Yes, a brow lift non surgical treatment can raise the brow slightly. Botox relaxes the muscles that pull the brow down, and focused ultrasound lifted brows by about 0.5 to 1.7 mm in studies. Threads or filler give temporary support. Exercises, face yoga and gua sha have no good evidence for lifting the brow. Heavy drooping needs surgery.
This guide is part of our brow lift overview. It sets each option against the evidence.
Brow lift non surgical options
To lift the forehead without surgery, injectables and energy devices give small, temporary changes; none repositions sagging tissue like surgery.
| Method | Realistic effect | Evidence | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botox (toxin) | Mild lift, mainly outer brow | ASPS; off-label use of approved product | About 3 to 4 months |
| Focused ultrasound | About 0.5 to 1.7 mm brow lift | 2023 systematic review | Up to about a year |
| Threads | Temporary lift of the brow tail | Facial thread review; little brow data | Temporary |
| Filler | Supports the brow with volume | Not FDA-approved for the forehead | Months |
| Exercises and face yoga | No proven brow lift | One small facial study, brows not measured | None shown |
| Gua sha and massage | Brief de-puffing | No brow studies found | Hours |
An American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US) article explains that Botox produces a mild lift by relaxing the muscles that pull the brow down, but can’t reposition tissue. A 2018 review of brow rejuvenation found only five studies on non-surgical methods: three on toxin, one on fat injection and one on radiofrequency. Our Botox brow lift guide covers injection points and alternatives in detail.
Natural methods and exercises
A brow lift natural routine may relax you and reduce puffiness, but forehead lift exercises haven’t been shown to raise the brows.
The best-known study on face exercise, published in JAMA Dermatology in 2018, asked women aged 40 to 65 to do 30 minutes of facial exercises daily for eight weeks, then every other day until week 20. Of 27 enrolled, 16 finished. Their estimated age fell from 50.8 to 48.1 years, mainly from fuller cheeks. The study had no control group and didn’t measure the brows.
There’s also a mechanical problem. The forehead muscle is the only one that lifts the brows, and frequent raising can deepen horizontal forehead lines. So face yoga brow lift routines that involve repeated brow raising may not help the look you want.
Brow lift gua sha and brow lift massage may reduce morning puffiness briefly. Keep pressure light, avoid dragging the skin and stop if it causes redness. In my practice, I tell patients these routines are fine for relaxation, but they shouldn’t spend money expecting a natural forehead lift from them.
Limits
Non-surgical options suit mild drooping and fine-tuning; if your brow sits at or below the bony rim, surgery is usually needed.
According to ASPS, surgery is generally preferred for significant tissue descent, deep static lines or functional concerns, while Botox suits younger people or mild descent. A surgeon quoted by ASPS notes many people seeking eyelid surgery have brows at or below the bony rim of the eye socket, which injectables can’t correct.
Plasma pens are sometimes marketed for brow and lid tightening. Health Canada warns they can cause burns, scarring, pigment change and, paradoxically, sagging of the upper eyelids. For surgical options, see the brow lift types comparison. If hooded lids are your concern, read our hooded eyes guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Answers on lifting the forehead without surgery, how long non-surgical results last, cost and whether exercises can help.
Can you lift your forehead without surgery?
Slightly. Botox can lift the outer brow a little for a few months, and focused ultrasound gave brow lifts of about 0.5 to 1.7 mm in studies. Threads and filler offer temporary support. None repositions significant sagging the way surgery does.
How long does a non-surgical brow lift last?
Botox usually lasts about three to four months. Focused ultrasound effects lasted up to about a year in the studies reviewed. Filler and threads fade over months. Regular repeat treatments are needed to keep any non-surgical lift.
Do forehead lift exercises work?
There’s no good evidence they lift the brows. The only notable study looked at facial exercises and found fuller cheeks, not higher brows. Repeated brow raising can also deepen forehead lines, so exercises may work against the result you want.
How much does a non-surgical brow lift cost?
Costs depend on the method and how often it’s repeated. ASPS reported average 2023 US fees of $435 per neuromodulator session and $2,326 per non-invasive skin tightening session. Add up a year of treatments when comparing with surgery.
If you’d like help choosing between injectables, devices and surgery, you can book a consultation with Metropole Clinic by ABmedi. For surgical brow lift options, return to the brow lift hub.
This article is for general education and does not replace a personal medical consultation.
References
Show sources
- Willson A. Brow lifts vs Botox: Do you need one or both? ASPS. 2025. plasticsurgery.org
- Contini M, et al. A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Microfocused Ultrasound for Facial Skin Tightening. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(2):1522. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Cho MJ, Carboy JA, Rohrich RJ. Complications in Brow Lifts: A Systemic Review of Surgical and Nonsurgical Brow Rejuvenations. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2018;6(10):e1943. doaj.org
- Alam M, et al. Association of Facial Exercise With the Appearance of Aging. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(3):365-367. jamanetwork.com
- BOTOX Cosmetic prescribing information. AbbVie. Accessed 2026. rxabbvie.com
- Dermal fillers (soft tissue fillers). US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Accessed 2026. fda.gov
- Plasma pens are not authorized in Canada and may pose health risks. Health Canada. Updated 2022. recalls-rappels.canada.ca
- 2023 Cosmetic Procedures: Average Cost. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). 2024. plasticsurgery.org
