In this guide15 sections
- Key Points
- What Is a Non-Surgical Brow Lift and How Does It Work?
- How Do You Lift Your Eyebrows Without Surgery? Non-Surgical Brow Lift Options
- What Happens During a Non-Surgical Brow Lift?
- How Long Does a Non-Surgical Brow Lift Take to Work?
- How Long Does a Non-Surgical Brow Lift Last?
- How Much Does a Non-Surgical Brow Lift Cost?
- Who Is a Good Candidate for a Non-Surgical Brow Lift?
- Who Should Not Have a Non-Surgical Brow Lift?
- Can a Non-Surgical Brow Lift Fix Hooded Eyes?
- What Are the Risks and Side Effects of a Non-Surgical Brow Lift?
- Non-Surgical Brow Lift vs Surgical Brow Lift: Which Is Right for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Eyebrow Lift Consultations in London
- References
Key Points
- Can you get an eyebrow lift without surgery? Yes, but the change is modest. Non-surgical brow lift treatments raise the brow by a few millimetres at most and the effect is temporary.
- Anti-wrinkle injections (botulinum toxin) relax the muscles that pull the brow down, so the forehead muscle can lift the tail of the brow. In published studies the average gain is roughly 1 to 2 mm[1].
- Other non-surgical brow lift options include thread lifts, dermal filler and focused ultrasound. Each has a different evidence base, duration and risk profile.
- Results build over about two weeks and typically fade over a few months. Thread lifts may last longer but also need repeating[5].
- It will not fix hooded eyes caused by excess eyelid skin. That needs eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). A brow lift only helps when a low brow is the cause.
- Who it suits: mild brow descent from muscle activity, in people who want a subtle, reversible change. Significant descent needs a surgical brow lift.
Most people who search for a way to lift their eyebrows without surgery want the same thing: a more open, rested look around the eyes without an operation. A non-surgical brow lift can deliver a small, natural-looking change, most often with anti-wrinkle injections placed to tilt the tail of the brow upwards. It is a different treatment from a surgical brow lift, and it suits a different kind of patient.
This guide explains how a non-surgical brow lift works, which options exist, what the research says about each, how long results last, what affects the cost, who should not have it, and when the honest answer is that surgery, not injections, will give you the result you are hoping for. If you are still deciding between procedures, our guide to how to know if you are ready for a brow lift is a useful next read.
What Is a Non-Surgical Brow Lift and How Does It Work?
A non-surgical brow lift (also called a chemical brow lift, injectable brow lift or eyebrow lift without surgery) repositions the eyebrow using injections, threads or energy devices rather than incisions. The most common version uses small, precisely placed doses of botulinum toxin.
Three groups of muscles pull the eyebrow down:
Orbicularis oculi is the circular muscle around the eye. Its outer fibres, where they overlap the tail of the brow, are the main target for a toxin brow lift.
Corrugator supercilii are the muscles that pull the inner brows down and together when you frown.
Procerus and depressor supercilii are small muscles between the brows that pull the inner brow downwards.
The frontalis, the broad muscle across the forehead, is the only muscle that lifts the brow. When the downward pull from the muscles above is weakened with botulinum toxin, the frontalis meets less resistance and the brow sits slightly higher. In a small study of ten women, a 2013 measured study in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery ↗ found that injecting the outer part of the orbicularis oculi produced a measurable rise in brow height two weeks later[1]. The amount is small, which is why this is described as a subtle lift.
How Do You Lift Your Eyebrows Without Surgery? Non-Surgical Brow Lift Options
A review of the published literature lists neuromodulators, fillers, lasers, radiofrequency and threads among the non-surgical approaches to eyebrow rejuvenation, and concludes that treatment should be tailored to the individual anatomy[3]. The main options are below.
Botulinum toxin brow lift (anti-wrinkle injections)
This is the most widely used option. Toxin is placed along the outer orbicularis oculi and sometimes into the corrugators and procerus to reduce the downward pull on the brow. In a 2025 cohort analysis in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology ↗, 460 people who had non-surgical eyebrow elevation were assessed 15 days later. In the toxin group the average increase in brow height was 1.35 mm, and satisfaction scores were similar to those in the filler group[2]. It was a retrospective study from a single group of clinics, so the results should be read as indicative rather than definitive.
