator and procerus muscles) are responsible for creating frown lines and pulling the eyebrows downward. Botox reduces the activity in these muscles which allows the forehead muscles (frontalis) to slightly lift the eyebrows.
- Forehead: Botox injections in the forehead target the frontalis muscle, which raises the eyebrows. Careful placement in this area can help smooth horizontal forehead lines while maintaining a natural brow position. The goal is to relax only the right amount of muscle activity to avoid any heaviness in the brow.
- Outer eye area (crow’s feet): The orbicularis oculi muscles around the outer corners of the eyes can contribute to the downward pull of the brow. Injecting Botox into this area can reduce this downward force and open up the eye area.
Botox rebalances muscle activity in key areas to gently lift the brow line and create a natural, more open appearance in the upper face.
The effect of a Botox brow lift is typically subtle and natural-looking and best suited for those with mild to moderate brow drooping. Botox lasts about 3 to 4 months before the results start to diminish and touch-up injections are needed to maintain the smoother, slightly lifted position. A Botox brow lift is a convenient option if you want to refresh your appearance without committing to surgery. In addition to Botox, we also offer similarly formulated neurotoxin brands Dysport, Daxxify, Galtox, and Xeomin.
At Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery, all injections are performed by Philadelphia plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor or Physician Assistant Julie Holesh. Our injectors are highly skilled in placing these injections precisely where needed to achieve the best possible results without compromising your natural expressions.
Julie Holesh, PA
Physician assistant Julie Holesh is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. With both an artistic eye and medical expertise, she can help you achieve optimal skin quality with injectables, laser treatments, and other med spa services.
When is a brow lift the better option?
While Botox can offer temporary improvements, a brow lift is the preferred choice for patients with more significant brow drooping or deep forehead wrinkles. A brow lift is a surgical procedure that repositions the brow and smooths the forehead. Dr. Claytor performs brow lifts under tumescent anesthesia in our AAAA surgical facility here in Bryn Mawr.
“Dr. Claytor was exceptional! The time he took to discuss the process and the way he made me feel confident and comfortable with the procedure – he was simply fantastic! And the office staff are the kindest, most welcoming and supportive group. They answered all my questions and were just wonderful people to be around. It was the greatest experience and the results are everything I wanted. Would recommend to all!”
—5-star Google review
During brow lift surgery, Dr. Claytor makes incisions in one of several possible locations: along the hairline, within the scalp, or in some cases, within the natural creases of the forehead. These incisions allow him to access the underlying tissues and carefully reposition the muscles and skin to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. Once the brow line is raised into a naturally higher position, Dr. Claytor trims any excess skin and sutures the incisions closed. The result is a smoother forehead and elevated brows that help open up the eyes and create a more youthful expression.
Dr. Claytor also performs a less invasive, yet still highly transformative technique called an endoscopic brow lift. With this technique, Dr. Claytor makes a small incision, typically behind the hairline, and inserts a narrow, hollow instrument with a fiber optic light source and camera to assess the underlying muscles and tissues. Dr. Claytor makes careful adjustments to relax the muscles in the forehead that cause frown lines and lifts and repositions the forehead skin to restore youthful vibrance to the forehead and eyes.
No matter which technique is used to achieve your goals, the effects of a surgical brow lift are long-lasting and often enjoyed for many years before any significant signs of aging reappear in the area.
Dr. Claytor is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing brow lifts. His approach to brow lift surgery is entirely personalized to account for each patient’s unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. Dr. Claytor uses only the most advanced brow lift techniques to ensure that the results are not only beautiful but also natural-looking, avoiding the “surprised” appearance that some patients fear.
Unlike Botox, the results of a brow lift are long-lasting, making it an excellent choice for patients seeking a more dramatic and enduring change.
Botox or brow lift: Which is right for you?
For those with only mild signs of aging in the upper face or who are not ready for surgery, Botox offers a quick, temporary way to achieve a noticeable brow lift effect. However, if you’re looking for more significant improvement and long-lasting results, a brow lift may be the better choice. During your consultation, Dr. Claytor will assess your facial anatomy and discuss your goals to recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Trust your appearance to an expertIf you’re considering Botox or a brow lift in the Bryn Mawr or Main Line areas, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Claytor at our Philadelphia plastic surgery center. Our team is here to guide you through the process, answer any questions you may have, and create a customized treatment plan that meets your needs. Please call 610-527-4833 to make an appointment with us today.
