The brow is one of the first places on the face to show signs of aging. Creases that form along the forehead become deeper as skin gets older and less elastic. Patients who want to improve the appearance of their foreheads sometimes have difficulty choosing between surgical and non-surgical options. Here, renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Min S. Ahn explains the particulars for patients who are considering either Botox or a brow lift.
Botox
Botox is an injectable botulinum toxin that has been approved by the FDA to treat forehead wrinkles. The toxin relaxes or “freezes” the forehead muscles so that they do not move with facial expressions. Once the muscles have been temporarily immobilized, the lines soften and the brow takes on a smoother appearance. Botox also allows the eyebrows to lift to a higher, more youthful position on the face.
The muscles remain relaxed for a few months after a treatment. To maintain the results, further injections are necessary.
Brow Lift
A brow lift is a surgical procedure with two main objectives. The first is to create youthful-looking eyebrows. Over time, excess skin can cause the eyebrows to droop, making the face look older, angrier and more tired. Elevating the arches of the brows improves the overall appearance.
The second objective is to excise the sagging skin and tighten the forehead muscles. Having a tauter forehead minimizes the wrinkles that run horizontally on the forehead, as well as the vertical frown lines between the brows.
Deciding Between These Procedures
While both procedures can treat the same set of flaws, that is where the comparison ends. Botox is suitable for smaller, more subtle changes, whereas brow lift surgery accomplishes more dramatic results. Botox lasts an average of three to four months when applied to the forehead, while the results of a brow lift can last more than 10 years.
Patients who are contemplating a forehead procedure should factor in the extent of aging, the costs associated with each procedure and the duration of the results. The right choice for one patient may not be the same for another.
Meet Dr. Ahn
Dr. Ahn is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon at the top of his field. He has rejuvenated many patients’ foreheads with the help of a brow lift and Botox. If you are interested in transforming your brow, schedule a consultation at Ahn Point in Boston. Together, you can discuss both treatment options to determine which is better suited to your unique needs.
About Dr. Min S. Ahn
Facial Plastic Surgeon · Ahn Point Center
- Board certification
- Education and training
- Harvard University, B.A. in Biology, cum laude
- George Washington University School of Medicine, with distinction; Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
- University of California, San Francisco, Head and Neck Surgery (Internship/Residency)
- Research at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health and at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Department of Surgery
- Medical degree, George Washington University School of Medicine, with distinction
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology cum Laude, Harvard University (1985–1989)
- Degree in medicine, with Distinction, The George Washington University School of Medicine (1990–1994)
- Internship in General Surgery, The University of California at San Francisco (1994–1995)
- Residency in Head and Neck Surgery, The University of California at San Francisco (1995–1999)
- Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The University of California at San Francisco (1999–2000)
- Hospital affiliations
- UMASS Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA
- Memberships
- The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- The California Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- The American College of Surgeons
- The Massachusetts Medical Society
- The American Medical Association
- The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- The Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
- Awards
- Boston Magazine Top Doctor: 2022-2026
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor: 2023-2026
- NPI
- 1255326112
- Offices
- Wellesley · Westborough · Beverly Hills