Eyebrow Lifts Don’t Require “The Knife”
For years, eyelid surgery has been a popular plastic surgery up until about years ago. Oculoplastic surgeons now recognize the eyebrow lift can be done less invasively than a full procedure like blepharoplasty. Most surgeons see that the eyelid, brow and forehead are all connected, so anyone looking to gain a more youthful appearance must consider the more than just the eyelids themselves. Non-surgical or chemical eyebrow lifts have become more popular for two reasons: customers are looking for more affordable procedures, and ophthalmologists consider a chemical lift as a way to increase revenue in their practice.
The dermal fillers and chemical agents doctors are using for around the eyes are either abobotulinum toxin A (Dysport) or botulinum toxin A (Botox). Both of these products relax the orbicularis oculi, procerus and corrugator muscles that pull the eyebrow down. These muscles pull the brow up, like the frontalis, and then function without oppositions. The desired effects can last for three to six months.
Combining with Other Approaches
Dermal agents used for eyebrow lifts can sometimes be combined with other non-surgical approaches like laser treatments that have proven effective in smoothing fine lines in the brow and tighten the forehead. Choosing the right combination of cosmetic procedures often gets very confusing for patients that are doing their best to stay informed.
Eyebrows that appear to be “pulled down” make the patient look like they are frowning will benefit greatly from hyaluronic acid agents like Dysport or Botox while those with a sunken, deep-set look who have lost fat under their brows can benefit from dermal fillers like Restylane and Belotero. Dermal fillers for around the eyes makes the area under the brow appear plumper and more natural, and offer a little lift. However, patients benefit most from a combination of dermal fillers and hyaluronic acid injectables.
Patient Expectations on Eyebrow Lifts
Just like any kind of procedure, it is important for patients to know what to expect from a non surgical face lift. One disadvantage of eyebrow lifts with Dysport or Botox alone is the length of time these procedures last, and will only lift the eyebrows by a few millimeters, compared to a surgical procedure that can lift for up to a centimeter or more. Lifting with a hyaluronic acid procedure often requires repeat visits every nine months.
The most common areas for treatments are the forehead, crow’s feet and glabellar lines. Most of these products today blend in Lidocaine and other topical anesthetics. Depending upon how complex the treatment, some doctors will add more numbing agents to minimize discomfort. The amount of time the lift lasts depends on how the patient metabolizes the drugs. Every patient has to be evaluated on an individual basis so the right amount of Dysport or Botox can be assessed to get the desired lifting.
Cautions on Chemical Eyebrow Lifts
Errors can happen with eyebrow lifts done with Dysport or Botox. One common mistake is that people get Botox injected into their forehead and expect that it will lift the brow. This might get rid of the wrinkles in the forehead, but the effect on the brow is minimal. Therefore, there is a need for patients with brow ptosis to exercise caution when getting a chemical eyebrow lift.
Doctors warn that Dysport or Botox should not be injected too deeply into the dermal tissue surrounding the eyes. There is a chance that it will track into the orbit, leading to temporary ptosis. So we recommend you spend quality time with a Doctor of Aesthetic Medicine who performs eyebrow lifts in Lancaster patients to get their input on the right dermal fillers for around the eyes will work best. A non surgical face lift sounds like a great idea for many reasons but it is important to consult with an experienced clinician.
