Kris Jenner recently announced she is giving Botox Cosmetic as a holiday gift to friends and family this year. She won’t be the only one as injectable treatments have been on the rise as a trending holiday gift. Although it may not be a gift that keeps on giving, we know that Botox Cosmetic, Xeomin, Dysport and Jeuveau will last for at least three to four months. If you do find yourself on the neurotoxin nice list, here’s how to avoid walking away with a “Grinchy” look this holiday season.
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What Is a “Grinch” or “Spock” Brow?
Miami dermatologist Melissa Chelser Lazarus, MD explains, “Neurotoxin works to give a rested appearance by relaxing the muscles. We often relax the muscles that pull down so that the facial muscles that are pulling up aren’t fighting against anything which often gives the brow a great “lift.” Sometimes this lift is too much and you end up with a ‘Grinch’ brow.
Patients like the lift, says Orlando, FL dermatologist Allison Arthur, MD, but only to a certain extent: “To some degree we like the eyebrows to lift because it makes the eye area look more open. But when it is extreme, it can leave patients with a ‘Grinch-like’ look.”
Why Injection Technique Matters
Milford, MA dermatologist Dennis Porto, MD says he sees a lot of ‘Grinch’ brows when he’s correcting another injector’s work. “The issue is that novice injectors often don’t place neurotoxin laterally enough on the frontalis muscle, so only the middle of the forehead is ‘frozen’ and the lateral forehead pulls the ends of the eyebrows up.”
“The muscle pull exam during the time of injection is critical as each person has different strength and pull of their muscles,” adds Dallas dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD. I bring back all my neurotoxin patients in two weeks to make any necessary adjustments if needed.”
Will It Go Away?
Like the adage says, “Give it a week,” but in this case, give it two. “I tell patients to give it at least two weeks from the time of injection as often the neurotoxin takes in different areas at different times,” advises Dr. Lazarus. “Oftentimes it fixes itself. If we fix too quickly it can drop the brow.”
Can It Be Corrected?
Thankfully, ‘Grinching’ or ‘Spocking’ eyebrows can be fixed easily with a few drops of more neurotoxin. “Extreme peaking of the eyebrows can be commonly and unfortunately seen on the faces of even the most illustrious of the rich and famous,” says Bloomfield Hills, MI dermatologist Linda Chung Honet, MD. “Placing a small amount above the peaks will remedy or prevent this completely.”
Wilmington, NC dermatologist Kendall Egan, MD warns overcorrecting the Grinch brow can lead to a flat brow and worsening hooding. “Worsening hooding can look funny, but also can make it difficult to see! The ‘Grinch’ or ‘Spock’ brow is treatable, but like any placement of neurotoxin, it is best done by someone who understands facial anatomy like a board-certified dermatologist.”
