I’ve already tried a few treatments for my hooded eyes, including Sofwave and some Botox around my eyes, but I had yet to try a Botox brow lift. So, I went for a walk Consultant Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon, Dr Elizabeth Hawkes, To try the treatment for yourself. Are you thinking about trying a Botox brow lift for yourself? Scroll on for everything I think you need to know.
What is Botox brow lift?
(Image credit: The Vault Stock)
“Botox is a neuromodulator, meaning it works at the site of the nerve and muscle at the neuromuscular junction and stops the muscles from contracting,” says Dr. Hawks. “It acts as an anti-wrinkle injection to reduce the formation of lines, and is often used around the eyes, but it can also help lift hooded eyes and the brow area. It can subtly transform the brow and upper eye by lifting or opening up to better frame the face, and gently soften lines without disrupting expression,” she says.
“While Botox cannot eliminate excess skin in the upper eyelids (only a surgical procedure called upper blepharoplasty can remove excess skin), when strategically placed with a clear understanding of the interaction between the brow muscles and the forehead muscles, Botox can lift the position of the brows, and this is commonly known as a chemical brow lift,” she adds.
During a Botox brow lift, your physician will typically treat the glabellar complex (in between the eyebrows) as well as the upper part of the orbicularis oculi (a sphincter-like muscle that surrounds the eye area).
“The purpose of a non-surgical brow lift using a neuromodulator is to relax the depressor muscles of the brow, primarily the glabellar complex and the upper part of the orbicularis oculi,” says Dr. Hawks. However, a good practitioner will always ensure that the dosage and placement suits your facial anatomy. “The treatment is always tailored,” she says. “The dosage and placement depends on the patient’s anatomy and the degree of lift they want to achieve. In some cases, a small amount can be placed into the frontalis (brow lift), but this requires precision, as over-treatment can cause bulkiness. This is very much a case-by-case approach.”
Who is it suitable for?
Botox brow lift can be an option for those who want to achieve a more refreshed eye area, making it a great treatment for those with hooded eyes. This is a good first step before considering surgical procedures such as upper blepharoplasty. “There are some patients who present with very mild to mild hooding that can be treated with Botox without the need for surgical intervention; however, it all depends on the consultation,” says. Dr. Hawks.
“Many patients choose to go with injectables as an alternative to surgery because they can better understand how they will look and possibly avoid surgery for a few years,” she says. “Results vary, but most patients can expect a subtle growth of about 1-2 mm. While this may seem minimal, it is often enough to create a fresher, more open appearance.
However, it is important to manage your expectations, as it will not produce the same results as a surgical procedure. “Upper blepharoplasty will provide more significant and structural changes, especially where there is excess skin. However, not everyone is a candidate for surgery,” says Dr. Hawks. “In younger patients, especially, we prefer non-surgical options first. A neuromodulator brow lift can provide a subtle lift and help improve the appearance of hooded eyelids, but expectations should remain realistic. It improves rather than replaces surgery,” she says.
Botox can also be used to correct brow or eyelid asymmetry to help achieve greater balance around the eye area.
how long does it last?
The effects of Botox usually begin to appear within one to two days, but full results usually begin to appear within one to two weeks of treatment.” Dr. Hawks. “Botox is typically metabolized and out of your system within 12 weeks, but many patients continue to see results for four to six weeks after that, depending on individual factors like metabolism and muscle activity,” she says.
You will be happy to know that a Botox brow lift causes minimal discomfort as an aesthetic treatment, and there is minimal-to-zero downtime. “It’s considered a low-pain procedure, and most patients rate it around one out of 10 in terms of discomfort without any significant downtime,” she says. “Small bumps may appear at the injection site immediately after treatment, but they usually heal within 15 minutes. As with most injectable treatments, there is a slight risk of bruising, although this is usually minimal.”
Worry
There is minimal downtime immediately after treatment, and you can resume most activities after 24 hours. “Aftercare is minimal. Small bumps at the injection site are common and usually heal within 10-15 minutes,” says Dr. Hawks.
