Medically reviewed by

Dr. Pim Thaweewitayarut — Board-Certified Dermatologist

MSc in Dermatology, King’s College London · Best Thesis Award in Acne Treatment

An anti-wrinkle brow lift is a non-surgical treatment that uses small, precisely placed injections to relax the muscles pulling the brow down, allowing the brow’s natural lifting muscle to raise it slightly. There are no incisions and typically no downtime, and the same treatment can soften forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet at the same time.

Results generally begin to appear within a few days, stabilize over about two weeks, and last around 3 to 6 months. Since the dose depends on an individual’s muscle strength and brow anatomy, a consultation is always the first step—nothing here can replace that in-person assessment.

Table of Contents

The Short Answer

An anti-wrinkle brow lift—sometimes called a chemical or non-surgical brow lift—uses small injections of botulinum toxin to relax the muscles that pull the brow down, allowing the natural lifting muscle (the frontalis) to raise it. The result is generally a subtle lift of about 1–3 mm, with no incisions, no anesthesia, and typically no downtime.

The same treatment can soften forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. Results generally appear within a few days, stabilize over roughly two weeks, and tend to last about 3 to 6 months. A consultation is always the first step, so your doctor can determine a dose tailored to your individual anatomy. Individual results may vary.

What Is an Anti-Wrinkle Brow Lift and How Does It Work?

An anti-wrinkle brow lift uses botulinum toxin type A, injected precisely into specific facial muscles, to achieve a subtle lifting of the eyebrow. Rather than lifting the eyebrow directly, the treatment relaxes the muscles that pull it down, allowing the opposing lifting muscle to work more freely.

The muscles typically involved include:

• Orbicularis oculi — wraps around the eye and pulls the outer eyebrow down
• Corrugator supercilii — causes frown lines between the eyebrows
• Procerus — pulls the eyebrow down at the bridge of the nose

By relaxing these downward-pulling muscles, the frontalis muscle can lift the brow by a natural, subtle amount—on average, about 1–3 mm. Clinical studies on injections into the brow-depressor muscles have measured comparable elevation in controlled settings.^[1]

The Treatment Process

• Consultation: The physician assesses your brow position, muscle strength, and your goals before recommending a dose.
• Preparation: A topical numbing cream can be applied if desired
• Injection: a series of very fine injections into the target muscles, generally taking about 10–30 minutes
• Aftercare: Most people resume their daily activities right away; the general advice is to avoid rubbing the treated area and to refrain from strenuous exercise for about 24 hours.

Injectors may also use techniques such as a lateral lift (raising the tail of the eyebrow), a small central dose to add height above the pupil, or a microdroplet approach for a more gradual, even result. The final lift depends on your natural eyebrow position, muscle strength, age, and skin quality, so it will vary from person to person.

Who Is It Suitable For?

An anti-wrinkle brow lift may be a suitable option if:

• Your eyebrows sit lower than you’d like, giving you a tired or heavy look
• You have mild to moderate drooping of the eyebrow (eyebrow ptosis)
• You want a more defined arch without surgery
• You’d also like to smooth out forehead lines, frown lines, or crow’s feet

This may not be the best option if you have significant skin laxity or severe upper eyelid drooping that would typically require surgical correction, or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or living with a neuromuscular disorder. During your consultation, your Bibi Clinic physician will determine whether this treatment, an alternative, or a referral is the most appropriate approach for your anatomy.

Results, Duration, and Downtime

Most people notice the first changes within a few days, with the full effect generally becoming apparent over about two weeks. The lift itself is subtle by design—typically 1–3 mm—and tends to last around 3 to 6 months before a top-up is generally needed. Downtime is minimal: many patients resume their normal activities the same day, with only mild redness or a small bump at the injection site possible in the first few hours.

Possible side effects

• Temporary redness, mild swelling, or bruising at the injection sites
• A mild headache on the first day or two, in some patients
• In rare cases, temporary heaviness of the eyelid or asymmetry of the brow may occur if the dose is not administered correctly

These effects are generally mild and temporary. Choosing a qualified, experienced practitioner and disclosing your full medical history during the consultation helps reduce these risks. Individual results and reactions may vary.

Anti-Wrinkle Brow Lift vs. Surgical Brow Lift