Deciding between a brow lift and Botox injections is an important choice for individuals seeking to revitalise and enhance their aesthetic appearance. The anatomy of the glabellar region, or the brow area, includes several complex muscular structures such as the forehead, eyebrows, and eyelids. Over time, patients may notice changes in the region, such as the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as drooping or sagging skin. These visual changes can cause patients to become distressed, even diminishing their self-confidence.
A brow lift is a surgical procedure that physically repositions the eyebrows, while Botox is an injectable treatment that helps relax the facial muscles. If you are seeking to rejuvenate your upper face or simply want to learn more about each procedure, Dr Riccardo Frati can help you!
Dr Frati is an internationally renowned cosmetic surgeon at Harley Plastic Surgery. As one of the premier practices in London and Manchester, Dr Frati’s pioneering work has been featured in the media, showcasing the transformative results he offers patients. If you have been struggling with wrinkles, creases, and other signs of ageing and are unsure which procedure is best for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr Frati!
To learn more about whether a brow lift or Botox is best for you, please call our London office at +44 20 3633 2619, our Manchester office at +44 16 1327 2139, or contact us online.
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About Brow Lifts vs Botox
Understanding the similarities and differences between brow lifts and Botox is the first step to finding the right treatment for your transformation. While these procedures may seem like they offer similar benefits, they are quite different in reality.
As patients age, they lose the elasticity in their skin, causing it to droop or sag. This can create a tired, angry appearance, even causing some to be perceived as older than they are. Many people seek out Dr Frati’s procedures for his transformative results, but understanding both options is necessary when deciding which procedure is right for you.
Brow Lifts
The brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a procedure that involves repositioning and raising the eyebrows to create a more youthful appearance. (1) This procedure requires the use of incisions to allow Dr Frati access to the underlying muscle structures. Through the removal of excess skin and tissue, Dr Frati can eliminate and reduce signs of ageing such as wrinkles, creases, and fine lines.
Botox
Botox is a non-surgical treatment that helps reduce fine lines and creases in the face. Botox is a neuromodulator, meaning it temporarily blocks the nerve signals that contract and move the muscles. (2) This relaxes the muscles, eliminating visual signs of ageing while simultaneously preventing new ones from forming.
Benefits
Regardless of which procedure is performed, there are a myriad of benefits associated with both brow lifts and Botox injections. A few of the benefits our patients experience after undergoing either treatment include:
- Fewer wrinkles and smoother skin: Both treatments can help reduce visible signs of facial ageing, such as horizontal forehead lines and frown lines. Botox and brow lifts also target the glabellar region, or brow region, preventing an overly tired or aged appearance.
- Customisable treatment options: Both procedures can be fully tailored to help each patient reach their aesthetic goals while simultaneously addressing their unique symptoms and conditions
- Enhanced Confidence and facial rejuvenation: Patients can experience a refreshed, more youthful look after undergoing either procedure. Whether a more subtle or dramatic effect is desired, the outcomes provided by an expert such as Dr Frati can lead to elevated self-esteem and even an overall increase in quality of life.
Brow Lift Benefits
- Longer-lasting results: The results of a brow lift can last for several years, making it a more worthwhile investment for patients with more significant aesthetic concerns.
- Repositions the eyebrows: Dr Frati will use advanced surgical techniques to physically reposition the eyebrows and surrounding skin to provide a more youthful expression. Lifting the brows can also help correct any sagging or heaviness.
Botox Benefits
- Minimally invasive: As Botox is an injectable treatment, it is non-surgical and quick to perform. There is no downtime or recovery associated with this treatment.
- Prevents wrinkle formation: Botox relaxes the facial muscles, stopping local movement while preventing the formation of new creases and lines.
To learn more about the many benefits our treatments can offer, patients are asked to schedule a consultation by calling our London office at +44 20 3633 2619, our Manchester office at +44 16 1327 2139, or by contacting us online.
Candidates
While both the brow lift and Botox offer patients a refreshed, more youthful appearance, the candidacy for the two procedures can differ slightly.
Ideal candidates for a brow lift are those experiencing more significant signs of ageing. Deep forehead wrinkles and creases alongside more severe levels of skin laxity are more likely to be recommended for a brow lift. A brow lift may also be more beneficial for patients interested in a long-term solution.
Botox candidates are those experiencing more mild to moderate lines, wrinkles, and other visual signs of ageing around the forehead. Younger patients, as well as those who want a quicker, minimally invasive treatment, may find Botox more beneficial. Botox is also a great solution for patients who may not be ready to commit to a full brow lift or want a more temporary solution to their visual concerns.
Candidates considering either procedure should be in good overall health with no underlying medical conditions that may impair the healing process. Each patient should also hold realistic expectations regarding the outcome of their treatment.
