Brow Lift or Botox: Which Is Better for Aging on Your Forehead?

With age, you are bound to notice several changes at the top of your face. The most visible example is the formation of lines like vertical frown lines between your brows and horizontal lines across your forehead. Your skin loses elasticity over time, which allows the lines that typically form when you make certain facial expressions to become so deep set that they linger indefinitely. 

The two main cosmetic treatments for an aging forehead are brow lift and Botox. Below, plastic surgeon Dr. Ashkan Ghavami discusses the differences between these procedures so that you can make an informed decision that feels right for you.

Brow Lift

As you get older, your skin loses elasticity, with your forehead being especially prone to sagging. Brow lift makes cosmetic improvements by removing some of the excess skin and tightening forehead muscles to create a smooth appearance that does not appear unnaturally “pulled.” The surgery is also successful at lifting drooping eyebrows so that they rest at a higher position. This helps them to appear happier and more youthful. 

Botox

Botox is a neuromodulator injectable with botulinum type A. Although it can be used for a variety of purposes like migraine and sweat reduction, most patients use Botox to reduce unwanted lines on their face. By freezing targeted muscles for a few months, lines that have developed through repeated movements on your thinning forehead skin should have an opportunity to disappear. Botox can also help to slightly lift your eyebrows to a more youthful position.

Considering Your Options

While both procedures have similar goals, the most obvious difference between the treatments is the invasiveness. While brow lift can achieve more dramatic and longer lasting results, Botox is preferable if you want a subtler and non-surgical transformation.

Botox has no downtime, which means you can return to work immediately, while brow lift typically requires one to two weeks of recovery time. Botox’s shorter recovery is reflective of its shorter duration: you can expect to see injectable results last three to four months, meaning that maintenance requires periodic appointments. However, brow lift results can be visible for about a decade. 

During a consultation, a plastic surgeon can review relevant factors, including cost, the severity of your aging, and the aesthetic goals you have in mind. This should help make your final decision clearer.

Speak to the Professionals in Beverly Hills

At Ghavami Plastic Surgery, our entire team of experts is happy to help you achieve your cosmetic goals, whether that involves a surgical or injectable treatment. To learn more about all your rejuvenation options, please schedule a consultation by calling (310) 275-1959.