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Books/Facial Aesthetics: The Anatomy of Natural Results/Forehead and Eyebrow Line Design: The Frame of the Face
Chapter 0510 min read

Forehead and Eyebrow Line Design: The Frame of the Face

The forehead defines the frame of the face; the eyebrow line, its "tone of voice." This section describes forehead-brow architecture, the decision for forehead fillers, and brow lift techniques.

Main ideas in this chapter

  • The shape of the forehead (vertical-convex-flat) determines the overall frame of the face; it can be shaped with fillers/threads.
  • Women's eyebrows are generally more arched, men's more straight — but modern aesthetics soften this boundary.
  • Eyebrow height can be adjusted with Botox; correct eyebrow asymmetry correction is one of the interventions that makes patients happiest.

Forehead shapes

When viewed in profile, the forehead can have three basic shapes: (1) flat forehead — in the same vertical line as the chin; (2) convex forehead — slightly protruding, a "rounded" appearance; (3) receding forehead — the area above the nose is more prominent, the forehead is set back. This genetically determined shape can be aesthetically filled or shaped with threads.

Eyebrow architecture

The start of the eyebrow usually begins one eye-width away from the inner corner; its upper edge is determined by drawing a line from the inner corner. The tip of the eyebrow ends at the point where a line drawn from the outer corner to the tip of the nose passes. The "peak" of the eyebrow — its maximum height — aligns with the outer edge of the pupil; this point is prominent in women and flatter in men.

Eyebrow management with Botox

Gradual blockade of the frontalis muscle of the forehead changes eyebrow position. Relaxation of the lateral orbicularis oculi lifts the eyebrow tip upwards. Blockade of the corrugator opens the eyebrow towards the center. These three maneuvers together create a "chemical brow lift" and provide a dramatic opening in selected patients without fillers/surgery.

Female eyebrow characteristics

  • Prominent arch
  • Slight upward tilt at the outer tip
  • Thinning possible (in young fashion)
  • Soft, character-giving curve

Male eyebrow characteristics

  • Flatter profile
  • Lower position
  • Fuller, thicker
  • Less prominent peak