Using Toxin To Lift One Eyebrow Only
We’ve recently been asked “How do I use toxin to lift one eyebrow only?”
This may seem a straightforward question for a new injector, but there’s actually a lot to unpack here. This includes examining why you would want to lift just one brow and the relevant anatomical considerations.
We interviewed Dr Jaymi Lad, aesthetics specialist, clinic owner and clinical trainer, about this. Here is her expert advice, including the most common mistakes new practitioners make when performing this treatment and how to avoid them.
When would you need to lift one eyebrow only?
I would only use toxin to lift one eyebrow if there was a significant asymmetry. For example, a facial asymmetry secondary to Bell’s Palsy.
What are the anatomical considerations when using toxin to lift one brow?
To lift the brows, we can either treat the glabella complex (as it is a brow depressor), or we can treat the lateral upper fibres of the orbicularis oculi. Theoretically, sparing the lateral fibres of frontalis from a toxin treatment of the forehead will also cause ‘intentional’ spocking. This would also lift the brow as the active fibres continue to elevate.
Are there any specific patient considerations injectors should be aware of?
Underlying structural bony support is a consideration. If the change in brow position is due to a change in the underlying bone structure – from bone resorption as we age – it may be best to consider filler over toxin.
Another consideration is gender presentation. An arch or brow lift is considered a feminising trait. Male brows typically tend to sit closer to the supraorbital rim and are flatter.
Realistic expectations also need to be considered. The actual lift achieved using toxin is mild, so alternatives may need to be sugg
ested depending on the patient’s expectations and goals.
What is your injecting approach when using toxin to lift the brow?
I use a single, superficial injection into the lateral upper fibres of the orbicularis oculi muscle with toxin, using a 30g needle. Be mindful not to inject too medially, as if the levator palpebrae superioris is affected, an eyelid ptosis will occur.
Tell us about the common mistakes and risks associated with this type of brow lift, and how to avoid them…
1. Lid ptosis
Diffusion of toxin in this area could result in lid ptosis if it affects the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. Your injection point still needs to be 1-1.5cm away from the supraorbital rim and avoid treating close to the mid pupillary line.
2. Feminisation
Arched brows are considered a feminine characteristic, so make sure this is in line with your treatment goals.
3. Using filler vs toxin to lift the brows
Where bone resorption has played a part in changes to anatomy, filler may be more appropriate. This is an advanced dermal filler procedure.
4. Creating an asymmetry
This is a possibility. To avoid this, I would not treat any minor or subtle asymmetries.
Botox training for healthcare professionals
Licensed doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives wanting to learn how to properly administer botox treatments have three training options.
Foundation Training in Botox and Dermal Fillers
For those who are just starting to consider aesthetic medicine and would like an initial introduction to the basics, there is our Foundation Training in Botox and Dermal Fillers.
This provides access to theoretical eLearning to be completed before a full day of practical learning and injecting. We consider this the start of your journey towards aesthetics excellence and a great base from which to pursue further education. It also allows you to gain the appropriate insurance cover you need to become an aesthetics practitioner.
Core Training in Botox and Dermal Fillers
Core Training in Botox and Dermal Fillers offers the same grounding in aesthetic medicine as our Foundation Training, but with a total of three days of practical training.
Once you have completed your eLearning modules, you will spend three full days being mentored by our experts in both toxin and filler treatments. This enhanced introductory short aesthetics training course offers the chance to get a better handle on your injection techniques. With three days of injecting, this extended hands-on learning means you can really get to grips with the cornerstone aesthetics treatments.
Level 7 Diploma in Botox and Dermal Fillers
When it comes to learning how to administer botox treatments, our Level 7 Diploma in Botox and Dermal Fillers is the gold standard. This highly respected postgraduate aesthetic medicine course offers a comprehensive education – both practical and theoretical – in the key cosmetic injectables. From Botox and lip filler to jawline contouring, you will undertake rigorous study of facial anatomy, ageing, skin ageing, patient and product selection, performing treatments, ethics, legal considerations and complications.
It’s not just theory work though. Your Level 7 Diploma mentoring sessions offer the chance to receive up-close injecting guidance from our aesthetics specialist trainers. You will treat real patients from consultation to aftercare advice and learn how to function in a real world clinical setting.
This industry-leading qualification prepares you for an aesthetics career as a sole practitioner running your own business, or to work as a highly skilled injector for an existing practice. Obtaining the Level 7 Diploma announces your accomplishments as an aesthetics practitioner, as well as your dedication to safety and honing your craft, to both patients and potential employers. As such, this is a great option for aesthetics beginners and injectors who have been practising for some time but wish to formalise their education.
All information correct at the time of publication.
