What is the difference between a Botox brow lift and Thermage for the eyes?
Botox Brow Lift Vs Thermage for the Eyes?
Doctor Answers 19
Hi!
1) Thermage is useful elsewhere, but we don't think it is very effective in the upper face.
2) Skillfully injected Botox can really produce a Chemical brow lift (about 30 units).
Hello Bobbi,
As basic overview here are the differences:
Botox : is an injection that works by paralyzing the muscles that pull the brow down. As a result the muscles which lift the brow are unopposed and the brow lifts up. By controlling the amount of Botox injected and by accurately injecting specific muscles, very nice results can be achieved. Typically the wrinkles between the eyebrows are also improved along with the brows. Results last anywhere from 3-6 months.
Thermage: is a device which generates heat (radiofrequncy energy) that tightens the skin by affecting the collagen in the skin above the brow. Results can be subtle and often requires more than one treatment. Thermage tends to work better in younger patients with healthy skin. The satisfaction level with Thermage tends to be low, but in those who it works for the results last longer than Botox.
Of the two I recommend Botox. If you are not against surgery than an endoscopic brow lift or lateral brow lift will give you nice results that will last several years.
Also please note that none of these methods addresses extra skin on the eyelids - that is only treated with blepharoplasty surgery.
Hope this was helpful for you!
As I have written in answering a related question, Botox injection just below the eyebrow can create a lifting of the brow by relaxing the muscles that normally pull or hold the brow down. This so-called "chemical browlift" is most commonly used to lift the outer third of the brow but can be used along its entire length. From an aesthetic perspective, the brow arch should peak between the middle and outer thirds. This Botox effect will only last 4-5 months, whereas a surgical browlift should last many years. Thermage works by tightening skin due to application of high energy waves. Generally speaking, Thermage has been used more frequently in other areas of the body, not around the eyes or for browlifting, and I don't think the subtle skin tightening would withstand the normal downward muscular pull in that area. My preference would be for either the Botox treatment or surgery, depending on your degree of brow sagging.
Web reference: http://www.pbplasticsurgery.com
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Obviously, Botox works far more effectively than Thermage. Thermage, which is quite a painful procedure, has a very limited efficacy and does not have a significant, demonstrative long term effect.
An endoscopic browlift still represents the gold standard for raising the brow. Patients frequently look for alternative to avoid surgical procedures. Several alternatives exist when this scenario arises. The botox browlift is effective but needs to be repeated at three to four month intervals. Most surgeons, would agree that Thermage has a minimal impact on the brow, is painful and has significant expense. For this reason, the botox browlift is a better alternative.
Botox is a muscular paralytic agent placed in the forehead expression muscles which decreases the vertical lines between the eyebrows and horizontal lines in the forehead on a temporary basis. Thermage attempts to shrink wrap skin in the neck, and we have never seen that application in the forehead or eyelids work. A surgical browlift softens the expression of the corrugators, procerus, and frontalis muscles along with raising the eyebrows and adjusting asymmetry in the eyebrows as well. The Forehead lift can also adjust the hairline upwards or downwards depending upon placement of the incision. For many examples, please see the link below to our browlift photo Gallery
Web reference: http://www.seattlefacial.com/photogallery/browlift_photos.html
I wouldn't recommend Thermage for the eyes. If you have a heavy or depressed brow then a Botox brow lift or formal surgical brow lift may be better options. See a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.
Best,
We offer both Thermage® and BOTOX® Cosmetic at my practice; these two procedures work very differently. Thermage® uses radiofrequency waves to trigger new collagen production while firming up loose skin. BOTOX®, on the other hand, temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles. In the brow area, using several injections can help relax the forehead and eye muscles enough to eliminate that fallen brow that so often shows up with age. This is sometimes called a chemical brow lift. Thermage® does not affect the muscles, which are the primary culprit when it comes to aging around the eyes and forehead. I would choose BOTOX® instead.
For a non-surgical browlift, Botox is an excellent option. Placing a small amount of Botox in the upper lateral orbicularis muscle (around the eye socket) can give a pleasing lift to the tail of the brow. Thermage, and other non-surgical tightening devices/treatments, have some utility in the lower face but not generally in the brow region. In addition, these treatments tend to be more expensive and don't work in all patients.
Web reference: http://www.sanfranciscofacialplasticsurgery.com/endo-brow.php
Botox is more likely to give you a good result. Thermage results can be too subtle.
These are two quite different techniques for lifting the brow. Botox is an injection used to paralyze downward-pulling muscles of the brow; Thermage involves a device that applies heat to tighten the forehead and thus raise the brow.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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