Placement matters. Toxin injected across the whole forehead can weaken the frontalis, the very muscle that lifts the brow, and cause the brow to drop. Published injection patterns for the forehead are designed to balance this and reduce the risk of brow descent[4]. For related concerns, see our guides to forehead wrinkles and frown lines, which are often treated at the same appointment.
Thread lift for the brow
Thread brow lifts use dissolvable threads placed under the skin to support the brow. Centre for Surgery does not offer thread lifts, so they are included here only so you can compare the options you may come across. A 2025 retrospective study in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ↗ followed 42 people with mild to moderate brow ptosis treated with absorbable threads. Satisfaction scores improved over 24 months, although brow position scores tended to worsen after about 18 months. Minor effects included bruising, swelling, redness, dimpling and asymmetry[6]. A smaller series of 38 people reported no serious complications and improved scores at 12 months[7]. A review of thread technique in the brow describes the effect as lasting about six months, with repeat treatment needed as it fades[5]. These are small, uncontrolled studies, and most of the data come from single clinics.
Dermal filler for the brow
Hyaluronic acid filler placed beneath the brow tail or in the temple can add support and a modest lift. The same Indian Journal of Ophthalmology cohort found comparable satisfaction between toxin and filler[2]. Filler near the brow and forehead carries risks that toxin does not. A 2025 report from the American Academy of Ophthalmology reviewed 198 cases of vision loss after filler injections; the forehead was the injection site in 56 cases and the eyebrow in one[10]. Vision loss is rare, but it is the reason filler in this area should only be done by an experienced, medically trained practitioner who knows the vascular anatomy.
Focused ultrasound and radiofrequency
Energy-based devices aim to tighten and lift the skin over the brow without needles. In a 2024 rater-blinded prospective study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ↗, 40 people completed follow-up after a single micro-focused ultrasound treatment of the forehead and temple. Blinded assessors judged brow elevation clinically significant in 35 of the 40 (87.5%) at 180 days, with an average rise of about 2.2 mm at 90 days[8]. A 2026 review notes that micro-focused ultrasound is cleared by the US FDA for brow lifting[9]. Radiofrequency is also used for skin tightening around the brow, but the evidence specific to brow position is limited. Results from these devices develop gradually as collagen remodels, and they are not suited to marked brow descent.
What Happens During a Non-Surgical Brow Lift?
For the toxin version, the session takes about ten to fifteen minutes. The needle is very fine, and numbing cream is not usually needed. You will feel a brief pinprick at each injection point, and a small raised area at each site normally settles within fifteen minutes. Mild bruising occasionally occurs and resolves over a few days.
You can usually return to normal activities straight away. Typical aftercare advice is to avoid lying flat for around four hours, to avoid rubbing or massaging the area for twenty-four hours and to skip strenuous exercise on the day. These precautions reduce the small risk of the product spreading to nearby muscles, which could affect the eyelid. Your practitioner’s instructions take priority, and our injectables aftercare guide sets out the common mistakes to avoid.
How Long Does a Non-Surgical Brow Lift Take to Work?
With botulinum toxin, the lift starts to develop over the first few days and is usually fully visible at around two weeks. Studies of toxin brow lifting measure the result at about two weeks for this reason[1]. This delay is part of how the product works, because it takes time for nerve signalling to the muscle to be interrupted. If you look in the mirror on day two and see no change, that is expected.
Thread lifts show an immediate change in brow position that settles over the following days. Focused ultrasound works more slowly, with the measurable change in the study above recorded at 90 and 180 days[8].
How Long Does a Non-Surgical Brow Lift Last?
A toxin brow lift typically lasts around three to four months in clinical practice, occasionally longer depending on the dose and how active your muscles are. The doses used for the brow are small, so the duration at this site tends to be shorter than for larger areas. People who want to keep the look usually return every three to four months.
Thread lifts are reported to last longer, with figures of around six months in one review and satisfaction persisting for up to 24 months in a retrospective series, though brow position itself tended to slip after about 18 months[5][6]. None of these options is permanent. Even after a surgical brow lift, some settling occurs: in a comparison of two fixation methods in 47 endoscopic brow lifts, the lateral brow had dropped by an average of 2.3 mm six months after surgery[11].
How Much Does a Non-Surgical Brow Lift Cost?
