Botox didn’t start as a brow lift treatment — it was approved for frown lines first. But a well-placed injection in the right muscles lifts the brow tail measurably, and at $300–$800 a session, it’s become the default entry point for anyone not ready for surgery.
Non-surgical brow lift costs by method
| Method | Cost Per Session | Duration of Results |
|---|---|---|
| Botox brow lift | $300–$800 | 3–4 months |
| PDO thread lift | $1,000–$2,500 | 12–18 months |
| Filler-based brow lift | $600–$1,200 | 6–12 months |
| Combination (Botox + filler) | $900–$1,800 | 6–9 months |
How Botox actually lifts the brow
Botox brow lift works by selectively relaxing the muscles that pull the brow downward — primarily the orbicularis oculi and depressor supercilii — while leaving the frontalis muscle, which raises the brow, unopposed. The net effect is a subtle lift, typically 2–3mm at the brow tail, achieved with just a few units placed in specific spots rather than a full forehead treatment.
Because it requires precise muscle targeting rather than a standardized injection pattern, results vary more by injector skill than most Botox applications. An experienced injector charging $12–$18 per unit, using roughly 4–8 units for brow lifting specifically, typically produces a more natural, asymmetry-aware result than a lower-cost provider using a one-size-fits-all pattern.
PDO threads: a longer-lasting middle ground
Polydioxanone (PDO) thread lifts use temporary, dissolvable sutures inserted under the skin to mechanically lift and hold tissue in place. For the brow specifically, threads are anchored in the temple area and used to pull the brow tail upward, providing a more visible and longer-lasting effect than Botox alone — typically 12 to 18 months before the threads fully dissolve and the lift gradually recedes.
At $1,000–$2,500, threads cost more upfront than a single Botox session but often work out cheaper over an 18-month period than repeating Botox brow lifts every 3–4 months, which can total $1,200–$3,200 over the same timeframe.
Many experienced injectors recommend combining a small amount of Botox with strategic filler placement at the brow tail and temple — the Botox relaxes the depressor muscles while the filler adds structural support and volume that helps hold the lift. This combination approach costs $900–$1,800 per session but often produces a more complete, natural-looking result than either treatment alone at a lower total cost than doing both as fully separate treatment plans.
When non-surgical isn’t enough
Non-surgical brow lifting works well for mild to moderate brow descent — the kind that makes you look tired or subtly older without significant hooding over the eyes. For patients with excess upper eyelid skin actually resting on the lash line or affecting peripheral vision, non-surgical options provide only marginal, temporary improvement, and a surgical brow lift or upper blepharoplasty is usually the more appropriate and cost-effective long-term solution.
Ask your injector directly whether your specific degree of brow ptosis is a good candidate for non-surgical correction — a skilled provider will tell you honestly if you’re better served by a surgical consultation instead of taking your money for a treatment unlikely to satisfy you.
Injecting Botox in the wrong spot for brow lifting can cause brow asymmetry or, in more significant errors, eyelid ptosis (drooping) that takes weeks to resolve as the Botox wears off. This is a more technically nuanced injection pattern than standard forehead Botox — choose an injector with specific experience in brow lifting, not just general cosmetic Botox volume.
Bottom line
Non-surgical brow lifting costs $300–$800 per Botox session, $1,000–$2,500 for PDO threads, or $600–$1,200 for filler-based lifting, with results lasting anywhere from 3 to 18 months depending on method. For mild to moderate brow descent, these options offer a real, cost-effective alternative to surgery — but significant hooding affecting vision typically still requires a surgical consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Botox brow lift typically costs $300–$800 per session and lasts 3–4 months, while a PDO thread lift costs $1,000–$2,500 and lasts 12–18 months. Filler-based brow lifting, which adds volume to lift the brow tail, runs $600–$1,200 per session and lasts 6–12 months.
Botox brow lift results last 3–4 months before the muscle relaxation wears off, requiring repeat injections to maintain the lift. PDO thread lifts last considerably longer, typically 12–18 months, though the lift is generally more subtle than a surgical brow lift. Filler-based lifting lasts 6–12 months depending on the product used and your body's rate of filler breakdown.
Non-surgical options provide a subtler, temporary lift appropriate for mild to moderate brow drooping, while surgical brow lift addresses more significant sagging with permanent results. Patients with mild asymmetry or early signs of brow descent are typically better candidates for non-surgical methods; those with significant hooding affecting vision usually need surgical correction.