As we age, the eyes and brows are often among the first areas to show visible signs of change. The eyebrows may begin to flatten or droop, creating a tired or aged appearance that doesn’t reflect how we feel inside. Additionally, muscle activity between the brows can cause them to be pulled inward and downward, leading to a look that’s unintentionally stern, angry, or sullen. Fortunately, Botox provides a safe, non-surgical solution to gently lift the brows and soften these expressions—restoring a more open, relaxed, and youthful appearance.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes these changes—and how Botox can help reverse them.
The Aging Brow: What’s Really Happening
As we age, several anatomical changes contribute to the shifting appearance of the brow:
- Loss of skin strength – As collagen and elastin decline and the skin becomes thinner with age, it becomes more vulnerable to the constant pull of facial muscles—especially around the eyes and forehead. This increased susceptibility contributes to drooping brows and the development of hooded eyelids over time.
- Volume loss in the temples can cause the tail of the brow to droop and blend into the hollowed area, creating the illusion of a shorter, less defined brow.
- Bone remodeling and resorption over time reduce the structural support beneath facial muscles, contributing to sagging and drooping in the overlying tissues, including the brows.
- Muscle dynamics change with age: in some individuals, brow depressor muscles like the procerus, corrugator supercilii, and orbicularis oculi become more dominant, pulling the brows downward. In others, the frontalis muscle—which lifts the brows—may become overactive, leading to exaggerated central arching and a semi-circular or “surprised” brow shape.
Eyebrow Brow Changes Over Time
How Botox Refreshes the Brow
Botox works by temporarily relaxing targeted muscles. When applied with precision and expertise, it can restore balance to the muscle dynamics that have shifted over time, helping to achieve a more youthful appearance.
Here’s how Botox can help the brows:
- Drooping and pulled-in brows: Over time, the muscles between the brows can cause the brows to be pulled downward and together, creating a tired or angry expression. Botox relaxes the glabellar complex (the muscles between the brows)and prevents the downward pull resulting in elevation of the inner portion of the brows. This results in a refreshed and well-rested appearance.
- Lifting the brow tail: Botox injections around the lateral brow can help relax the muscles that pull the tail downward, allowing the lifting muscles of the forehead to gently elevate the brow which can also help open up the eyes and create that refreshed appearance.
- Reducing an overly arched brow: When the frontalis muscle (which lifts the eyebrows) becomes overactive, it can cause an exaggerated arch. Botox helps calm this muscle, allowing the brows to return to a more natural, balanced position.
Timing Botox and Brow Waxing
For those who receive Botox every 4 months, it’s best to schedule your Botox first and then wait a couple of weeks for the results to settle before getting your brow wax. This approach allows your brows to be in the desired shape from Botox, making it easier to simply clean them up during the brow wax.
Timing Botox and Microblading
It’s best to schedule your Botox treatment after your microblading session. Here’s why: Microblading creates a lasting shape, and the results typically last longer than Botox. When Botox is injected before microblading, the brow shape may shift as the Botox wears off, potentially altering the placement or symmetry of your brows during the microblading session..
While both treatments can complement each other beautifully, it’s important to time them correctly to ensure optimal results.
Is Botox and Brow Rejuvenation Right for You
Botox for the brow is an ideal option if you’re noticing:
- A flat brow or hooded eyelids
- Lines between the eyebrows
- A flat or downward-sloping brow shape
- Asymmetry between the brows
- Overly arched brows
Final Thoughts on Botox and Eyebrows
Aging is inevitable, but looking tired or worn out doesn’t have to be. Botox offers a non-invasive solution to restore a more youthful, confident appearance—especially around the brows. When performed by a skilled injector who understands facial anatomy and balance, it’s one of the most effective tools we have to refresh and elevate your look subtly.
Curious about whether a Botox brow lift is right for you? At Aluma Aesthetic Medicine, we specialize in personalized, natural-looking treatments that enhance your unique beauty. Book a consultation and let’s talk about your goals!
References:
Frankel, A. S., & Kamer, F. M. (1998). Chemical browlift. Archives of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, 124(3), 321.
Huilgol, S. C., Carruthers, A., & Carruthers, J. D. (1999). Raising eyebrows with botulinum toxin. Dermatologic Surgery, 25(5), 373.
Carruthers, A., & Carruthers, J. (2007). Eyebrow height after botulinum toxin type A to the glabella. Dermatologic Surgery, 33(1), S26.
