What is a Brow Lift?
An eyebrow lift or forehead lift is essentially a comprehensive forehead rejuvenation procedure. With the passage of time, the forehead skin and upper eyes can lose elasticity, leading to excess droopy skin and fine lines and wrinkles that can make a person look older, tired, or even angry. During a brow lift, the ophthalmic plastic surgeon lifts and tightens the skin of the forehead, smoothing wrinkles, eliminating frown lines, and elevating the eyebrows.1
Benefits of a Brow Lift
A brow lift or upper eyelid surgery provides our patients with a range of benefits, including:
- A more youthful appearance
- Look more refreshed
- Reduced sagging around the eyes
- Reduce or eliminate frown lines, furrows, and crow’s feet
- Improved definition of eyebrow arch
- Eliminate “hooding” on the upper eyelids
- Smooth or eliminate wrinkles and fine lines between the brows, on the forehead, between the eyes, and across the top of the nose
The Brow Lift Procedure
An eyebrow lift is an outpatient surgical procedure, performed under IV sedation or local anesthesia. To begin the procedure, the ophthalmic plastic surgeon makes an incision along the scalp (a coronal incision at the top of the head) so that scars are easily hidden behind the hairline. The surgeon then lifts the skin of the forehead to smooth wrinkles and horizontal lines, elevating the eyebrows. Next, excess skin is trimmed away before the incision is closed with absorbable sutures.
Recovery After Brow Lift
After a brow or forehead lift, patients should plan to rest for a couple of days during their recovery time. Some mild to moderate discomfort, bruising, and swelling can be expected, but our surgeons will issue pain medication to help patients stay comfortable during brow lift recovery. Sleeping with the head slightly elevated is also helpful. Most of our patients are able to resume working and other daily activities roughly one week after their brow lift procedure, though it’s best to consult with your surgeon before engaging in any strenuous activities to ensure proper healing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brow Lift
Who is a candidate for brow lift surgery?
Are you frustrated by forehead wrinkles, droopy brows, and excess skin on the upper eyelids? If so, a brow lift may be ideal for you. Candidates for a brow lift:
- Are in good general health
- Are non-smokers
- Do not suffer from dry eye or excessive tearing3
Will I have scars after my brow lift?
The incision for a coronal brow lift is made in the scalp, above the hairline. There should be no visible scarring once healing is complete.
Is eyelid surgery permanent?
Yes, the results of eyelid surgery are permanent. However, your skin is still subject to the normal effects of aging. Results can be extended by a healthy lifestyle, an optimal skin care regimen that includes sunscreen, and avoiding smoking.
What are the risks of a brow lift?
Any plastic surgery procedure is associated with some risks and potential complications, but working with a highly experienced, board-certified surgeon is the best way to ensure optimal results. Generally, a forehead lift is considered to be a safe procedure, with risks that include:
- Scarring
- Changes to skin sensation
- Asymmetrical results
- Hair loss or problems with hair growth at the incision site
Can I combine a brow lift with other procedures?
Yes. For more complete facial rejuvenation, some patients opt to add blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), laser skin resurfacing, or BOTOX or dermal filler injections to their treatment plans.
Contact Renew Aesthetic Center
To learn more about brow lift and other cosmetic procedures, please contact us to schedule a consultation.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What are the steps of a brow lift procedure? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/brow-lift/procedure. Accessed January 6, 2022.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What should I expect during my brow lift recovery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/brow-lift/recovery. Accessed January 6, 2022.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for a brow lift? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/brow-lift/candidates. Accessed January 6, 2022.
4 Mayo Clinic. Brow Lift. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/brow-lift/about/pac-20393257. Accessed January 6, 2022.