Personal Consultation
The first step to figuring out which procedure is right for you is scheduling a personal consultation at either our Manchester or London office. Each patient is asked to arrive at their personal consultation no more than ten minutes before their appointment. At the personal consultation, Dr Frati will discuss each patient’s medical history and concerns with them before examining to determine whether or not a brow lift or Botox injections are more appropriate. After determining the best treatment method, Dr Frati will craft each patient’s comprehensive treatment plan, tailoring certain aspects to help maximise benefits and target any concerns. He will provide and explain the preparation and recovery instructions alongside an all-inclusive quote.
Please note that friends and relatives are not permitted to enter our consulting room. A member of our team will be present as each patient’s chaperone, and guests will be asked to stay in our waiting area, but may be asked to wait outside if our waiting area is full.
To start your rejuvenation journey, please schedule a consultation by calling our London office at +44 20 3633 2619, our Manchester office at +44 16 1327 2139, or by contacting us online.
Preparation
Preparation between patients can vary. Dr Frati will provide preparation instructions to each patient at their consultation, after crafting their customised treatment. Generally speaking, patients should avoid the use of medications or supplements with blood-thinning properties to minimise complications during recovery. The use of nicotine or tobacco, along with the consumption of alcohol, should also be avoided for several weeks before undergoing treatment. On the day of their appointment, patients should arrive at our clinic with a clean face, free of any makeup or skincare products.
Procedure
Both a brow lift and Botox injections use very different methods to help reduce wrinkles and creases in the face, restoring a smoother appearance. Dr Frati can help each patient discover the best treatment for their concerns, customising each aspect to maximise benefits and create the most ideal outcome.
Brow Lift Procedure
The brow lift begins with the administration of general or local anaesthesia. Dr Frati can use multiple different techniques to help each patient achieve a more youthful expression, and he will discuss each one at their consultation.
The traditional brow lift requires Dr. Frati to place an incision on the top of the head, hidden within the scalp. He will then adjust the underlying muscles and remove excess skin. This technique is ideal for those experiencing more significant signs of ageing. (1)
The temporal lift, also known as the lateral lift, is designed to give a more subtle enhancement. Incisions are carefully placed at the temples, near the hairline, and are recommended for patients with mild lines and laxity.
The endoscopic lift uses innovative camera technology to help revitalise facial aesthetics. Several small incisions are placed within the scalp before a thin tube with a camera, called an endoscope, is used to help reposition the tissues. (3)
Botox Procedure
Dr Frati will cleanse and sanitise each patient’s skin before starting treatment to minimise any risk of infection. Patients may opt for topical anaesthesia to eliminate discomfort, however, many find this step to be unnecessary. Dr Frati will use a thin needle to administer the Botox solution to predetermined areas of the face that experience more dynamic movement. By injecting the formula into contracting muscles, we can relax areas of the face where more visual signs of ageing occur, reducing the amount of pre-existing creases and lines while simultaneously preventing new ones from forming.
A Botox injection session typically takes less than half an hour, perfect for patients with busier schedules.
To learn more about the other procedures we offer, please refer to Dr Frati’s blog.
Recovery
There is no recovery or downtime associated with Botox, however, patients are asked to avoid touching their face, in addition to avoiding physical exercise for 24 hours. Those who have undergone a brow lift may have a more extensive recovery, with specific timelines varying between individuals. Patients receiving a brow lift can often return to their daily routine within seven to ten days, but full healing may take longer.
Results
The full results of each procedure manifest after a certain period of time. Botox results appear several days after injection, and the full effects of a brow lift can be seen after any residual swelling dissipates. Patients can experience a more refreshed, rejuvenated complexion. Reductions in forehead lines and other wrinkles and creases provide a more youthful expression, leading to an enhancement in confidence. Botox patients can enjoy results for several months, with Dr Frati recommending reinjection every three to six months. Brow lift procedures provide significantly longer-lasting results, with effects being seen for multiple years.
Cost of a Brow Lift or Botox in the United Kingdom
The cost of each patient’s procedure will vary depending on several factors, most importantly being which treatment is performed. Once their comprehensive treatment plan can be created, Dr Frati will provide each patient with a full, written quote at their personal consultation.
To unlock the full cost of either your brow lift or Botox treatment, please schedule a consultation at our London office at +44 20 3633 2619, our Manchester office at +44 16 1327 2139, or through our online contact form.
FAQ
Can Botox replace a brow lift?
Botox is not a suitable replacement for a brow lift. Botox injections can not replicate the structural changes or physical repositioning achieved through a brow lift.
Are there any risks associated with either treatment?
Both procedures carry a degree of risk, but with Dr Frati’s dedication to patient safety and knowledge of advanced techniques, these risks are minimised. Patients are encouraged to discuss these concerns with Dr Frati during their personal consultation.
Can either Botox or a brow lift be combined with another treatment?
Yes! Both treatments can be combined with other complementary treatments to provide combined results.
References
- Jawad BA, Raggio BS. Direct Brow Lift. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559261/
- Padda IS, Tadi P. Botulinum Toxin. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557387/
- Bahmani Kashkouli M, Karimi N, Sianati H, Khademi B. Techniques of Eyebrow Lifting: A Narrative Review. Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research. 2020;15(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.18502/jovr.v15i2.6740