Lip and cheek fillers have grown popular in recent years, but there’s another area of our faces that is getting more attention—our brows! Your brow area covers your forehead, including the space between your eyebrows, and it’s an area where deep wrinkles often become visible. Brow lifts can help to smooth over these wrinkles, enhancing your self-esteem, and rejuvenating that bright skin of your youth.

Wrinkles and lines can occur in your brow area for a number of reasons—sun damage can cause collagen levels to deplete, as can the constant use of facial muscles from making facial expressions, talking and eating1. Some skin creases are less noticeable and can be reversed with facial creams, deeper lines can become more visible with time from muscle overactivity, such as straining your eyebrows when reading or concentrating. Brow lifts are designed for these more permanent lines, as well as tightening loose or sagging skin in the brow area.    

Brow lifts are safe and carry few risks. If you’re wondering if a brow lift is the right choice for you, this article will answer the following:

  • What is a brow lift?
  • What procedures are available?
  • What are the costs associated?
  • Should I get a brow lift?

So, what is a brow lift? A brow lift is a procedure designed to reduce signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and lines, and assist in tightening up skin in the brow area. Brow lifts are carried out in two different ways—surgical, and non-surgical. There are differences in how long each treatment lasts, the costs, and recovery time.

Non surgical brow lifts

A non-surgical brow lift is completed by a Surgical Specialist, who injects dermal filler, Botox (botulinum toxin Type A), or a combination of both into specific muscles in your brow area2. The biggest advantage to these procedures is that they are minimally invasive (no incision scars), and require very little recovery time.

Dermal fillers 

Dermal fillers are soft, gel-like injectables, and can be made from synthetic or naturally occurring substances3. They are injected beneath the skin’s into the dermal layer. While repeat treatments are recommended to maintain, advantages to dermal filler include:

  • Effects last between six to twelve months
  • Increased volume and plumpness (lost by skin due to sagging) 
  • Reduces appearance of static lines (lines that still exist when your face is relaxed) and wrinkles immediately
  • In the event of adverse reactions, dermal filler can be reversed using hyaluronidase, which dissolves the filler

Botox 

Botox is administered in similar fashion to dermal fillers, but works via a different mechanism. Botulinum toxin (botox) blocks signals travelling in nerves that would otherwise allow muscles to contract. This muscle then stays in a relaxed (soft) form and the creases and lines (wrinkles) caused by muscle contraction remain invisible4. Unlike dermal fillers, the effects of Botox will only become evident three to fourteen days after the procedure. 

How long does a Botox brow lift last? This also differs from fillers—Botox brow lifts commonly last between three to four months. Like dermal fillers, Botox injectables require consistent procedures to maintain. Advantages to an injectable brow lift using Botox include:

  • Being specifically designed for wrinkles and lines created by muscle movement (dynamic wrinkles, commonly associated with brow movement) 
  • Eyebrows become elevated, and eyes are opened up
  • Works on deeper wrinkles and lines, particularly stubborn “frown” lines
  • The relaxing effect on the muscles stops new wrinkles and lines forming (known as preventative treatment) 

Combining dermal fillers with Botox is growing in popularity, as they complement each other. As dermal fillers treat static wrinkles and lost volume, and Botox targets dynamic wrinkles, multiple signs of ageing are addressed simultaneously5. It is always best to discuss your options regarding this combination with a Surgical Specialist. 

Surgical brow lifts

A surgical brow lift can be a better option for those who have tried non-surgical procedures and want longer-lasting results, or who have deeper, permanent lines. Those who have low or sagging brow areas may also prefer a surgical brow lift. This procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and requires more recovery time than the non-surgical option. Small incisions are made on either side of the forehead, usually in the hairline to avoid visible scarring. The underlying muscles and tissues are then repositioned to create a smoother, more youthful brow6. For a surgical procedure, this is minimally invasive, and can last up to ten years.

Brow lift cost

Costs will vary depending on procedure and treatment. Dermal fillers are more expensive than Botox injections, but will typically last longer. Non-surgical treatments can be done in-house at a clinic, and can range from anywhere between $350-600 for Botox, depending on how much is needed. Dermal fillers can be upwards of $500-750, depending on the clinic and doctor. If you are planning on using both, the cost will increase. Many places do payment plans, as it is a cosmetic procedure, and therefore you will not receive a Medicare or health fund rebate. 

A surgical brow lift has extra costs associated. These include: 

  • Original consultation
  • Surgeon’s fee for the procedure
  • Anaesthesiologist, and anaesthesia
  • Hospital or facility fees (day-stay at hospital is required)
  • Post-procedure reviews to assess healing
  • Antibiotics or medication

Overall, surgical brow lifts can be expected to cost anywhere between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on the surgeon’s fees, and the hospital or clinic used.  

Should I get a brow lift?

Deciding on a cosmetic procedure or surgery is ultimately a personal decision and should only be considered after consultation with a Surgical Specialist.

If you are constantly spending money trying to find miracle wrinkle creams for stubborn lines in your brow area, a brow lift could be more financially viable, and will have more visible results. Before going ahead with a surgical brow lift, you may want to discuss non-surgical alternatives such as dermal or Botox injections, as these can have great results.  

Personal circumstances such as pregnancy or underlying medical issues should always be taken into account when deciding on whether a procedure is right for you. 

Considering a brow lift? Contact the experts at the Dental Implant and Specialist Centre today on (07) 5503 1744 to book a consultation. 

References

  1. Lindy Segal, 2019, ‘How to Get Rid of Forehead Wrinkles (Yes, It’s Possible)’, Harper’s Bazaar.  
  2. Lucy Abbersteen, 2019, ‘Botox vs Fillers: Everything You Need to Know Before Starting Treatment’, Marie Claire.
  3. Kristina Liu MD, 2020, ‘Dermal Fillers: The Good, the Bad and the Dangerous’, Harvard Medical School.
  4. 2018, ‘Cosmetic Fillers vs Anti Wrinkle Injectables’, Laser, Skin and Vein Clinic.  
  5. Jonathan Grant, 2017, ‘The Benefits of Combining Botox and Dermal Fillers’, Cascade Facial Surgery and Aesthetics.
  6. 2020, ‘Brow Lift Guide’, American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.