Cosmetic surgery is a popular way to combat signs of aging, and the brow lift is among the most popular procedures chosen by people of many ages.  If you are faced with sagging or wrinkles in the forehead or brow area, this procedure may be for you, but for some people it may be only one necessary procedure to create an even look.

For many people, a brow lift is an ideal procedure for firming and tightening the face and removing forehead and brow wrinkles and lines that may seem unattractive or give the appearance known as “angry brow”.  When a brow lift is performed, a small incision is made around the hair line, and tissue is moved or muscle removed that is responsible for the lines.  This will eliminate the appearance of wrinkles and creases.

When a patient’s face is aged beyond the forehead, the brow lift is also done in conjunction with a face lift, where the skin is pulled taut at the incision line, removing wrinkles from the entire face.  For patients with lines and wrinkles on many parts of the face, a brow lift alone would create an uneven and unnatural appearance; leading many people to choose both the brow and forehead lift.  Each case is different and should be discussed with a licensed cosmetic surgeon.

When attempting to determine if any cosmetic procedure is right for you, it is important to weigh everything carefully.  Ensure that you understand not only the results, but the potential risks and side effects.  Your doctor will work with you to help you understand both the pros and cons of any procedure.  You should additionally ensure that your surgeon knows of any health problems that you or immediate family members have as well as any medications or supplements you are taking.  A brow lift can be a remarkably successful procedure and can provide exactly the results you are looking for, but you should always talk with your doctor to ensure that the procedure and the results are something that will be beneficial for you.

Wrinkles were once considered a sign of wisdom, but many people seem to longer feel this way.  Wrinkles, at their most basic, are simply areas of skin that has lost its elasticity.  As skin loses collagen and elasticity, it begins to sag and droops, ultimately causing the formation of wrinkles.  There are many factors that can amplify and accelerate wrinkles, however.

One of the biggest factors in making wrinkles worse is the sun.  Areas of the skin that are most commonly exposed to the sun are always the most prone to wrinkles, which is highly evident in people who spend a great deal of time in the sun.  While genetics also plays a role and can keep some lucky sun dwellers from wrinkling prematurely, for many it is a primary accelerant for wrinkles.

In addition to genetics and sun exposure, many other things can play into your likelihood to get wrinkles.  A major factor for many people is smoking.  Smoking is known to damage skin at a cellular level, leading to a highly increased rate of premature wrinkling.  Medical studies also show a significant link between heavy or prolonged stress and wrinkles.  While the belief that stress causes wrinkles had for a long time been based solely on anecdotes passed down over the years, there is now medical evidence that this is true.

In short, wrinkles are inevitable for those who live long enough.  While they are bound to occur eventually, however, there is much you can to do prolong this, such as avoiding excessive sun exposure and not smoking.  For those who have wrinkles, there are treatments available, ranging from creams to injections to surgery.  While many still consider wrinkles a sign of wisdom if you find yourselves among those who do not, your doctor or cosmetic surgeon can help you find the best treatment to reduce and eliminate wrinkles.

While this may surprise or even scare you, Botox actually has a number of medical uses that make it a highly effective form of treatment.  In addition to temporarily eliminating wrinkles, here are a few of the fascinating applications of Botox, or botulinum toxin A.

Botox is used to treat a wide array of spasms.  From spasms of the eyelid to spasms of the cervix, the main effect of botulism toxins is paralysis.  While systemic paralysis is potentially fatal, locally injected botulinum that is placed only in a particular muscle is remarkably safe and can temporarily paralyze muscles, resulting in up to eight months without spasms.  For patients suffering from a variety of diseases this can be remarkably beneficial.  It is through the study of this effect that the cosmetic applications of Botox were inadvertently discovered.

Today, many people use Botox to rid themselves of fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet.  By injecting the toxin into the muscles of the face, contractions are no longer possible due to muscle paralysis, creating a smoother and more youthful appearance.  The injections are approved for people up to aged 65.

Other uses for Botox include the treatment of everything from excessive sweating to writer’s cramp.  It is also being studied as a possible treatment for spasms of the larynx.  What is already known, however, is that in addition to being considered by many to be a wonder and an excellent alternative to surgery, Botox injections are actually a remarkably beneficial medical treatment with a number of practical applications.

What Can Be Done?

There is much that can be done during a face lift procedure.  For starters, an incision can be made around the hairline and the skin pulled taut and sutured back together.  This is the most common face lift procedure, and results in the elimination of facial wrinkles and firmer skin.  Eyelid surgery removes excess tissue, tightens muscles, and in some cases repositions fat deposits, all through a small and well concealed incision line.  This gives the eyes a more rested and youthful appearance.

Many people also have excess neck skin lifted during a face lift.  This can repair sagging jowls and fat accumulations as well as wrinkles.  During a face lift, many people also have collagen injections to alter the appearance of lips as well as injections of Botox to reduce facial wrinkles further.  There are many procedures that can be incorporated into a facelift, and only your doctor can help you determine what procedures might be best for you.

What Are the Results?

Most face lift results will last a long time, but none are permanent. As skin ages, it loses elasticity, and many people will seek a second surgery many years down the road.  Injections such as Botox and Collagen are more limited in duration that surgery.  With this said, however, many people find that they are highly satisfied with the results of face lift operations, helping to make it one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the world.

Botox is designed to be injected into the body in places where people don’t want to see wrinkles. When Botox is injected, it inhibits the muscles from contracting. Generally, Botox is injected into the area in between the eyebrows where frown lines occur. Contracting muscles can create frown lines. When the muscles don’t contract, it is less likely for wrinkles to appear.

History of Botox

Botox was originally approved in the 1980’s as a treatment for eye ailments such as lazy eye and excessive blinking. In 2002, Botox was approved for cosmetic use, specifically for reducing wrinkles. Botox can also be used for treating backaches, headaches, muscle spasms and excessive sweating.

The Botox Procedure

Botox is a non-surgical cosmetic process. It takes place in a doctor’s office, with the Botox shots being administered by a physician. It is a simple, quick procedure and there is no recovery time afterward. You can resume normal activity when leaving the doctor’s office.

The physician will decide, after examination, the proper places on the face to inject the Botox. These places should be the points where muscles on the face contract. Several small injections of Botox will be made in those predetermined areas. How many injections the doctor administers, will be determined by his assessment of the severity of wrinkling and the design of your facial features. Botox procedures can have results that last up to four months. At that time, the procedure may be repeated.

What are the Side Effects of Botox?

Botox is generally considered a safe cosmetic procedure if administered correctly, but side effects can occur in certain individuals. The most common side effect of the treatment is bruising at the injection site. This will be temporary. Headaches and nausea are less common side effects of Botox. Eye drooping can occur when the injected Botox travels toward the eye. It is recommended not to rub the injected area for a period of time after the injection to prevent the Botox from moving across the face. If eye drooping occurs, it will generally resolve itself in a relatively short period of time.

Things to Keep in Mind about Botox

Botox is a drug. It should be administered by a physician in a physician’s office. Make sure to choose a board certified doctor specializing in cosmetic surgery, or dermatology. Check to see that the physician you choose has experience in administering Botox.

A very small risk of developing botulism exists when this drug is injected. Botox is approved for treating wrinkles between the eyebrows, not anywhere else. Also, Botox is approved for patients between the ages of 18-65 years old. If you have any nerve issues or muscular problems, discuss them with your doctor before receiving Botox injections. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use this drug.