Botox for Upper Face
Botox and Other Neuromodulators for the Upper Face
The upper face is one of the most commonly treated areas with neuromodulators such as Botox®, Dysport® and Xeomin®. These treatments can help soften the appearance of lines of animation (“dynamic” lines) while maintaining natural facial expression when used with a light, skillful touch.
Over time, repeated facial movements such as raising the eyebrows, frowning, and squinting can create lines and wrinkles in the skin that can contribute to an overall angry or tired appearance. Initially, these lines are only visible during animation, but they can gradually become etched into the skin and remain visible even at rest – so called “static” lines.
Neuromodulators work by temporarily relaxing specific facial muscles responsible for these repetitive movements. By relaxing muscle activity, the skin is able to appear smoother and more refreshed. The ability to frown and “smize” can be maintained with treatment to continue communicating concern or sharing a meaningful smile, while the severity of an angry frown or the extent of crows’ feet can be reduced.
Common Areas Treated in the Upper Face
Frown lines (the “11s”), forehead lines and crow’s feet are all caused by repeated facial movement over time. Forehead lines develop from eyebrow elevation, frown lines from repeated contraction between the brows, and crow’s feet from smiling and squinting.
Neuromodulator treatment can soften the appearance of these lines by reducing specific muscle activity, while still preserving natural facial expression and movement. The goal is a more rested, balanced appearance.
But treating these areas does more than “chasing after lines” – patients often report that it softens some of the nonverbal emotional messages that they communicate via a very strong “angry” frown or “tired-appearing” eyes.
In many individuals, treating the frown lines and crows’ feet has a second benefit: keeping the brow nice and high by relaxing the forces that pull it down. The so-called “Botox brow lift” is for many patients a subtle and meaningful way to have a more awoken, fresh appearance.
A Personalized Approach
Successful upper face treatment is not simply about treating lines—it is about understanding facial anatomy and preserving natural expression.
Every face moves differently, which is why treatment should be tailored to the individual. A personalized assessment allows treatment to be designed around your unique anatomy, concerns, and goals to achieve results that appear refreshed, balanced, and natural.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Patients often seek upper face treatment to address visible lines, prevent wrinkles from becoming more pronounced over time, or achieve a more refreshed appearance.
The ideal treatment approach depends on individual anatomy, muscle strength, and aesthetic goals. During consultation, facial movement is carefully assessed to determine which muscles contribute to the concern and how treatment can be customized.
The size and bulk of muscles, where lines form on the upper face, the shape of the brow and the presence of a heavy brow or eyelid hooding will all be assessed to determine what customized plan can yield the best outcome.
Addressing forehead lines may be a challenge in some individuals – the muscle responsible for horizontal forehead lines is the same muscle responsible for raising the brows. Dr Richer is especially conservative when treating this area to avoid the risk of temporarily unmasking a heavy brow with treatment.
What is the Procedure like?
Confidential photos are taken for your medical file prior to treatment to monitor your outcome. Consent forms are reviewed with you and signed when you have received all the necessary information. The treatment area is cleansed, marked with your customized plan, and the treatment is delivered via very fine needles. Pain varies from minimal to moderate depending on individual pain sensitivity – a squeezy “stress ball”, ice application or other distractions are often used to make the experience more seamless for patients who feel they need it.
After the procedure, injection sites appear like small “mosquito bites” that dissipate within minutes. Rarely, a small bruise may occur at an injection site. Avoiding alcohol and anti-inflammatory pain medication prior to treatment can minimize this risk. Acetaminophen (Tylenol©) can be taken without fear of increasing bruising.
When Will I See Results?
Results do not appear immediately. Most patients begin to notice improvement within 3-4 days, with full results becoming visible at two weeks after treatment. When patients are new to the treatment or new to our practice, we invite them to return beyond 2 weeks when the treatment is in full effect for a follow-up visit with photos. If our approach was a tad too conservative, a touch-up or adjustment can be made which also helps us adjust the treatment plan for the future.
The positive effects typically last three to four months, although this can vary between individuals. Effects soften slowly during this time. Patients who are keen to get the best out of the treatment visit our clinic 3-4 times a year.
Curious to see if this treatment is right for you?
Get in touch with our office to schedule your appointment for consultation. You can also learn more about treating the lower face, masseter muscle or the neck with this treatment.