Why Neurotoxins Can’t Lift the Brows (and What They Can Do Instead)

Let’s have a real conversation—because there’s a lot of confusion out there when it comes to neurotoxins and brow lifts.

I can’t tell you how many times a patient sits in my chair and says:

“I want a brow lift with Botox.”

And trust me, I get the appeal. Who wouldn’t want a lifted, refreshed look with just a few quick pokes? But here’s the truth: neurotoxins like Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau do not physically lift your brows. That’s just not how they work.

Let’s break it down.

What Neurotoxins Actually Do:

Neurotoxins work by blocking the signal between nerves and muscles. When injected into specific facial muscles, they temporarily weaken or paralyze those muscles, which helps soften fine lines and prevent deeper wrinkles from forming.

So what does this mean for the brow?

There are muscles in your forehead and around your eyes that constantly tug and pull in different directions:

The frontalis is the muscle that lifts the eyebrows.

The corrugators, orbicularis oculi, and procerus are the muscles that pull the brows down (creating frown lines and heaviness).

When we use neurotoxin, we can strategically relax the downward-pulling muscles, which allows the upward-pulling muscles (like the frontalis) to do a bit more of the heavy lifting.

So Why Doesn’t That Count as a “Real” Lift?

Because we’re not adding any lift. We’re just removing resistance. It’s like loosening an anchor that was holding something down... it might float upward a little bit, but you haven’t added any new force to push it up.

I always assess the balance of your facial muscles before treating. In some cases, a “tox lift” will not give you the results you’re envisioning—and it’s important we talk about that before we start.

This is why I always say: neurotoxins can shape, soften, and rebalance—but they do not lift in the way most people think.

So, What Can Lift the Brows?

If your goal is a true, visible lift in your brow position, we’ll need to explore other options that go beyond neurotoxin alone:

• PDO Threads

Biostimulatory threads can be used to reposition and lift the tail of the brow or the lateral cheek. They also stimulate collagen over time, offering both immediate and long-term benefits.

• Surgical Brow Lift

For patients with significant droopiness or hooding, a surgical brow lift is the only option that provides a true, dramatic lift. This is a permanent solution, but it comes with downtime and a higher price tag.

My Job: Real Results, Not False Promises

I believe in educating my patients—not selling them on unrealistic expectations. The aesthetic industry is filled with buzzwords, filtered photos, and empty claims. But when it comes to your face, you deserve honesty.

Yes, neurotoxins are powerful. Yes, they can make you look refreshed and relaxed. But if your goal is to reshape or raise your brows significantly, we need to look beyond the syringe and into the bigger treatment toolbox.

Let’s set goals that are based on your anatomy, your aging process, and your long-term vision for your face.

If you're curious about what options are right for your brows—or if you're not sure what’s causing your heaviness or fatigue in the eye area—book a consultation with me. We’ll map it all out together, with a real, personalized plan.