Botox typically provides a subtle brow lift, usually lifting the outer brow by 1 to 3 millimeters, creating a refreshed and open eye appearance rather than a dramatic change, by strategically relaxing muscles that pull the brow down. The exact lift depends on your facial structure and muscle activity, with some seeing a noticeable change and others a very mild elevation, often achieved with 4-8 units in the outer brow area and potentially more in the frown lines between brows.
Botox brow lifts are a great option for those looking for a more youthful appearance. Botox brow lifts will elevate the brows 1 to 3 millimeters higher by relaxing the muscles that pull the eyebrows down. As an added benefit, Botox brow lifts will diminish frown lines and other wrinkles around the brow.
Botox can subtly lift your brows, which may slightly reduce the appearance of hooding, but it cannot eliminate excess skin. Moreover, hooded eyes may worsen if too much Botox is injected or if it's not injected in the proper areas.
However, when Botox is administered carefully, targeting specific areas of the frontalis muscle while leaving other parts active, it can achieve a subtle brow lift while also reducing wrinkles. This approach keeps the eyebrows elevated, giving the face a more alert and refreshed appearance.
A total of 16 to 24 units of Botox is typically used in this area. Ultimately, some patients achieve a very nice brow lift with the use of Botox and others achieve hardly any lift whatsoever. This is highly dependent on the person's anatomy and muscle activity.
The "Botox Rule of 3" isn't one single rule but refers to key guidelines: 3 areas (forehead, frown lines, crow's feet are common), waiting at least 3 months between treatments to prevent resistance and maintain results, and a 3-to-5 day period for results to fully appear after the 3-to-4 month duration of the treatment. Key post-injection rules include avoiding bending/lying down for 4 hours and other treatments for 14 days.
Botox can lift hooded eyelids by relaxing the muscles that pull the brows downward. Hooded eyes occur when excess upper eyelid skin covers the crease, often due to genetics or aging.
The riskiest areas for Botox involve locations with crucial blood vessels and delicate muscles, primarily the glabella (between eyebrows) due to arteries that can cause blindness if blocked, the forehead/brow area risking eyelid droop (ptosis) or unnatural brow shapes, and the perioral region (mouth area), where poor placement can affect speech, smiles, or cause puckering. The masseter muscle (jaw) and neck (platysmal bands) are also sensitive, potentially causing chewing difficulty or swallowing issues with improper technique, requiring expertise to avoid complications like necrosis or paralysis.
A Botox eyebrow lift typically produces visible results within 3-5 days, with full effects appearing after two weeks and lasting 3-6 months.
However, one of the most common complications of botulinum toxin injection is ptosis of upper portion of the eyelid. This is caused by diffusion of the toxin through the orbital septum, where it affects the upper portion of the eyelid levator muscle.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, many individuals opt for this procedure in their 40s to 60s when signs of aging become more prominent. However, age is not the sole determining factor.
However, brow ptosis can result when too many units of Botox are injected or when the injection site is too low on the forehead. Too high a dose or incorrect placement can over-relax the frontalis muscle, causing the eyebrow to lower, or droop.
If a Botox provider injects too much above the brow, they can paralyze the frontalis muscle. The wrinkles are taken care of, but the patient won't be able to raise their eyebrows.
“I think there is a certain amount of fear among many Gen Zs,” says Dr Sophie Shotter, an aesthetic doctor. “They see the results of some people who have gone too far with injectables and they want to avoid that.”
The forehead is one of the most common areas treated with Botox. Horizontal forehead lines can make you look older, tired, or stressed. For the forehead, we typically administer 10-30 units. You may need more units of Botox for your first time.
The "Botox 4-hour rule" means you should stay upright and avoid pressure or lying down for at least four hours after injections to prevent the neurotoxin from migrating from the treated muscles to unintended areas, which can cause side effects like drooping or uneven results. This helps the Botox settle precisely where it's needed for optimal wrinkle-smoothing effects, so avoid bending, rubbing, or strenuous activity during this critical period.
Heavy eyebrows after Botox occur due to muscle relaxation from incorrect injection sites or dosages. Symptoms include a tired or sad expression and difficulty applying makeup. Correction options include additional Botox near crow's feet, dermal fillers, or thread lifts.
After 10 years of regular Botox, you generally look younger with smoother, brighter skin and significantly fewer deep wrinkles because the muscles have been trained not to frown, but you might experience subtle muscle weakening, less facial expression (which some find positive), and potentially thinner skin or more visible veins in some areas, while the skin remains refreshed and well-maintained.
1) Forehead
When too much Botox is used in the forehead, it can overly relax the muscles, leading to a lack of natural movement and expression. In severe cases, excessive Botox in the forehead can increase the heaviness of the upper eyelids, causing them to become hooded.
Average Botox Treatment Cost: A standard Botox cosmetic treatment involves 20 to 40 units, translating to a cost between $325 and $600.
The Forehead Lines / Frown Lines / Frontalis Muscles
Injection of botulinum toxins into the frontails muscle can cause drooping eyelids, a forehead crease, or both.
Both male and female celebrities worldwide undergo eyelid surgery to maintain a youthful and refreshed appearance, often correcting droopy or hooded eyes through upper or lower blepharoplasty.
Below are some of the characteristics of someone who is not suitable for Botox: Has an allergy to any of the ingredients in Botox (e.g. the protein found in eggs is also the same protein found in Botox) Has a severe infection or illness, including neuromuscular conditions or diabetes.