Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)

A brow lift, also referred to as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic procedure targeting the position of the brows, as well as the deep forehead lines known as “worry lines.” This procedure can be used to smooth wrinkles on the forehead and elevate the position of drooping eyebrows. Patients undergoing a brow lift often combine it with eyelid surgery to reduce sagging skin found near the eye area.

Is a Brow Lift Right for Me?

Most patients who undergo a brow lift are between the ages of 35 and 60 and are beginning to see signs of aging such as visible lines in the forehead and sagging eyebrows, which may make them look fatigued, hostile, or angry. While a brow lift can result in dramatic changes, you should not expect the procedure to improve the appearance of crow’s feet or baggy eyelids; there are other cosmetic procedures which target these areas of the face.

Procedure Details

Most brow lifts are performed with either general anesthesia or twilight sedation and take about two to three hours to perform. The first step is the creation of an incision so that the surgeon can access underlying tissues. Depending on the targeted tissues, there are a few options for incision patterns. During an open forehead lift, an incision from ear to ear placed behind the hairline allows direct access to targeted tissues. During an endoscopic lift procedure, the tissue is removed through a small tube, which requires a smaller incision, usually placed either behind the hairline or in the forehead wrinkles.

Next, the surgeon gently removes extra muscle, fat, skin, and other tissues. The remaining tissues are recontoured and repositioned, resulting in a smoother appearance. Typically, the surgeon will focus on the skin surrounding the eyebrows, repositioning the eyebrows at a higher height on the forehead. Once all of the tissue has been repositioned, the incisions are closed using sutures.

Recovery After a Brow Lift

Patients typically take about two weeks off of work, although you might be able to return in as little as a week, especially if your brow lift was performed endoscopically. Camouflage makeup can be worn to cover residual bruising or swelling following your recovery. Brow lift patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity and direct sun exposure for at least four to six weeks. The results of a brow lift are permanent, although the appearance of the face will continue to age naturally following any cosmetic procedure.