The cost of a non-surgical brow lift depends on several things. These include the type of treatment (toxin, threads, filler or an energy device), the number of units or threads used, whether the brow is treated alone or alongside the forehead, frown lines or crow’s feet, and how often you need to repeat it. As toxin wears off, the cost is recurring, whereas a surgical brow lift is a one-off cost with a longer-lasting result. Treating several areas together can be more efficient than treating each in isolation.
Your practitioner will give you a personalised quote after assessing your brow. Prices for these treatments are listed on our Skin and Aesthetics price list, and finance options are available, subject to status, for those who prefer to spread the cost. For surgical comparison, see our guide to brow lift cost.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Non-Surgical Brow Lift?
This treatment works best for people who:
- Have mild to moderate brow descent caused by muscle activity rather than significant skin laxity
- Have mildly hooded upper eyelids that improve when the brow is gently lifted with a finger
- Want a subtle change without committing to surgery
- Understand that the result is temporary and needs maintenance
A simple test gives a useful preview. Lift the tail of your brow with a fingertip by one to two millimetres. If that is the look you want, a non-surgical brow lift is likely to give you something close. If you need substantially more lift to be happy, a surgical brow lift, including the endoscopic brow lift approach, is more likely to meet your expectations.
Who Should Not Have a Non-Surgical Brow Lift?
Anti-wrinkle injections and the other options above are not suitable for everyone. The treatment is generally not advised for:
- People with significant brow descent or true ptosis, who need surgical correction
- People with very heavy upper eyelid skin, where the underlying issue is excess skin rather than brow position. These people usually need upper blepharoplasty instead
- People with neuromuscular conditions affecting the facial muscles, such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- People with a known allergy to botulinum toxin or its ingredients
- Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding
- Anyone with an active skin infection in the treatment area
A consultation establishes which group you fall into. In some cases the honest answer is that surgery, not injections, will give you the outcome you are hoping for.
Can a Non-Surgical Brow Lift Fix Hooded Eyes?
Sometimes, to a limited degree. Lifting the brow by one to two millimetres raises the apparent height of the upper eyelid skin. For people with mild hooded eyes, this can be enough to open the eye a little and make eye make-up easier to apply.
The limit matters. If the hooding is more than mild, the cause is usually excess upper eyelid skin (dermatochalasis), which only blepharoplasty can address. A brow lift raises the brow but cannot remove skin from the lid. Our guide to brow lift vs blepharoplasty explains how to tell which one you need, and many people with hooded eyes need both.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of a Non-Surgical Brow Lift?
Side effects depend on the technique, and most are minor and short-lived.
- Toxin: bruising, a small bump at the injection site, headache, and an uneven or heavy-looking brow. Spread of toxin to the muscle that lifts the eyelid can cause a temporary droopy lid. This is why correct placement matters.
- Threads: bruising, swelling, redness, skin dimpling and asymmetry were the minor effects reported in the studies cited above[6].
- Filler: bruising and lumps, and, rarely, blockage of a blood vessel. The risk of vision loss is rare, but serious[10].
- Ultrasound: temporary redness, tenderness or swelling in the treated area.
There is no way to actively reverse botulinum toxin, unlike hyaluronic acid filler, which can be dissolved. The effect simply wears off over a few months, which is one reason starting with a conservative dose matters. Choose a registered, appropriately trained practitioner and ask what they will do if there is a complication.
Non-Surgical Brow Lift vs Surgical Brow Lift: Which Is Right for You?
The two approaches overlap, but they are not interchangeable. A non-surgical brow lift suits mild descent, involves no downtime and is reversible in the sense that it fades. A surgical brow lift repositions tissue and suits moderate to marked descent, with longer-lasting results and a recovery period. Our guides to the endoscopic versus traditional brow lift and brow lift recovery describe what surgery involves.
If your eyelids look heavy and you are unsure whether the brow or the lid is responsible, an in-person assessment is the quickest way to find out. Our temporal brow lift targets the outer third of the brow, where descent is usually most noticeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a brow lift be done without surgery?
Yes. Anti-wrinkle injections, thread lifts, filler and focused ultrasound can all raise the brow slightly without incisions. The change is typically a few millimetres, so it suits mild descent rather than a heavy or very low brow.
How do I lift my eyebrows without surgery?
