I Tried a Botox Brow Lift for My Hooded Eyes—Here's Why I Won't Regret It.

      As a child, I always appreciated my hooded eyes. However, having a naturally heavier brow and deep-set eyes means that in my early thirties, I'm beginning to notice signs of aging, with a bit more drooping around my outer eyes than I'd like. Although I don’t see it as dramatically in the mirror, I've realized that my eyes look smaller, more squinty, and less alert in photos when I smile. My eyeshadow and makeup don’t apply as well as they once did. It’s not a major issue, but I often feel I appear more tired than I actually am. I had previously experimented with a few treatments for my hooded eyes, such as Sofwave and some Botox around my eyes, but I hadn’t yet tried a Botox brow lift. Therefore, I decided to consult with Dr. Elizabeth Hawkes, a consultant ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon, to experience the treatment firsthand. If you’re considering a Botox brow lift, keep reading for the essential information.

      What Is a Botox Brow Lift?

      Dr. Hawkes explains, “Botox is a neuromodulator, which means it interacts with nerves and muscles at the neuromuscular junction to prevent muscle contractions. It acts as an anti-wrinkle injection to decrease line formation and is commonly used around the eyes. It can assist with hooded eyes and lift the brow area by subtly altering the brow and upper eye, enhancing the framing of the face while softening lines without diminishing expression.” She adds, “Although Botox can’t remove excess skin on the upper eyelids—only a surgical procedure like an upper blepharoplasty can do that—it can lift the brow’s position when applied thoughtfully, taking into account the relationship between the frown and forehead muscles. This is referred to as a chemical brow lift.”

      During a Botox brow lift, the practitioner usually treats the glabellar complex (the area between the eyebrows) and the upper part of the orbicularis oculi (the muscle surrounding the eye). Dr. Hawkes states, “The purpose of using neuromodulators for a non-surgical brow lift is to relax the brow's depressor muscles, particularly the glabellar complex and the upper orbicularis oculi.” Yet, a skilled practitioner will customize the dosage and placement to fit your facial structure. “The treatment is always personalized,” she explains. “The dosage and location depend on the patient's anatomy and the desired lift. In some cases, a small amount may be injected into the frontalis (the brow elevator), but this must be done with precision to avoid heaviness. It’s very much an individualized approach.”

      Who Is It Suitable For?

      A Botox brow lift is suitable for individuals seeking a more refreshed eye area, serving as an excellent treatment for those with hooded eyes. It’s also a potential first step before considering surgical options like an upper blepharoplasty. Dr. Hawkes notes, “Some patients may have mild hooding that can be treated with Botox rather than surgical intervention; however, it ultimately comes down to consultation.” She adds, “Many patients choose injectables as a preliminary step before surgery, allowing them to gauge their appearance and possibly postpone surgery for a couple of years. Results vary, but most patients can expect a subtle lift of about 1-2mm, which may seem minimal but often creates a noticeably fresher, more open look.”

      However, managing your expectations is crucial, as results won’t mirror those of a surgical procedure. “An upper blepharoplasty will provide a more significant structural change, especially where there is excess skin. Nonetheless, not everyone is a surgical candidate,” explains Dr. Hawkes. “In younger patients, we often prefer non-surgical options initially. A neuromodulator brow lift can offer a slight elevation and help enhance the look of hooded lids, but expectations should stay realistic. It enhances rather than replaces surgery.” Additionally, Botox can correct brow or lid asymmetry for a more balanced appearance around the eyes.

      How Long Does It Last?

      According to Dr. Hawkes, the effects of Botox typically start to show within one to two days, with full results visible after one to two weeks post-treatment. “Botox generally leaves your system within 12 weeks, although many patients experience results for an additional four to six weeks based on individual metabolism and muscle activity.” You’ll be glad to know that a Botox brow lift involves minimal discomfort compared to other aesthetic treatments and has little to no downtime. Dr. Hawkes describes it as a low-pain procedure, typically rated around one out of ten for discomfort, and with no significant downtime. “Small bumps may appear at the injection sites right after the treatment, but they usually resolve within 15 minutes. As with most injections, there is a slight risk of bruising, but it tends to be minimal.”

      Aftercare

      Post-treatment downtime is minimal, and most patients can return to normal