Why these two areas are often treated together
The muscles of the upper face work as a team. The forehead muscle lifts the brows, while the muscles between the brows and around the eyes pull them down and in. If only the forehead is relaxed, the muscles that pull the brows down can have more influence, and some people feel heaviness. That is why many providers look at the forehead, the frown lines between the brows and the crow's feet together and plan them as a whole. In the United States, Botox carries cosmetic approval for all three of these areas.
Before the appointment
Many clinics ask you to fill in a health history form. Some providers suggest avoiding certain supplements or medications that can increase bruising for a while before treatment, but never stop a prescribed medication without speaking to the doctor who prescribed it. Arrive with a clean face if you can, or expect to remove makeup at the clinic.
The consultation
A good consultation is a conversation, not a sales pitch. The provider asks what bothers you and watches your face move. You may be asked to raise your brows, frown, smile and squint so they can see which muscles create which lines and how your brows sit at rest. This is also the moment to talk about the look you want. Some people want almost no movement. Many want lines softened while keeping natural expression. Your provider explains what is realistic and what the plan would be, and decides whether treatment is appropriate for you.
The treatment itself
The skin is cleaned, and the provider may mark the injection points. A few small injections are placed in the forehead, between the brows and around the outer eyes, depending on the plan. Most people describe a quick pinch at each point. The injections usually take only a few minutes. Some clinics offer ice or a cool pack for comfort. The amount and placement are decided by the provider for your face, and we do not publish doses.
Right after the appointment
You may see small raised bumps at the injection points for a short time, and occasionally a small bruise. Most people return to work or daily plans the same day. Providers commonly give a short list of aftercare steps for the rest of the day, such as not rubbing or massaging the area, staying upright for a few hours and holding off on strenuous exercise. Follow the instructions your own provider gives, since they can differ between clinics.
The first two weeks
Results do not appear immediately. Many people start to notice softening after a few days, with the full effect at around two weeks. Many clinics invite you back at about two weeks to check the result and make small adjustments if needed. If one brow sits differently from the other, or a line still shows more than expected, this is the time to say so.
How long it lasts
For many people, results in the forehead and around the eyes last about 3 to 4 months, then fade gradually. Forehead plans are often light to keep the brows natural, so some people notice movement returning a little earlier there. Read how long does Botox last for a full look at timing by area.
Reasons a provider may say no or ask you to wait
A provider may decline or delay treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with an active skin infection in the area, with certain medications, or with certain neuromuscular conditions. Ask a licensed provider.
Questions to ask your provider
- Do you plan the forehead, frown lines and crow's feet together, and why?
- How do you keep my brows from feeling heavy?
- What should I avoid before and after treatment?
- When will I see the full result, and is a follow-up included?
- What does it look like if I want to keep more movement?
- How do you quote price for these areas?
What it costs
Price varies by clinic, ask for a quote. Quotes depend on the areas treated, the product, the provider's training and your city. Our page on Botox cost explains what drives price, and Botox vs filler explains when filler is part of the conversation for lines that stay at rest.
General information, not medical advice. A licensed provider decides whether a treatment is right for you.
Performed by licensed medical professionals. Who may perform it depends on your state's rules.