Eye lift non surgical treatments can lift the brow tail slightly, soften under-eye hollows or improve fine lines, but it can’t remove excess eyelid skin or fat bags. Botox lasts about three to four months and under-eye filler up to about a year. Threads have limited evidence around the eyes, and plasma pens carry burn and scarring risks.
This comparison belongs to our eye lift overview. It helps you decide whether a non-invasive route fits your concern.
Eye lift non surgical options table
Each non-invasive eye lift treatment targets one concern; none matches surgery for hooding caused by extra skin or for large under-eye bags.
| Treatment | Suits | Duration | Main risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botulinum toxin | Slight brow-tail lift, crow’s feet | About 3 to 4 months | Eyelid droop (2% to 3% in forehead and frown-line trials) |
| Under-eye filler | Hollows below the eye | Up to about 12 months | Bruising, swelling, lumps; rare vessel blockage |
| Threads | Mild brow or cheek sagging | Temporary | Swelling, dimpling, visible threads |
| Plasma pen | Marketed for lid skin tightening | Unclear | Burns, scarring, pigment change, eye burns |
Botox eye lift before and after
Toxin can raise the outer brow a little by relaxing the muscle that pulls it down; it lasts about three to four months.
Botox Cosmetic is approved in the US for frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines and neck bands. Using it to lift the brow tail is an off-label technique. In the prescribing information, frown-line trials showed the effect lasting about three to four months, with response falling from 80% at day 30 to 25% by day 120.
Typical eye lift botox before and after photos show a subtle change: a slightly higher outer brow and softer crow’s feet. Eyelid drooping occurred in 3% of people treated for frown lines and 2% treated for forehead lines in trials, compared with none on placebo. In my practice, I use small doses near the brow and warn patients that a heavy hand can drop the lid instead of lifting it.
Filler
An eye lift with filler doesn’t lift the lid; it fills hollows under the eye or at the brow, and only one filler is FDA-approved under the eye.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Restylane Eyelight in May 2023 for under-eye hollows in adults 21 and over. In a study of 333 participants, one or two treatments were needed, and results lasted up to 12 months. The FDA’s general filler guidance lists the area around the eyes among places where other fillers aren’t approved.
Any eye lift filler carries a rare but serious risk: injection into a blood vessel can cause skin damage or, very rarely, blindness. Choose a medical injector who knows the anatomy and can dissolve hyaluronic acid filler if needed. For bags caused by fat, see the under eye lift guide.
Threads
Eye lift threads are placed near the brow or temple to pull tissue up; side effects are common and the effect is temporary.
A 2021 systematic review of 26 facial thread-lift studies in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found swelling in 35% of patients, dimpling in 10% and altered sensation in 6%. Satisfaction was 98% straight after treatment and 88% at longer follow-up. The review didn’t focus on the eye area. For the popular brow-tail version, see our fox eye thread lift guide.
Plasma pen
Plasma pen eye lift treatments burn the skin to tighten it, and Health Canada lists eye burns and sagging upper lids among the risks.
Health Canada warns that plasma pens can cause burns, scarring, infection, pigment change, eye burns and, paradoxically, sagging skin, especially of the upper eyelids, even when used properly. Some devices are authorized only for health professionals. In 2022 the FDA issued a warning letter to a company selling uncleared plasma pens for skin tightening. Because eyelid skin is thin and close to the eye, plasma pens near the lids carry particular risk.
If your hood comes from a low brow, read our hooded eyes guide before choosing.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Answers on eye lifting non surgical results, cost, who suits it and how to combine treatments safely.
Does eye lifting non surgical treatment work?
For small changes, yes. Toxin can lift the brow tail slightly, and filler can soften under-eye hollows. None removes excess lid skin or fat bags. If skin rests on your lashes or bags are large, surgery gives a clearer, longer-lasting result.
How much does a non-surgical eye lift cost?
It depends on the treatment and how often you repeat it. ASPS reported an average 2023 US fee of $435 for a neuromodulator treatment and $715 for hyaluronic acid filler, per session. Repeat sessions add up over time, so compare the yearly cost with surgery.
Who is a good candidate for a non-invasive eye lift?
People with mild brow drooping, fine lines or under-eye hollows, good skin quality and no excess lid skin. It also suits people who want to delay surgery or avoid downtime. Pregnant or breastfeeding people should wait, as filler safety in pregnancy hasn’t been established.
Can I combine Botox and filler around the eyes?
Many people do, since they target different problems: toxin relaxes muscles and filler restores volume. Your injector may space them out to judge each effect. Use a qualified medical injector who can manage complications such as vessel blockage.
If you’d like help choosing between injectables and surgery, you can book a consultation with Metropole Clinic by ABmedi. For surgical options and costs, return to the eye lift hub.
This article is for general education and does not replace a personal medical consultation.
References
Show sources
- BOTOX Cosmetic prescribing information. AbbVie. Accessed 2026. rxabbvie.com
- Restylane Eyelight (P040024/S135). US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 2023. fda.gov
- Dermal fillers (soft tissue fillers). US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Accessed 2026. fda.gov
- Niu Z, et al. A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of the Incidences of Complications Following Facial Thread-Lifting. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2021;45(5):2148-2158. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Plasma pens are not authorized in Canada and may pose health risks. Health Canada. Updated 2022. recalls-rappels.canada.ca
- Warning letter: Med Pen Concepts LLC. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 2022. fda.gov
- 2023 Cosmetic Procedures: Average Cost. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). 2024. plasticsurgery.org
