Non-Surgical Brow Lift: The Complete Guide

As we age, the brow and eye area are usually the first to show physical signs of ageing. This could be through drooping, fine lines and wrinkles, or hooding of the eye area. Sometimes even younger people may have heavy or droopy looking brows, hooded eyes or suffer from brow asymmetry. Many people opt for either surgical or non-surgical brow lift treatments. These can help tackle the signs of ageing or to sculpt, lift and reshape their brow.

Whilst surgical options exist and can have excellent results, there is rising popularity of non-surgical treatments. This shows that patients are eager for options that are simpler, temporary and safer. This however means more regular treatments are necessary. The results of non-surgical treatments typically last for a shorter time than their surgical counterparts. Whilst this may be a downside to some, it does have its advantages. Many people consider this a better way to take control of their brow lift journey. It also offers flexibility and the ability to adapt as your face ages.  

What Is A Non-Surgical Brow Lift? 

The most popular non-surgical brow lift treatments are Botox anti-wrinkle injections and/or dermal fillers. These are used to make the skin around the brow tauter and raise it. There are also a few other non surgical options available for non-surgical brow lifts, as we will discuss below. The key benefits of non surgical options are that they are minimally invasive, quick, temporary and have no down time. Surgical options however offer more dramatic results and the effect can last for years.  

Who Could Benefit From These Treatments?

First of all, non-surgical brow lifts are not for everyone. They are best for people who are looking for a subtle brow raise or reshaping. This is because there is a limit to what they can achieve. As such, the effects may not be sufficient for those with more advanced brow drooping, hooding or wrinkling. 

Non-surgical treatment can be appropriate for those experiencing the first signs of ageing. It can also help reduce further wrinkling or drooping. Non surgical brow lifts are also popular with younger people. These people may simply want to enhance the shape of their brow. They can also raise the position or reduce the appearance of a hooded eye.

Types Of Non-Surgical Brow Lifts 

In general, these are the most common types of non-surgical brow lift treatments: 

• Chemical brow lift
• Liquid brow lift
• Master combined brow lift
• RF Microneedling
• Ultherapy

The Chemical Brow Lift (Botox Brow Lift)

This is the simplest non surgical brow lift. Normally, this involves using Botox anti-wrinkle injections to relax the muscle fibres that pull down on the brow. Relaxation of these muscles allows the brow to take a higher position and appear more lifted. This brow lift also makes the skin around the brow appear tauter. This helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also excellent for brow shaping. This can be done by using the injection points strategically.

When done correctly, it can enhance the arch or raise the tail of the brow. Botox brow lift can also increase the curvature or straighten the eyebrow. It takes 2-3 weeks to see the effects. The final result not only depends on injection technique but also the original shape and position of your brows. In general Botox lasts 3-4 months on average. You will then need to repeat the treatment to maintain your results.

The Liquid Brow Lift (Dermal Fillers Brow Lift)

This non surgical brow lifting technique uses hyaluronic acid dermal fillers to raise and shape the brow. It provides more of an effect compared with the chemical brow lift. Hence it is best suited for more severe brow drooping or hooding of the eyes. Like with the Botox brow lift, dermal filler brow lifts can also help reshape the eyebrows. Results are immediate although it can take up to 4 weeks for swelling to reduce. At this point you will be able to see the final result. Dermal fillers can last anything from 6-24 months on average depending on the type of filler used and your metabolism. You will need to repeat the treatment when it wears off to maintain your results.

The Combined Brow Lift (Botox & Dermal Fillers Brow Lift)

This is a combination of anti-wrinkle injections and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Botox and dermal fillers can be used together to lift and reshape the brows. This relaxes the muscle fibres that pull down on the brow to raise it. Dermal fillers can then sculpt, shape and provide support. This is why it can provide more dramatic results. This is ideal for those with more advanced signs of ageing or who need more significant reshaping or lifting. The results are immediate but will improve at the 3-4 week mark once the Botox kicks in. You may need a touch up to refine the outcome at 4-6 weeks. The results are temporary and you will need top ups every few months to maintain the effects.

Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling

This procedure delivers RF energy via micro-needles to the skin. It stimulate the cells to produce collagen deep within the skin. This causes the skin to plump up and tighten. As this occurs, it gently elevates the brow to provide a natural-looking lift. RF microneedling doesn’t just lift the brows. It can also smooth out fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead and between the eyebrows. This results in a lifted, refreshed brow area. As such, it is ideal for those with ageing skin who want to achieve a subtle lift. A course of multiple treatments spaced 4-6 weeks a part is needed to achieve results. You will then need top up sessions to maintain your results.

Ultherapy

This treatment uses focused ultrasound waves to target the deeper layers of the skin. The focused ultrasound energy stimulates the skin to make more collagen. Over time, this lifts the brow tightens the skin around it. Like RF microneedling, ultherapy can create a more youthful and refreshed brow area. This treatment is also good for those with ageing skin who want a subtle left and natural-looking results. Again, this is a gradual procedure that requires multiple treatment sessions to achieve visible results. You will need to then have maintenance treatments to prolong your results.

How Does A Non-Surgical Brow Lift Work? 

Non-surgical brow lifts generally work in one of three ways. Lifts done with anti-wrinkle injections work to oppose muscles that pull down the brow. This raises and strategic injections can also gently alter curvature to shape the brow. Dermal fillers on the other hand, act as a scaffold (or bra) for the brow. This helps to elevate it. These two treatments can be used together to lift and reshape the brows as well as reduce asymmetry. Skin rejuvenating treatments like RF microneedling and Ultherapy work by plumping and tightening the skin. These can’t reshape the brows but they can refresh and lift the brow area. The best option will depend on what your concerns are, goals and the structure of your face and brows. It is also possible to combine injectables with collagen stimulating treatments and benefit from both.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

Regardless of treatment option, please choose for a reputable aesthetic clinic for your non-surgical brow lift. Look for qualified and experienced medical aesthetic practitioners who offer a range of treatments. This will mean they can advise you on all the options that could help you.

The first step is to have a detailed consultation. This should ideally be with the practitioner who will do your procedure. During this consultation, you will discuss your concerns and goals for the non-surgical brow lift. Your practitioner will also advise which non-surgical brow lift treatments are most appropriate for your needs (if any). They should also discuss potential risks and side effects and explain what they can do if any occur.

During the procedure, your practitioner will numb the area using a topical numbing cream depending on the treatment. Injectable treatments will involve a series of injections made to the areas being targeted. The procedure will usually last between 10 and 60 minutes depending on what is done. Botox usually takes minutes. Fillers, RF microneedling and Ultherapy take longer.

After the Procedure

Regardless of treatment, there is little to no down time with non surgical brow lifts. You will be able to carry out all of your normal daily activities. The procedure is also typically painless. Injectables are done with fine needles or microcannulas. RF microneedling uses tiny needles whilst Ultherapy just uses a heating device. There might however be some minor discomfort, redness, swelling or bruising depending on the treatment. Your provider should give you clear written aftercare instructions. You should also get a follow up appointment and how to reach out urgently if there is a problem.

How Long Does A Non-Surgical Brow Lift Last? 

The length of time a non-surgical brow lift lasts depends on the type of treatment you choose and your metabolism. Botox brow lifts usually last around 3-4 months. Typically, dermal filler and combined master brow lifts tend to last for between 6 months to 2 years. This depends on the type of dermal filler used. RF microneedling and Ultherapy results can last long term but you will need top up sessions to maintain the effects.

This makes non-surgical brow lifts an excellent option for anyone who wants greater control over the appearance of their brows or a temporary solution. It is worth noting that non-surgical brow lifts and their follow-ups may not be more cost-effective than a surgery in the long term. However, they do have significantly less risk and down-time though.  