“Patients should avoid touching or rubbing the area for about six hours and avoid exercise and alcohol for 24 hours,” she says. “There is a slight risk of injury, although this is uncommon and can be minimized with careful technique.”
Most people can have Botox treatments; However, contraindications include pregnancy, breast-feeding, and certain neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome. Dr. Hawks Tells. She says, “In experienced hands, this is a very safe procedure with a well-established track record. Botulinum toxin has been used in both medical and aesthetic settings for decades and has a strong safety profile.”
How much does it cost?
The cost of Botox brow lift can vary depending on location, experience of the practitioner, and areas treated. “Costs may vary depending on the expertise of the physician and complexity of the treatment,” says Dr. Hawks. A Botox brow lift with Dr Hawkes starts from £395.
My Botox Brow Lift Experience
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
I met Dr Hawkes at his London clinic and discussed my concerns with him during the consultation. After assessing my eye area and facial expressions, he cleaned the area and marked the injection points for the treatment. I was also given a stress ball, but honestly, I didn’t need to use it because it was almost painless thanks to Dr. Hawks’ expert hands. There was a slight stinging sensation when injected around the eyes, but after a few seconds it all went away and was fine. Dr. Hawks treated the areas between my eyebrows as well as the outer eye area and it was all done within 10 minutes. I had some redness and bumps initially which disappeared after about 15 minutes. After my treatment, I could resume my normal activities Skin care routine that evening.
Since Botox takes time to work, you won’t see immediate results. However, I may start seeing effects after two or three days. Over the course of two weeks, I could slowly see my brows lift more and the lines around my eyes and between my brows soften. My face still had all the puffiness, but my eyes looked more refreshed and open, even with a smile on my eyes.
before and after
First
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
after
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
my final thoughts
It’s now been a month since I had my treatment, and I couldn’t be happier with the results of my Botox brow lift. I still look like me, and my eyes are still covered; However, my eyes look more open and refreshed. While the muscles have relaxed, my eyes squint less when I smile, making them look more wide-awake, and the lines around my eyes have also softened. I also notice a lift in my eyebrows, and although subtle, it makes a huge difference in opening up my eyes and giving me more room for lashes.
Perhaps it’s a placebo effect, but not only do my eyes look shapelier and wider, but I also feel more energetic and less tired as a result. Hoody eyes mean I often subconsciously raise my eyebrows for fear of looking tired or grumpy (resulting in tension on my facial muscles), and so I love that when my face is at rest I don’t have to worry about looking sleepy or cross. Now, my eye area looks fresher and more open, and even my eye makeup sits better now.
Of course, getting a Botox brow lift can be a significant financial commitment, as the results will only last for three months or so. However, short-term results also mean you can see if you like the results without making more permanent changes. Personally, I’m enjoying my results, and I’ll plan to repeat the treatment before special occasions when I want to look and feel my best for photos. I can’t recommend a Botox brow lift—especially one from Dr. Hawks—enough.
Book an appointment with Dr Elizabeth Hawkes.
Disclaimer: It is important to do thorough research on the aesthetics procedure and physician you are considering. For injectable treatments, we recommend checking out GMC (general medical council), NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) and GDC (General Dental Council) registers to ensure that your chosen physician is a registered medical professional with an active license to practice medicine in the United Kingdom. Note that Botox (botulinum toxin) is a prescription medicine in the UK, and so can only be legally prescribed by a cosmetic or aesthetic physician, surgeon, dentist (not a dental therapist or hygienist) or nurse prescriber after a face-to-face consultation. Dermal fillers and biostimulators (such as polynucleotides) are not prescription medicines, and so can be performed by non-physicians (for example an aesthetic therapist), although we still recommend seeking treatment from a doctor or nurse to ensure that you are in the hands of someone who has the necessary skills, experience and equipment to deal with any complications should they arise. You can find recommended and vetted physicians near you here tweakments guideor BCAM (British College of Aesthetic Medicine) and Baman (British Association of Medical Aesthetic Nurses) register. Additionally, the government has recently announced a crackdown on unsafe cosmetic procedures and, among other measures, is urging the public to only visit providers registered with the CQC (Care Quality Commission).