The most common method is a botulinum toxin brow lift, where small doses relax the muscles that pull the brow down. Threads, filler and ultrasound are alternatives. Facial exercises and make-up can change how the brow looks, but there is no good evidence that exercises lift it permanently.
Can a brow lift fix hooded eyes?
Only mild hooding that is caused by a low brow. If the hooding comes from excess skin on the eyelid, a brow lift will not remove it and blepharoplasty is the appropriate treatment.
How long does a non-surgical brow lift last?
A toxin brow lift usually lasts around three to four months. Thread lifts may last longer, but brow position tends to drift down over time. None of the non-surgical options is permanent.
What is the most effective non-surgical brow lift option?
It depends on the cause of the brow position. Toxin is widely used and has a larger body of published data for small lifts. Threads and ultrasound can suit people with mild skin descent. Surgery is more effective for marked descent, and the evidence comparing non-surgical options directly is limited.
Will my forehead look frozen after a brow lift?
It should not when a small, considered dose is used by an experienced injector. The aim is selective relaxation of the muscles that pull the brow down while preserving movement where you need it.
What if I do not like the result?
Botulinum toxin cannot be reversed, but it wears off over a few months. Filler can be dissolved. Starting conservatively and reviewing the result after two weeks lets small adjustments be made.
Can I combine a brow lift with other anti-wrinkle treatments?
Yes, and treating the forehead, frown lines and crow’s feet together often gives a more balanced result than treating one area alone. See our anti-wrinkle injections page for what can be treated.
Eyebrow Lift Consultations in London
If you are considering an eyebrow lift without surgery, or you are not sure whether a surgical option would suit you better, a consultation will assess your brow position, your eyelids and the result you want. Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated hospital at 95-97 Baker Street, London.
Phone: 020 7993 4849 | Address: 95-97 Baker Street, Marylebone, London W1U 6RN
Contact us to book a consultation
References
- Uygur S, Eryilmaz T, Bulam H, Yavuzer R, Latifoglu O. The quantitative effect of botulinum toxin A over brow height. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery 2013;24(4):1285-1287. doi:10.1097/SCS.0b013e318292c80c ↗
- Shome D, Prabhughate A, Bellani D, et al. Eyebrow elevation using chemomodulation and myomodulation (hyaluronic acid gel): a cohort analysis. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology 2025;73(12):1834-1839. doi:10.4103/IJO.IJO_2867_24 ↗
- Nasir W, Aguilera SB, Weiss E. Non-surgical eyebrow rejuvenation techniques: a review. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2021;20(9):970-978. doi:10.36849/jdd.6188 ↗
- Frank K, Prantl L, Brebant V, Haq S. Pilot retrospective evaluation of a balancing and optimizing injection pattern for the frontalis muscle using letibotulinumtoxinA. Toxins 2025;17(12):594. doi:10.3390/toxins17120594 ↗
- Park SY, Kim SB, Wan J, et al. Anatomical perspectives of brow-lifting using threads: clinical cases with techniques. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2024;23(12):4140-4145. doi:10.1111/jocd.16505 ↗
- Saray A. Brow lifting with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and polylactide/glycolide (PGA), resorbable and coned threads. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2025;49(23):6383-6392. doi:10.1007/s00266-025-05117-y ↗
- Santorelli A, Cirillo P, Fundarò SP, et al. Eyebrow lifting with barbed threads: a simple, safe, and effective ambulatory procedure. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2022;22(1):140-145. doi:10.1111/jocd.15006 ↗
- Chen W, Deng Y, Qiao G, Cai W. Ultrasound rejuvenation for upper facial skin: a randomized blinded prospective study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2024;23(12):3942-3949. doi:10.1111/jocd.16482 ↗
- Soza GM. Microfocused ultrasound with visualization for skin tightening: clinical applications, safety, and technical considerations. Dermatologic Clinics 2026;44(3):519-527. doi:10.1016/j.det.2026.02.007 ↗
- Foster J, Aakalu VK, Freitag SK, et al. Vision-threatening complications of soft tissue fillers: a report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Ophthalmology 2025;132(8):935-944. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2025.01.020 ↗
- Hönig JF, Frank MH, Knutti D, de la Fuente A. Video endoscopic-assisted brow lift: comparison of the eyebrow position after Endotine tissue fixation versus suture fixation. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery 2008;19(4):1140-1147. doi:10.1097/SCS.0b013e3181764b19 ↗
