Comparing Botox and Brow Lift

When brows sag with age, a facial expression can seem sad, anxious and even angry. Lines and wrinkles begin to form on the forehead and around the eyes. Brow lift is an effective surgical solution that restores an alert, engaged appearance to the upper face by smoothing out frown lines, creases and wrinkles.

While brow lift permanently tightens and lifts skin, many patients seek the same rejuvenating effect with Botox, a popular injectable with a long record of success. Below, experienced Albany plastic surgeon Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha compares the options.

Botox Injections

Botox is a controlled toxin that is injected into facial tissue to relax certain muscles that when contracting can cause wrinkles to form. It is quick, convenient and far less invasive than surgery.  Botox was the first and is still the best-known injectable in a class known as neuromodulators, which includes newer varieties such as Dysport and Xeomin.

Dr. Kayastha is skilled at injecting Botox into the muscles that are pulling down on the brow area. Botox immediately relaxes these muscles, relieving the tension that creates forehead wrinkles. This smooth, buoyant look will last for three to six months; Botox injections must be repeated on a regular basis to keep facial muscles relaxed and prevent lines and furrows from returning. 

Permanent Options

Brow lift permanently raises the brow and smooths wrinkles by surgically tightening and lifting forehead tissues. The surgery has typically been performed with either the conventional incision method or via an endoscope, which entails smaller incisions; this leads to less scarring and bruising, and is associated with faster recovery. Brow lift is often done in conjunction with hair transplants, facial fat transfers, eyelid surgery or facelift.

Some patients who seek a more modest restoration choose a third option called blepharoplasty, or eye lift. This surgical procedure improves the appearance of sagging eyelids by removing excess skin, fat and sometimes muscle between the eyebrow and eyelash, but does not change the position of the eyebrow. By tightening and eliminating loose skin, blepharoplasty restores the youthful look that may have been eclipsed by the inexorable pull of time and gravity.

To learn more about brow lift or injectable options, we invite you to schedule an appointment by contacting Dr. Kayastha’s Albany practice today.