Non-Surgical Brow Lift Recovery And Aftercare 

Recovery from non-surgical brow lifts is relatively painless and swift. Patients will be able to go about their normal activities straight away. However, after any type of injectable treatment, you may be advised to not touch the area for a few hours. You should always follow your practitioner’s instructions carefully. 

Aftercare for non-surgical brow lifts can make all the difference to the results you see. In addition, you should generally take care of your skin by eating a healthy balanced diet and getting the right amount of sleep. Also avoid common risk factors for skin ageing like sun exposure, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and smoking. In addition, follow a good skincare routine to combat skin ageing and improve skin quality. Consider using antioxidants like Vitamin C and retinoids like retinol or Tretinoin to boost collagen production and skin elasticity.

What to Expect in Terms of Before and After 

The positive results of non-surgical brow lifts are subtle but in the right patient very effective. These treatment can provide a more youthful, structured, lifted and wide-eyed appearance. Depending on the treatment, you can achieve a subtle brow lift and reshaping. You can get lifted eyebrows with a better arch, reduced drooping skin and improved appearance of hooded eyes. However, there is a limit to what these treatments can achieve. The results will depend on how severe your brow drooping or eye hooding. Its important to have realistic expectations so you are not disappointed.

Non-invasive brow lifts have a shorter recovery time. In the case of dermal filler treatments, you will see immediate results. However, it will take a few weeks for any swelling to settle and to see the final outcome. For Botox treatments, resulst are visible with 2-3 weeks. If you opt for Ultherapy or RF microneedling, you will usually need to wait for at least 6-8 weeks if not longer to start seeing noticeable results.

Non-Surgical Brow Lift Side Effects 

Compared to surgical brow lifts, the possible side effects from non-surgical treatments are very small if performed by a qualified and experienced medical practitioner using high quality products. The most common side effect is a slight chance of mild bruising or swelling in the case of Botox, filler or RF microneedling treatments. This does however clear up quickly. RF microneedling and ultherapy can also cause redness which settles down within hours or days. More serious side effects such as infection, allergy and vascular occlusion are extremely rare in the hands of skilled and experienced practitioners. However they can occur with some of these treatments and its important to take these into account when making your decision.

With surgical procedures, there are risks associated with a general anaesthetic and possible operative complications like infection, nerve injury or scarring. One of the advantages of non-surgical brow lifts is that the serious side effects are typically not as severe or common if performed by a qualified medical practitioner. This is why many people opt for non surgical treatment even if it is only subtle and more regular treatments are needed to maintain the effect. However, no treatment is free of risks and as mentioned above, non surgical brow lifts (especially fillers) can carry serious ones. You must have a clear understanding of these and regardless of what you decide only see a trained and qualified medical practitioner.

How Much Does A Non-Surgical Brow Lift Cost?

The cost of non-surgical brow lifts depends on the type of treatment performed. Typically the cost in London is anywhere between £200 and £600 upwards per treatment. This depends on the type of treatment, quality of products used and experience of the practitioner. Don’t be tempted to select a cut-price treatment. This is never a good idea. The price of your treatment is generally a good indicator of the skill, expertise, service and aftercare you will receive.  

Booking A Consultation 

Finding the best possible treatment provider for a non-surgical brow lift is critical. There are a lot of options out there, so it can be challenging to know which is the best option. As a general rule we recommend looking for a reputable clinic with medical practitioners who are experienced in this procedure. Ideally they should provide a range of non-surgical brow lift options so they can advise you on the best option for you. During the consultation, ensure that they answer all your questions and make you feel empowered to make the right decision for you. Ask about how they reduce risks and what aftercare they will provide you with.

We are passionate believers in personalised skincare and beauty. Through our virtual skin clinic, we offer safe and effective personalised treatments that may include prescription-strength actives like Tretinoin and Hydroquinone to treat conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. Book a virtual consultation with one of our doctors or use our online skin consultation form to start your journey to great skin today.