Our eyebrows, the unsung heroes of our faces, play a pivotal role in our expressions and overall facial aesthetics. They can say so much without uttering a word, whether arched in surprise, furrowed in concentration or lifted in intrigue.
But over time, gravity, ageing, and a host of other factors can cause them to sag, leading many people to consider an eyebrow lift, which removes excess skin from the eyelids and therefore gives the brow more prominence.
But what if you don’t want to go under the knife? What if you’re searching for a less invasive way to rejuvenate and uplift those two important arcs on your face?
This post is all about answering the question, “Can you lift your eyebrows without surgery?” We will delve into non-surgical alternatives that can have your eyebrows raising [no pun intended].
How can I lift my eyebrows without surgery?
Non-Surgical Eyebrow Lift Techniques
Facial exercises and makeup tricks stand out as two of the most prevalent methods for achieving a brow lift without resorting to surgery. These techniques are not just simple to implement but also cost-free.
Facial exercises
Facial exercises, often known as face yoga, are a natural method to help lift and firm the muscles around your eyebrows. These exercises are designed to target the orbicularis oculi (the muscle that surrounds your eye socket) and the corrugator (the frown muscle).
Here’s a simple one you can try:
Start by placing your index fingers just above your eyebrows. Next, apply slight pressure and push your eyebrows down. While doing this, try to raise your eyebrows. Repeat this exercise for about ten minutes a day, and you may notice a difference over time.
The benefits of facial exercises are many: they’re completely natural, free and can be done anywhere.
However, the results are gradual and require consistency and there are no real studies to prove they work. They may not be as dramatic as surgical or professional non-surgical treatments, but they are a risk-free place to start.
Makeup tricks
The right makeup techniques can create an illusion of lifted eyebrows. Start with a well-shaped eyebrow; pluck any stray hairs and define your brows with an eyebrow pencil, following the natural arch of your brow. Then, use a highlighter just below the brow bone and on the inner corner of your eye to create an instant lift. And remember, less is more for a natural appearance.
The advantage of makeup is that it’s a quick fix and can dramatically change your appearance. In addition, you control how subtle or dramatic you want the results to be. However, it’s a highly temporary fix requiring a degree of makeup skills and the right products to achieve a natural, uplifted look.
Professional Non-Surgical Treatments
If you’re looking for something more potent than facial exercises and makeup tricks, professional non-surgical treatments may be the answer. Three popular treatments include anti-wrinkle injections, Ultraformer (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound or HIFU), and PDO threads.
Anti-wrinkle injections
Anti-wrinkle injections block the nerve signals to certain muscles, causing them to relax and reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. This can subtly raise the eyebrows, creating a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
The benefits of these injections include quick treatment time, no downtime, and noticeable results within a few days. However, possible risks include temporary bruising, swelling and, in rare cases, asymmetry or drooping of the eyebrows.
The effects of anti-wrinkle injections typically last between three to six months, depending on your metabolism and lifestyle.
Ultraformer
Ultraformer, a type of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) therapy, delivers concentrated ultrasound energy to your skin’s foundational layer without disturbing the surface. This energy stimulates collagen production, resulting in a natural lift and tightening of your skin over time.
The benefits of Ultraformer include non-invasiveness, no downtime and gradual, natural-looking results. However, some people might experience temporary discomfort during the procedure and slight redness or swelling afterwards.
Results from Ultraformer can be seen in two to three months as new collagen forms and can last up to a year or longer, depending on your skin conditions and the ageing process.
PDO threads
PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are absorbable sutures inserted under the skin to provide a mechanical lift. Over time, these threads stimulate collagen production, enhancing the lifting effect.
PDO threads have the benefit of immediate results, along with continued improvement over several months. However, you may experience minor bruising and swelling; although rare, there is a risk of infection or thread migration.
Results from PDO threads typically last between 12 to 18 months as the threads dissolve and the body continues to produce collagen.
Remember, while these treatments offer non-surgical alternatives to a brow lift, they should be performed by trained medical professionals to ensure treatment efficacy and protocol ahearence. Always have a thorough consultation to discuss your options and potential risks.
How to choose the brow lift option for you
Choosing the best non-surgical brow lift method depends on multiple factors. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision.
What are your desired results?
If you’re seeking subtle changes and don’t mind waiting for results, facial exercises and makeup tricks might be a great starting point. However, for more noticeable and immediate results, consider the professional non-surgical treatments we outlined above.
How much is your budget?
Facial exercises and makeup tricks are essentially free (minus the cost of makeup products), making them an accessible choice for most people. In contrast, professional treatments come with a higher price tag due to their complexity and the expertise required.
How much discomfort can you tolerate?
While facial exercises and makeup application involve no physical discomfort, professional treatments can cause mild to moderate discomfort during or after the procedure. It’s important to consider your personal comfort levels when choosing a brow lift method.
How much time can you spare?
Facial exercises require a regular commitment to see results over time, whereas makeup provides an instant lift but needs to be reapplied daily. Professional treatments typically require less frequent visits, but they may involve some recovery time, and the results are temporary, requiring periodic maintenance.
Ultimately, the best brow lift without surgery is the one that aligns with your personal needs, lifestyle and aesthetic goals. It’s always a good idea to consult a skin care or aesthetic professional who can provide personalised advice based on your unique circumstances.
Talk to our dermatologists for the best option for you.
