Neurotoxin Injections or Brow Lift: Which Is Right for Me?
Both neurotoxin injectables and surgical brow lift procedures can rejuvenate the forehead and eye areas. This post explains how each works, what concerns they address, and how to determine which option may best suit your needs.
When signs of aging begin to appear in the upper face, many patients wonder whether neurotoxin injectables or a surgical brow lift is the better choice. Both can smooth forehead lines, elevate the brows, and create a more refreshed appearance, but they work in very different ways.
At Boynton Plastic Surgery, board-certified Houston plastic surgeon James F. Boynton, MD offers both surgical and non-surgical approaches for brow rejuvenation. The following information explains some of the basic distinctions between each treatment.
How Neurotoxin Injectables Work
Neurotoxin injections (or “neuromodulators”) typically use a solution composed of a purified botulinum toxin type A formulation to temporarily relax facial muscles responsible for expression lines and brow descent. By reducing muscle movement in targeted areas, these treatments can smooth wrinkles and create a subtle “brow lift” effect.
Benefits of Neurotoxin Injections
- Non-surgical and quick (usually 10–15 minutes)
- Minimal to no downtime
- Noticeable smoothing of forehead lines and frown lines
Most patients see improvement within a few days, with full results in about two weeks. Effects typically last three to four months, though some formulations may last longer.
How a Brow Lift Works
A brow lift addresses deeper aging concerns, such as skin laxity and tissue descent, that injectables cannot correct. As the forehead and brow droop over time, the eyes can appear tired or heavy. A brow lift surgically repositions these tissues for a smoother, more youthful look.
Dr. Boynton offers several brow lift techniques, including his popular lateral subcutaneous brow lift, which can be performed comfortably in-office using local anesthesia and light oral sedation. This approach allows for discreet incisions hidden within the hairline and a relatively quick recovery.
Benefits of a Brow Lift
- Long-lasting correction of drooping brows and forehead lines
- Elevates the brows to a more natural position
- Reduces deep furrows and skin redundancy
- Can be combined with eyelid surgery or facelift procedures
- Most patients resume normal activities within several days to a week, and results often last for many years
When to Consider Neurotoxin Injections
You may be a good candidate for brow rejuvenation with neurotoxin injections if you:
- Have mild to moderate lines or early brow descent
- Want a no-downtime procedure
- Prefer more subtle, temporary results
- Want to “test” how a lifted brow might look before surgery
Dr. Boynton can also use neuromodulators to fine-tune results after surgery, correct brow asymmetry, or enhance other aesthetic treatments.
When a Brow Lift May Be the Better Option
A brow lift may be recommended if you:
- Have moderate-to-severe brow drooping or forehead laxity
- Frequently raise your brows to appear more awake
- Have persistent deep wrinkles even when muscles are relaxed
- Desire long-lasting, more dramatic rejuvenation
Dr. Boynton offers innovative, minimally invasive brow lift techniques, allowing many patients to achieve significant improvements without traditional general anesthesia or extended downtime.
Combining Both Treatments
For some, the best results come from combining both options. A brow lift repositions tissues for structural rejuvenation, while neurotoxins help maintain smoothness and temporarily prevent new lines from forming.
Dr. Boynton often integrates injectables into post-surgical care to enhance and prolong outcomes. This balanced approach can produce natural-looking, harmonious results that age gracefully.
Choosing the Right Option for You
The right choice depends on your anatomy, goals, and comfort level with downtime. During your consultation, Dr. Boynton will evaluate your facial structure, discuss your concerns, and explain the benefits and limitations of each approach. His goal is always to deliver rejuvenation that looks natural—not “done.”
Key Takeaways
Neurotoxin injectables offer a quick, non-surgical way to smooth lines and provide a subtle “brow lift” effect. Surgical brow lifts can deliver longer-lasting, more dramatic results for moderate to severe sagging. With extensive experience in both techniques, Dr. Boynton can help you choose the most effective, personalized plan for your needs. Contact Boynton Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. James F. Boynton and learn whether neurotoxin injections, a brow lift, or a combination approach may be right for you.