One Thanksgiving in the past, my mother arrived with a peculiar eyebrow that resembled Dwayne Johnson’s iconic expression when he asks, “Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?” Her right eyebrow was raised in a questioning manner, while the left one remained relaxed. The reason behind this unusual sight? Poorly administered neurotoxin injections at a medspa. This phenomenon, known as “Spock brow,” is not uncommon, especially when injections are done by non-board-certified individuals. We consulted experts to understand how this occurs, how to prevent it, and how to rectify it if it has already happened.
Featured Experts
What Is Spock Brow?
“Spock brow refers to the lifting of the outer part of the eyebrow higher than intended after neuromodulator treatment, resulting in an arched or peaked appearance,” explains Dr. Sue Ellen Cox, a dermatologist from Chapel Hill, NC. Dr. Kenneth Beer, a dermatologist from West Palm Beach, FL, mentions that the name is inspired by the quizzical look of Spock from Star Trek due to his highly arched eyebrow tails.
How Does Spock Brow Occur?
According to Dr. Jennifer Segal, a dermatologist from Houston, the unnatural brow appearance usually occurs when insufficient attention is given to the lateral aspects of the forehead muscle. Dr. Cox explains, “It happens when the central forehead muscles receive a stronger dose while the lateral frontalis is under-treated, causing the outer brow to lift more than the center.”
How Long Does it Take for the Eyebrow to Return to Normal?
Dr. Cox mentions that there is no way to expedite the wear-off of neuromodulators, and most patients start regaining movement around two to three months post-treatment, with a full return to baseline closer to four months. However, Dr. Beer suggests that a Spock brow can often be easily remedied with a small amount of neurotoxin placed above the highest part of the brow.
“If the brow is excessively elevated, a small corrective dose to the lateral frontalis can relax the overactive area and rebalance the brow position,” says Dr. Segal. She emphasizes the importance of careful correction to avoid creating a heavy or drooping brow.
How to Avoid Spock Brow
The key to preventing Spock brow lies in the injector’s technique, so it is essential to consult a board-certified expert injector. Dr. Cox advises, “It is crucial to work with a physician injector who comprehends forehead anatomy and customizes dosing across the frontalis for consistent brow support. Precise placement and balanced dosing are essential in preventing this outcome.”
Even with a skilled injector, avoiding this outcome can be challenging at times. Dr. Beer recommends starting with small amounts of neurotoxin in the frown (glabella) and lateral forehead (frontalis) to soften lines and shape the brow naturally, as suggested by Dr. Segal.